
^.? Sc 



History 



OF 



Southwest Virginia, 

1 746-1 786, 

Washington County, 

1777-1870. 



BY 

LEWIS PRESTON SUMMERS, 

OF THE 

ABINGDON BAR, 

Alumnus of the University of Virginia, and of Tulane University, 

Louisiana, and Member of the Virginia 

Historical Society. 



Richmond, va. : 

J. L. Hill pr'-ting Co >'.pany, 

1903. 



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COPYRIGHT 1903 

BY 

LEWIS PRESTON SUMMERS. 



This Book is dedicated to the memory 
of the first settlers of Southwest Virginia, 
whose enterprise conquered her domain 
and whose love of freedom and valor in 
defending their rights have given to their 
posterity the blessings of civil and relig- 
ious liberty. 



ERRATA. 

On luiK''-'^ If^ :iii<i ■>!' Ilit^ iiiotIO on the GoUlcn Horseshoe presented l),v (ioNciiior 
Spotswooil to his comrades in Ihe expedition across tlie Blue KidKi' Moiiiit;»ins is 
!;ivei\ as, "Sic jurat transcendere nioiites." (Tlius ho swears to cross tlie mountains.) 
I am aware that some authorities state tlie motto was, "Sicjuvat iraiiscendei-e 
monies." (Tims it delights (us) to (!ross tlie mountains.) 

On pa-re IS, last line, instead of "countries" read "two counties." 

On page.il, line 14, read "other" between words "the" and "Indians." 

On page .').S, lineo, instead of "settling" read "setting." 

On |)age .')", line 11, instead of " Inglish" read " Iiiglis." 

On i)age 73, line 17, instead of ".hnlds' friend" read .Judds Krii'nd." 

On page "(i, line 2, the word " Fountainbleau " should be " Fountainebleau." 

On page 9:5, lines ■_'•') and 2it, instead of "Cloud's Fort " read " Cloud's Ford." 

On page 114, line 3, instead of " Walden " read " Wallen." 

On page 143, line 4, instead of "Glass" read "(iass." 

On (vige 146, line 7, instead of "Bower" read "Bowyer." 

( )n page 14S, line IH, instead of " Isaiich " read " Isaac." 

On page l(i4, line 'J, a period should ai>ptnu' aftei- " Burgesses," followed li\- a new- 
paragraph. 

On page 184, line 7, instead of "county " read "counti'y." 

On jjage 195, line 2"2, inst<?ad of " marchandise" read " merchandise." 

On page 2.i7, line (>, instead of " Washington Districts" read "Washington Dis- 
trict." 

On page 291, instead of "1,09S.9" read "],09,S." 

On page 292, Iine26, instead of "rank" read "ranks." 

On page .360, line 2, inst<_'ad of "was" read "were." 

On page 361, line 11, instead of "citizens "' read "citizen." 

On pasie .364, line."), instead of "commissioners" read "commissioner." 

()n page .iti7, line 4, instead of "Tranalleghany " read "Transalleghany." 

On page .369, lin<> 6, instead of "Walliam" read "William." 

On page 370, line 6, instead of "bahs" read " banns." 

On page 4.3.'), line 11, instead of "agents" read "agent.'' 

On page 448, line 14, instead of "A. S. A." read " U. S. A." 

On page 461, line 20, Instead of "efTecting" read "aflfecting." 

On page 463, line 1.'), instead of "elle<:ted " read "affected." 

On i)age 4.8S, line 14. instead of "Molinii del Rey " read " Molirio di>l Hey." 

On page .")02, line 1. instead of "receive" read "receives." 

On page.")21, line 2:5, instead of "ordinance" read "ordnance." 

On page .")22, line 1, instead of "Cecill " read "Cecil." 

On page .')71, line 9, instead of "Dupree" read "Dupre." 

On page .')90. line 12. instead of "Hindley Ilai'ris" read "Fimlley llairis." 



INTRODUCTION. 

The writer is a 'native-born sonj of Southwest Virginia, and has 
always felt a groat pride in his country, and since reaching ma- 
turity lias been inlcrested in the history of this section. 

In the schools but little has been taugiit in I'cgard to the his- 
tory of' tbis portion of Virginia, as but a small part of its history 
has bt'tni pres(M-V(>d. Our bisloi'iaiis have been citizens of Easlcrn 
N'ii'ginia oi- of other States; and M'hilc onr people have been mak- 
ing liistory from the earliest settlement, scarcely any effort has 
IxH'n made to ])reserve it, and as a result other parts of onr country 
whose history has been preserved have in many instances received 
credit that pr-operly belongs to the people of this section of Vir- 
ginia, and being impressed with this fact, and prompted by a de- 
sire to preserve the past histor;; if our people, he determined, a 
few years since, to collect tlio histu.j of Son^-hwocit Virginia, in 
so far as it was ])ossible, and to rescue the same from oblivion, and 
in doing tliis work he has given «ucb time only as he could spare 
from his pi-ofessional duties. 

If an apology is iKMnled for his ed'ort in tbus attem[)ting to pre- 
serve this histoi-y it will be found in the renuirk ol Lord Macaulay, 
wlierein ho justly observed : "A poo[)le whicb takes no pride in the 
noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything 
worthy to be rcmembei'ed with pride; by remote descendants." 

There can bo no question that this section of Virginia has been 
robUed of much of tlie honor due her for the early settlement of 
nie vfist. f.Aieht o-t country to the west and south thereof, and 
that the noble deeds of her sons have been ascribed to others; and 
a knowledge of this fact has rendered necessary the preservation of 
the deeds of the worthy citizens that this section has produced, 
not only to gratify the piide of our citizens, but to remind them 
of the obligations they are under, and to supply them with exam- 
ples of patriotism >vbich they may seek to emulate. 

The writer feels his inability to properly perform this task, but 
hopes tliat the gleanings he has gathered may suffice in some more 
skillful hands to weave for the founders and builders of our country 



8 Introductory. 

an enduring garland of glory, and he asks a kind indulgence of the 
reader for snch errors, omissions, and imperfections as may be 
found in this work. 

In the words of Judge Haywood : '^'Let no one censure his mo- 
tives, for they are pure. There will indeed be much room to blame 
the defective performance of the author, but this he will hear 
\\\i\\ the greatest pleasure if the person dissatisfied will, for the 
benefit of his country, either produce a more perfect work or con- 
tribute to the merits of this." 

In the preparation oi this work he has obtained information 
from various persons and places, but in nearly every instance has 
rcMjuircd documentary evidence for all statements made, and has 
gi\('n rcrcrenecs where the statement is liable to be questioned, 
and in ((noting original papers has done so without changing the 
same in any particular. 

In the course of the pn'paration of this woi-k he has received as- 
sistance from a number of persons, for which he feels deeply 
grateful. He desires to mention in this connection the following 
jicrsons: Miss Lucy Landrum, his stenographer, who has faithfully 
labored in preparing his numuscrjpt lor the printer; W. G. Stan- 
ard, secretary of the Virginia Historical Society; the secretary of 
the New York Historical Society, Hon. J. L. Bristow^ Fourth As- 
sistant Postmaster-General; C. A. Dimnington; Congressional Li- 
l)rary, Washington, D. C. ; Thomas E. JSTimmo, State Library, Rich- 
nion, Va.; Mrs.- Margaret C. Pilcher, Nashville, Tenn.; Prof. 
T. L). Davidson and many others. L. P. Summers, 

June 13, 1903. Abingdon, Va. 



History of Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786, 
Washington County, 1777-1870. 



CHAPTER I. 



001-1716. The history of Virginia, from the earliest times 
until t,he date of the formation of Washington county by the 
General Assembly of Virginia, is interesting and instructive, and 
IS necessary to a thorough comprehension of thai part of our history 
subsequent thereto. 

In the year 1001, the American Continent was discovered by Leif 
Enckson, a Northman, who sailed west from Grccnlaiid, .ud landed 
on the coast of America in 4II/4 north latitude. He named the 
land of his discovery Vineland. This discoven^ was made in the 
spring of the year, and the luxuriant growth of vegetkion that 
adorned the land suggested the name— Vineland. 

This continent was visited by the Northmen at intervals from 
the time of the discovery of Erickson until as late as 1347. The 
visits of the Northmen to America have often been questioned and 
were generally doubted, until discoveries made in recent times. 

An examination of the records and documents to be found in- the 
archives of the Antiquarian Society of Copenliagen put to rest 
this question. 

So eminent an authority as Humboldt, after an examination of 
the record, says: "The discovery of the northem part of America 
by the Northmen cannot be disputed." 

No practical benefit resulted from the adventures of the North- 
men, and in view of the fact that those people ceased to visit the 
newly discovered country after 1347, and actually forgot the ex- 
plorations of their people, they are to be given but little credit for 
their early discoveries. 

From the time of the last visit of the Northmen, in 1347, until 
the year 1493, the continent of America was unkno^vn to the inhabi- 



10 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 

tants of the rest of the world ; they had never before heard of such 
a land; the curtain of oblivion shut out from the vision of man- 
kind the garden spot of God's creation. 

1492. In the year 1493, Christopher Columbus, a native of 
Grenoa, Italy, bearing the flag of Spain, after surmounting innumer- 
able difficulties, sailed west in search of a new land and discovered 
what afterwards proved to be San Salvador, one of the Bahama 
Islands. He took possession of the newly discovered land in the 
name of the King and Queen of Spain. 

Columbus did not visit the mainland of the American Continent 
until many years thereafter. Nothing could be more pleasant than 
to study the life and daring adventures of Columbus and other 
Spanish, Portuguese, and French explorers, but their efforts are in 
no way associated with the history of the country that we purpose 
to deal with in this book ; this pleasure, therefore, must be deferred 
to another time. 

Columbus ! His name should be ever revered, and his fame is 
as imperishable as the continent that he gave by discovery to the 
world. 

1497. John Cabot, in the year 1497, sailing the flag of England, 
commissioned so to do by Henry VII, discovered Newfoundland 
and Labrador, and declared that he had found a new world. 

1498. The following year John and Sebastian Cabot, under a 
new commission from the King of England, fitted out an expedi- 
tion under the charge of Sebastian Cabot, and, sailing in a north- 
wardly course, sought a route to the East India Islands, but the 
inclemency of the weather and the insurpassable barrier of ice 
forced the abandonment of the original purpose of the expedition. 
The course of the voyage was consequently changed, and, as a result, 
Virginia was discovered in the year 1498. 

John and Sebastian Cabot were the first to discover the Eastern 
coast of America, and England laid claim to all the vast territory 
between the 34th and G8th parallels of north latitude from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, basing her claim on this discovery. 

1539. De Soto, by a commission from the King of Spain, in 
the years 1539 and 1540, extended his discoveries from the north 
of Florida inland to the head waters of the present Holston and 
Clinch rivers and thence to the Mississippi river. 

1584. Eighty-five years intervened between the time of the 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 11 

discoveries of John and Sebastian Cabot and the first permanent set- 
tlement made in all the vast territory claimed by England by reason 
of their discoveries, and the honor attending this event Justly be- 
longs to Sir Walter Ealeigh, a young nobleman, a participant in 
the French Protestant wars, who in 1493 applied to Queen Eliza- 
beth for assistance in fitting out an expedition for the purpose of 
planting a Colony in America. In answer to his application the 
Queen gave him a commission creating him Lord of all that por- 
tion of the American continent claimed by England. 

The first expedition sent out by Kaleigh was composed of two 
ships, and their object was to make discoveries. This expedition 
sailed in April, 1584, and, on the 13th day of July of the same 
year, entered Ocracoke inlet within the present limits of North 
Carolina. Here they remained until September, 1584, at which 
time they sailed for England, and upon their arrival Elizabeth gave 
the country the name of Virginia. Immediately upon their return 
seven ships carrying one hundred and eighty men set sail for the 
jSTcw World and landed at Eoanoke Island in the year 1585. 

This company, charmed with the prospects, decided to settle on 
the island. Many of the company, not being accustomed to labor 
and not being inclined to work, were greatly disappointed in their 
hopes, -became disheartened and, at the first opportunity, returned 
to England. 

Sir Eichard Grenville left fifteen men on the island to guard the 
rights of England.. 

Sir Ealph Lane, one of the returning colonists, introduced the 
use of tobacco into England, ho and the other colonists having 
Teamed from the Indians to smoke it. 

1587. In 1587 Ealeigh sent out another expedition to settle 
Eoanoke Island. This expedition was composed of women and 
cliildren as well as men. 

Upon reaching their destii..ition in safety they found the tene- 
ments and fort in ruins and the beasts of the forest feeding on 
the vegetation where the former settlements had been located. 
They found, also, scattered about the former settlement, the bones 
of the fifteen men left by Sir Eichard Grenville. 

This Colony was in charge of John White. Soon after the land- 
ing, on August 18th, 1587, a child was bom to Annias and Vir- 
ginia Dare, to whom was given the name of '"Virginia Dare." This 



13 Southwest Virginia, 111^6-1786. 

was the first white child born of English parents in America. Soon 
after the birth of Virginia Dare, John White returned to England 
for supplies for the Colony, leaving behind him eighty-nine men, 
seventeen women and eleven children. He was delayed on his 
return voyage and when he arrived at Roanoke Island after an 
absence of three years no trace of the Colony could be found except 
the word Croatan carved on a tree. 

It is said, but not verified, that some of this Colony found shelter 
among the Indians on the coast of North Carolina. 

This story of the first settlement in this part of America remains 
one of the saddest tragedies in our history. 

1606. One hundred and fourteen years had passed since the 
discovery of America by Columbus, when King Jamies the First 
of England granted to a company* of wealthy merchants a patent 
of that part of Amicrica lying between the 34th and 45th degrees 
north latitude and all islands within one hundred miles of the 
coast. This grant was divided between the London and PljTnouth 
companies. 

The London Company sent oiit au expedition composed of one 
hundred and five colonists under the command of Captain Christo- 
pher Newport, an experienced seaman. Although this expedition 
sailed in 1606, it did not reach the mouth of Chesapeake bay until 
May 15, 1607. 

f James river and Capes Henry and Charles were discovered 
and named for the king of England and his sons. The colonists 
continued the voyage up the James river about fifty miles, when 
they landed and began the erection of houses and the making of 
all necessary arrangements for a permanent settlement. Thus was 
founded Jamestown, and thus occurred, according to a noted histo- 
rian, "The most important event in profane history," and thus 
the foundation stones of the greatest commonwealth and republic 
the world has ever known were laid by men whose posterity were 
destined to kindle a spirit of political and religious liberty such as 
can be extinguished only with the Anglo-Saxon race. 

This settlement at Jamestown may be regarded as the starting 
point of all Virginia histories. 

The first Colony in Virginia began under circumstances having 



*StitVi— Henning's Statutes at Large, page 60. 
I Indian name "Powhatan River." 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-1780. 13 

a tendency to discourage the thoughtful, and reasonably so, because 
oL' the fact that of tlie one hundred and five colonists only twelve 
were laborers, the remaining ninety-seven being thriftless and dis- 
solute. 

All power was vested in a body of councillors composed of 
Bartholomew Gosnold, John Smith, Edward Winfield, Christopher 
Newport, John EatclifL'e, John Martin and George Kendall, 
Edward Winfield was chosen the first Governor of the Colony of 
Vii'ginia, and tlius began civil government in America. 

Shortly after the settlement Captains Newport and Smith de- 
cided to explore the country, traveled up the James river as far as 
the falls and visited Powhatan, the king of the Indians, whose 
capital was near the present site of the city of Eichmond. 

After a short stay at the Indian village, Newport and Smith 
returned to Jamestown. Newport soon left for England, and 
immediately thereafter trouble arose among the colonists. Win- 
field was succeeded by Ratclift'e, and Ratcliffe by Captain Smith, 
who, by his excellent management of the Colony, won the title of the 
"Father of Virginia." 

Late in the autumn Captain Newport returned from England, 
bringing about seventy new colonists, two of the number being 
women (Mrs. Forrest and Annie Bergess), and a considerable 
quantity of supplies. 

Among the new colonists were several gold refiners, who, dis- 
covering earth near Jamestown having a resemblance to gold, pro- 
nounced' the same gold of the best quality, and, thereupon, the 
entire Colony forsook all commendalile enterprises and wasted their 
time and energies in loading one of Newport's vessels watli this 
earth, which proved, upon its arrival in England, to be worthless. 

Another ship returning to England would have been loaded with 
a similar cargo, but Captain Smith objected, and it was loaded 
with cedar wood. Tbis was tlie first valuable cargo exported from 
this part of America to England. 

The Colony, having thus wasted their energies and consumed 
their supplies, would, no doubt, have perished during the winter 
that followed, had not Captain John Smith exercised the energies 
of his resourceful mind in feeding and protecting them. The 
best friend Captain Smith found in this New World was Poca- 
hontas, the daughter of Powhatan, the chief of the Indians. The 



14 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

colonists charged that Smith intended to marry Pocahontas and 
make himself king of Virginia. 

1608. In the year 1G08 Captain Smith, in a small open barge, 
explored the Chesapeake bay and its tributaries. 

1609. In the month of May, 1G09, a new and very beneficial 
charter was granted the London Company, and the Colony began 
to prosper. 

The new charter conferred on the company the powers of the 
king, the local authority of the Governor was greatly increased and 
Lord Delaware was made Governor for life. 

Captain Smith, in this year, divided the Colony and sent a part 
thereof to make a settlement at the falls of the James river, near 
Eichmond, and another part thereof to Nansemond. In this year 
Captain Smith was forced to return to England in consequence of 
serious injuries received from the explosion of his powder flask. At 
the time of his departure the Colony numbered four hundred and 
fifty persons, all abundantly supplied. 

Thus terminated the career in America of the man who faithfully 
earned the title of the "Father of Virginia." 

The Colony thereafter, for a time, was without a competent ruler, 
and such was the profligacy and viciousness of the ruler they had, 
and the people, that in a short time the condition of the Colony was 
changed from prosperity to abject want, and by the spring of 1610 
there remained but sixty persons in the Colony, and these were on 
the verge of starvation. 

At this time Gates and Somers arrived from the West Indies, and 
all the Colony, crowding aboard their ships, had actually sailed for 
Newfoundland, but they were not out of the James river when 
they were met by Lord Delaware, with three ships, many new set- 
tlers and a large quantity of provisions, in fact everything requisite 
to relieve the situation. Lord Delaware prevailed upon the colo- 
nists to return to Jamestown, where under his splendid manage- 
ment the Colony prospered again. 

Unfortunately, in the year 1611 Lord Delaware was forced by bad 
health to return to England, and the government was placed in the 
hands of Sir George Percy, a man wanting in authority. In a 
short time the Colony was again reduced to abject want. Percy 
was succeeded by Sir Thomas Dale, a man of practical ideas, and 
again the Colony prospered. He was a soldier by profession, and 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 15 

liis authority, exercised rightly, met the demands of the hour. 
During liis administration the Colony was augmented by the arrival 
of three hundred emigrants from England. 

From the founding of the Colony at Jamestown in 1G07 until the 
latter part of the administration of Sir Thomas Dale all property 
had been held in common, but he directed a division of property 
among the colonists, and from this time we may certainly trace 
an improvement in the conditions of the people. 

Every man thereafter was dependent upon his individual exer- 
tions for his livelihood. Laziness was punished by flogging and 
irons. Mutineers and deserters were punished with death. The 
lands of the colonists were divided and allotted to the members 
of the Colony, and then, for the first time, the right of property in 
lands was recognized in America. Several new settlements were 
made during this time on both sides of the James river. 

The administration of the afi'airs of the Colony was entrusted suc- 
cessively to Sir Tliomas Gates, George Yeardly and Captain 
Argall, and to George Yeardly again in 1619. 

The administration of George Yeardly marks an epoch in the 
history of manlvind. 

Beyond question his inspiration was human liberty and repre- 
sentative govenment. He believed the colonists should have a 
hand in the government of themselves. He called a legislative 
assembly to meet at Jamestown on July 30th, 1619, to be composed 
of two representatives from each of the eleven boroughs into 
which the Colony was divided, and this assembly was called the 
House of Burgesses. 

Thus was planted the germ from which sprang representative 
government in America, and thus to Virginia may be credited the 
honor of being the first State in the world* "composed of separate 
boroughs diifuscd over an extensive surface in which the govern- 
ment was organized on the principle of universal suffrage." 

All freemen, without exception, were entitled to vote. 

In the following year, 1620, a Dutch ship landed at Jamestown 
and sold to the planters about twenty Africans to be held as slaves, 
and thus began slavery in America. 

On the 24th day of July, 1621, the London Company gave to 
the Virginia colonists a written Constitution, granting all the rights 

•Bancroft. 



16 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

and liberties theretofore granted by George Yeardly, and, about the 
same time, a shipload of English maidens, about one hundred in 
all, arrived at Jamestown. There was great rejoicing, and general 
prosperity prevailed; the colonists were no longer numbered by 
hundreds, but by thousands. 

1622. Sir Francis Wyatt became Governor in the year 1G22, 
and this year witnessed, on March 22d, the massacre of three hun- 
dred and forty-seven men, women and children by the Indians, but 
the Colony continued to grow and prosper. 

The London Company was dissolved by the King in the year 1625, 
and from this time the crown of England dictated the policy of the 
Colony. 

Events passed rapidly in Virginia for the next twenty years. One 
governor after another came and went, but none of them was of 
sufficient importance to be mentioned. 

1634. In the year 1634 the territory of Virginia was divided 
into eight shires or counties similar to those in England. For each 
shire lieutenants were appointed to look after the military affairs, 
and sheriffs and justices of the peace were commissioned to hold 
courts in each of the counties, or shires. Thus was constituted and 
thus began the county court system that continued with but little 
change until 1870. 

1646. The Virginia Colony in the struggle between Charles T 
of England and his Parliament sympathized with the King and 
did not hesitate, upon the death of Cha rles I, to recognize his son, 
Charles II_, as king. 

Cromwell sent a force to subdue the Colony in 1650, but the 
attempt was futile and the Virginians submitted only upon condi- 
tion that they be permitted to retain their government and the 
rights and privileges previously bestowed by the k ings of England ; 
which was readily agreed to. Richard Bennett was elected Gover- 
nor, but was shortly thereafter succeeded by Edward Diggs. The 
next Governor of Virginia was Samuel Mathews, a Virginia planter 
of forty years' standing. 

1660. TJpon the restoration of Charles II in 1660, Sir William 
Br'rklo" again became the Governor of Virginia. 

The next event of importance in the history of Virginia 
arose in the Colony from the dissatisfaction aroused by the acts of 
the British Parliament and the conduct of Sir William Berkley. A 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 17 

large portion of the people of Virginia, under the leadership of 
Nathaniel Bacon, rebelled, and drove Sir William Berkley from 
Jamestown and forced the commissioning of Bacon as a general. 
These troubles ceased with the death of Bacon. This is known as 
Bacon's rebellion, and it partook of the spirit that prompted Patrick 
Henry and the people of Virginia, a hundred years later, to aspire 
to liberty and independence. 

For a period of nearly fifty years but little of interest occurred in 
the history of Virginia save the succession of governors. 

1698. The seat of government was removed from Jamestown to 
Williamsburg in 1698. The reason assigned for the removal was 
that Williamsburg was healthier, and the situation more convenient. 

1710. Alexander Spotswood became the Governor of Virginia 
in 1710, and with prudence governed the_Colony for twelve years. 
He faithfully guarded the interests of the people of Virginia and, 
during his administration, inaugiirated many new enterprises for 
their good. 

He was the first Postmaster-General for the Colonies and estab- 
lislied many postofiices. Under his administration the mails were 
regularly carried from Williamsburg to Philadelphia. The one 
undertaking of this accomplished gentleman and officer that is espe- 
cially interesting to the people of Western Virginia is the expedition 
undertaken by him, when, on the 1st day of August, 1716, he set out 
from Chelsea upon the famous expedition to the Blue Eidge 
mountains. 

The Virginia Colony of one hundred and five souls in 1607 had | 
grown to nearly one hundred thousand. Twenty-four counties are '• 
to be found in the Colony, and the hardy pioneer was fast pushing 
his way to the base of the Blue Eidge mountains, but of the country 
beyond the Blue Eidge mountains nothing was knowTi except the 
indefinite accounts of Indian traders. 

Governor Spotswood determined to explore this unlmown region 
and, leaving the home of his son-in-Uw at Chelsea, in August, 1716, 
accompanied by a gay and gallant band, he began his Journey 
through a dense wilderness inhabited by boasts of prey and the cruel 
savage, and after thirty-six da^'s of incessant toil and fatigue, the 
Governor and his party, on September 5, 1716, reached the surp- 
mit of one of the highest peaks of the Blue Eidge mountains, atj] 
Swift Eun Gap, A ugusta county, Virginia. I 



18 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 



What a spot ! What an occasion ! What must have been the feel- 
ings experienced by these gallant knights, when for the first time 
the beautiful Shenandoah was presented to their vision! The 
inspiration of the occasion must have been full compensation for all 
the toil and perseverance expended in the effort. Governor Spots- 
wood, in commemoration of this expedition into the heart of the 
savage wilderness, presented each of the company with a small 
golden horse-shoe set withjewels, and this was the origin of the 
order, "Knights of the Golden Horse-Shoe." 

The inscription upon the golden horse-shoe was "Sic jurat trans- 
cendere montes." (Thus he swears to cross the mountains), and it 
is stated that these mementoes were given to all who would accept 
them, promising to comply with the terms of the inscription. 




Spotswood Crossing the Blue Ridge. 



Governor Spotswood and his company descended the western side 
of the mountain into the valley, and, finding a ford, they crossed 
the Shenandoah river and "took possession of the country for King 
George the First of England." They crossed the Shenandoah river 
on Septembe r 6th and called it the Euphrates. 

Thus the first passage of the Blue Kidge into the Valley of 
Virginia was made by Governor Spotswood at this time, but, as 
early as 1710, a company of adventurers found and went to the 
top of the highest mountain with their horses, but did not pass over 
it into the valley, by reason of the lateness of the season. Abraham 
Wood had visited the New Eiver section in the year 1654. 

1738. In the year 1738 the House of Burgesses of Virginia 
passed a bill for the formation of two countries west of the Blue 



Southivest Virginia, 17Jf6-178G. 19 

Eidge mountains, and accordingly Oi;ange county was divided and 
that part of Orange county west of the Blue Eidge mountains was 
formed into two counties, called Frederick and Augusta counties. 
Thus was opened to settlement a magnificent country of which 
Washington county is a part, and as the history of Washington 
county is inseparably connected with the early history of Augusta 
county, I will here take leave of the general history of Virginia. 



30 Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 

CHAPTER II 

Indians Living in Close Proximity to Southwest Virginia. 

The discovery of America 1)}^ Cohnnbus in 1492 can be attrib- 
uted to the pious zeal of the Queen of Spain to extend the bene- 
fits of tlie religion of Eome to all nianlcind, and to the search for 
gold. It is a matter of history that the Queen of Spain, to enable 
Columbus to explore the western ^eas, sacrificed many of the jewels 
pertaining to her queenly estate. 

And the Queen of Spain was but one of many emissaries of the 
church, who, in their zeal, were ready to brave tlie unknown seas 
and to make any sacrifices to serve their master. With Columbus 
came a number of priests, and with every ship that sailed from the 
coast of Spain, France, Portugal and Italy, the missionaries of the 
cross were to be numbered among the passengers, bound for Amer- 
ica, determined to explore the New World, hunt out the inhabitants 
thereof, and convert them' to their master. Thus, within a few years 
after the discovery of America, priests were to be found in almost 
every part of the New World, exploring the country and teaching 
the Indians their blessed religion. The priesthood of Eome in 
those early days were educated, energetic, observing men, as they 
have ever been, and it is to this source that we must look for the 
earliest liistory of our country and of the Indian inhabitants for 
many yeai"s previous to the coming of the Anglo-Saxon race. 

These early visitors to this portion of America preserved a history 
of their times, and it is to be found in the archives of the govern- 
ments of France, Spain and Portugal, and of the Church of 
Rome. This investigation will not permit any inquiry extending 
beyond the limits of that portion of Southwest Virginia included 
within the bounds of Washington comity. 

In the year 1539 Hernando De Soto landed at Tampa, Florida, 
with orders from the Court of Spain to form a settlement on the 
seashore and to explore Florida to its westernmost limits. 

The Spanish government at that time contended that Florida 
included all that part of. America extending from the Gulf of 
Mexico on the south to Virginia on the north, and from the 
Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. 



Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-1? 86. 31 

Pursuant to liis iiuthority De Soto, at the head of a thousand 
iiK'ii, (■xplni'iii;^- the couiitry, traveled in a nortlierly direction to the 
home of the Appahiehes, a trihe of Indians living on the banks of 
a river in (ieorg-ia called ])y the Indians Witchlacooche ; thence, 
continuing in a noftherl)- direction, they passed near the present site 
of Coluniljia, S. C, where they struck the Santee river, thence pass- 
ing up the Saluda branch of the Santee, they came, for the first 
time, to a country uninhabited, and found it difficult to obtain food 
sufficient to sustain themselves, but sending out companies of men 
to search for Indians, after some time a party of men returned 
lo canij) accompanied l)y a few Indians, who, being questioned, 
informed De Soto that to the north of them there lived a powerful 
tribe of Indians on the Hogohcegce river (Tennessee river), to 
which place they traveled. This tribe of Indians was called, at that 
time, Cafitachique and was governed by a queen. 

The historian of tliis expedition, Louis Hernandez De Biedma, 
says: "We remained ten or twelve days in the Queen's village, and 
Iben set ofl' to continue our explorations of the country." 

De Soto marched thence ton days in a northerly direction through 
a mountainous country where but little food was to be found until 
he reache<l a province called Xuala, which was thinly settled. He 
tlien ascended to the source of the (Ireat river,* which he supposed 
was the St. Esprit. This information was furnished by De Biedma 
to tlie King nnd council of the West Indies in 1544 and is now 
in existence and fully authenticated. 

To any one who will take the time and troulde to investigate this 
mntter it will l)e evident that De Soto and his followers explored 
tlie country from Florida to the Queen's village, which must have 
l)eeii on the Tennessee river near the present site of Knoxville, 
Tennessee. Thence ascending the same to its sources they were, as 
early as 1540, beyond question, visitors to the territory now inclu(h'(l 
within the boundaries of Washington county. 

The course pursued and the time required, it has lieen a]itly said, 
confirm this opinion. 

But a small part of the account of this trip of exploration has 
been herein copied, but space will not permit much to be said. The 
reader must not conclude from what has been said that De Soto 
and his followers met with no resistance from the inhabitants of 

*T]ie Indians always spoke of the Tennessee river as the Great river. 



22 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

the country through which they passed, for this same account de- 
tails the incidents connected with many desperate battles between 
the invaders and the invaded, and at no part of the journey did De 
Soto meet such magnificent specimens of mankind or find greater 
resistance than upon his arrival at the Queen's village on the Ten- 
nessee and in his progress thence to the sources of the Great river. 

De Biedma tells us that the inhabitants of Xuala were a hardy 
race, living in log houses daubed with clay and very comfortable in 
the winter season, but that during the summer months they usually 
reposed in the open air, spending much of their time in hunting. 

According to this same authority they used sharped-edged stones, 
slings, bows, arrows and clubs in war and peace. Many evidences 
of the instruments used by the Indians and the places of their 
manufacture are to be found in Southwest Virginia at this date. 

The inhabitants of Xuala lived, as did all the Indian inhabitants 
south of the Potomac and Ohio rivers, in towns, but the towns of 
the inhabitants of Xuala differed from those of most other tribes 
of Indians in this, that their towns generally were so built as to 
combine the requisites of a town and a fort. 

These forts were circular and varied in size from three hun- 
dred to six hundred and a thousand feet in diameter. 

They were sometimes built of stone, and in other instances of 
earth. The embanl^ments were from six to ten feet high and in 
many cases surrounded by ditches of requisite width and depth. 

They were used as towns as well as forts. Many fragments of 
carved stone and earthenware are to be found near those old forts. 

The remnants of these forts or towns can be found in Southwest 
Virginia at this time. 

In Castle's Woods, Eussell county, as well as on the farm of T. P. 
Hendricks and at other places in this county, the evidences of 
former Indian towns are clearly perceptible. 

A stone fort of great size formerly stood in Abb's Valley, Taze- 
well county, and what is spoken of as a remarkable fort is to be 
found on the farm formerly owned by a Mr. Crockett near Tazewell 
C. H., having evident traces of trenches and something like a draw- 
bridge. 

An Indian town stood upon the Byars farm in the upper end of 
this county, and the Indian name thereof is preserved: "Kilmack- 
ronan." 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 23 

These forts and other evidences of Indian occupancy must be 
attributed to the men occupying Xuala at the time of the visit of De 
Soto in 1540, for they cannot be the product of the Cherokees. 
since an examination of the age of trees found growing on these 
forts is sufficient to show that they were there before the coming 
of the Cherokees, and, for this better reason, these forts were not 
built after the manner of the Cherokees. 

From a perusal of the preceding pages it is evident that the 
land of the Xualas of three hundred and sixty years ago was none 
other than Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee, and that it was 
peopled by a hardy, ingenious, war-like race. 

It is proper to state here that many historians repudiate the idea 
that De Soto visited Southwest Virginia in 1540, but it is the 
opinion of this writer that he did visit this section at that time, 
and this opinion is given after a careful perusal of all available 
authorities. 

We know nothing further of the people who inhabited Xuala, or 
Southwest Virginia in 1540. A tradition existed among the Chero- 
kees that these people were driven from Southwest Virginia by 
the Cherokees some time in the ages preceding the coming of the 
white man, but no authentic information exists by which their exit 
can be noted. 

Captain Henry Batte with a company of rangers, by direction of 
(Governor Berkley, crossed the Blue Eidge mountains at Wood's 
Gap now in Floyd county, in 1G71 and came near to the habitations 
of a tribe of Indians living on a river flowing westwai'd, said by the 
Indian j.uides to be the makers and venders of salt to 'he other 
Indian tribes, and resembling, in many particulars, the inhabitants 
of Xuala as described by De Biedma, and it is more than prob- 
able that the early inhabitants of Southwest Virghiia were not 
driven from their homes until after 1671.. 

As far as I can ascertain, the Indian inhabitants of Southwest 
Virginia have been Xualans, Cherokees and Shawnese. 

Some time between the years 1671 and 1685 the Xualans were 
driven from Southwest Virginia by the Cherokee tribe of Indians, 
and tliis tribe is closely identified with the settlement of Southwest 
Virginia. 

Adair, an early writer, says that this tribe of Indians derive their 
name from Chee-ra "fire," which is their reputed lower heaven. 



24 Southwest Virginia,, 17 Ji 6-17 86. 

The origin of this tribe is not known, but a tradition existed 
among them that when they crossed the Alleghanies they found a 
part of the Creek Nation inhabitating this country, and it may be 
that the Creek Indians were the inhabitants of ancient Xuala. 

The Cherokees were the mountaineers of aboriginal America; 
they loved tbcir homes, were brave to a fault, and were never happy 
except when engaged in war. 

This nation and many of their villages will be frequently men- 
tioned in connection with the early exploration and settlement of 
Southwc^st Virginia, for many times did our ancestors suffer from 
their vigor and enterprise. 

This tribe of Indians gave names to most of the rivers in South- 
west Virginia, and it may be proper to here detail the aboriginal 
names of the rivers of Southwest Virginia. 

The Holston river from its source to the junction of the French 
Broad> was called the Hogohcegee, and from thence to the mouth 
of the Little Tennessee river it was known as the Cootcla. 

The early maps of this section of America made by the French 
explorers gave to the Holston river the name of the Cherokee river ; 
to the Clinch they gave the name of Shawanon, and to the same 
river the English gave the name of Shawanoa, and the Indian 
name for tlie Clinch river was Pellissippi. 

The Cherokees were not long permitted to enjoy the fruits of 
their conquest, for as early as 16T2 the confederacy of the Six 
Nations conquered the Illinois and Shawnese Indians, the latter 
tribe being a part of the Six Nations. 

In 1685 they added to their conquests the Miamis and carried 
their victorious arms to the Mississippi and south as far as Georgia, 
a vast territory twelve hundred miles in length and six hundred 
miles in breadth, and, in doing so, destroyed whole nations of In- 
dians of whom no record was found by the English. 

The Cherokees were driven south of the Tennessee, and settled 
upon the Savannah and in the territory south of the Tennessee, and 
there made their homes until moved by the Anglo-Saxon settlers 
about one hundred years thereafter. 

Thus the vast extent of territory lying south and east of the Ohio 
river and including Southwest Virginia was conquered, but not 
occupied, by the confederacy of the Six Nations, and its inhabitants 
were driven into other countries. It thus became a vast wilderness, 



Southwest Virginia, 17-k6-1786. 25 

never thereafter to bo occupied until the comino; of the white man, 
except by roving bands of Indians while hunting, or in passing from 
their habitations in the south to the Indian towus and villages in 
Ohio. 

This vast park was filled with tlie finest game in great quantities, 
and', for more than one hundred years previous to its settlement by 
the Anglo-Saxon, it was jointly used, as if by common consent, as 
a hunting ground by tlie Clierokees, Shawnese and Six Nations, but 
the Cherokees were conipelkMl to admit the superior title of the Six 
Nations to the sovereignty of the soil, wliieh they did by frequent 
gifts of game killed within the territory. 

Some writers, in explanation of the absence of the Indians from 
this section of America at the time of the early explorations of 
the white man, give the following as a tradition of the Cherokees 
and Shawnese: "that in so favored a lau(,l, where man's natural 
wants are so fully satisfied, there conld l)e no community of peace 
and happiness, that with such case to the body and disquiet to the 
soul the councils of uiaii must always overflow with the vanities 
of argument and tlie pride of innate egotism; so the tradition was, 
that once of old tliere was a delegated assemblage of the chiefs of 
the Indian tribes for a conference with the Great Spirit, at which 
conference the Great Spirit detailed certain great calamities that 
had befallen them in the paradise of Hogoheegee, which were trace- 
able to the causes named above, and thereupon the Great Spirit 
ordered all their nations to remove beyond certain boundaries, out 
of this Eden, which the Great Spirit informed tlumi was too easy 
of life for their content aud hap])iness and their future security." 

Thereupon this vast empire was consigned to the peaceful domin- 
ion of nature, and' all the lands upon the waters from the Holston to 
the headwaters of the Kentuckyjind Cumberland rivers were with- 
out pennaiuMit i nhab itants. 

The first cause above assigned was the true cause of the uninhal)- 
ited condition of Southwest Virginia, the enmity between the Chero- 
kees and ShaA\'nese. This I'umity was such as to deter both tribes 
from any considerable aggressions on this territory, tlie middle 
ground between the nations. Many battles were fought between 
these two nations, and, even so late as the summer of 1768, a des- 



36 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

perate battle was fought between the Cherokees and Shawnese near 
Eich Mountain,* in Tazewell county, Virginia. 

Early in the summer of 1768 about two hundred Cherokee In- 
dians camped near a lick in that part of Southwest Virginia to 
spend the summer in hunting. 

They were soon disturbed by the -appearance of several hundred 
Shawnese Indians, their deadly enemies. 

The Shawnese chief immediately sent orders to the Cherokees to 
leave the lick and the hunting grounds, but his messenger was sent 
back with a defiant answer by the Cherokees and both parties began 
to prepare for battle. The Cherokees retired to the top of Rich 
Montain and there threw up, before night, a breastwork consisting 
of an embankment running along the top of the mountain about 
eighty yards and then turning off down the mountain side, the em- 
bankment being three or four feet high and running east and west. 

The battle was opened the evening of the first day, but after 
some fighting the Shawnese withdrew and made preparations to 
begin the attack the following morning. It is said that long before 
day the fiendish yells of the warriors might be heard echoing 
over the rugged cliffs and deep valleys of the surrounding country. 
Day came, and for the space of half an hour, a deathlike stillness 
reigned on the mountain top and side. With the first rays of the 
rising sun a shout ascended the sides as if all the wild animals in 
the woods had broken forth in all their most terrifying notes. 

The sharp crack of rifies and the ringing of tomahawks against 
each other, the screams of women and children and the groans of 
the dying now filled the air around. 

Both parties were well armed and the contest was nearly equal, 
the Shawnese having most men, while the Cherokees had the advan- 
tage of their breastworks. Through the entire day the battle raged, 
and when night closed in, both parties built fires and camped on 
the ground. 

During the night the Cherokees sent to two white men then in the 
vicinity for powder and lead, which they furnished. 

Wben the sun rose the next morning the battle was renewed with 
the same spirit in which it had been fought on the previous day. In 
a few hours, however, the Shawnese were compelled to retire. The 
loss on both sides was great. A large pit was dug and a common 



*Bickley'8 History of Tazewell County. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 27 

grave received those who had fallen in this the last battle fought 
between the red men in this section of America. The battle-ground, 
breastwork and great grave are still to be seen. 

At the time of the earlier explorations of Southwest Virginia (he 
nearest permanent Indian settlements were to be found south of the 
Tennessee river. 

Many vestiges of an earlier and numerous population were found 
in Southwest Virginia and', in many instances, are still to be seen, 
indicating a state of civilization far in advance of that found among 
the Indians of that day. 

The first hunters and explorers in their many expeditions 
throughout all this vast territory never found a single wigwam or 
Indian village. It was nothing more than the common hunting 
ground of the Cherokees and Shawnct?e. 

Along the valley of what is known as Southwest Virginia lay the 
usual route of travel between the Southern and Northern Indians, 
whether engaged in peaceful intercourse or warlike expeditions, and 
by this same path they traveled when on the chase or their migra- 
tions. 

Several considerations prompted the Indians to adopt this course 
in their travelings, viz. : such as the ease with which the mountains 
could be crossed, the abundance of game, the absence of swamps and 
large streams of impassable water and the absence of hostile inhabi- 
tants, and these same considerations led to the early settlement of 
this section and the adoption of this route of travel by the early 
Scotch, Irish and English settlers of Kentucky and Tennessee. ; 

One of these routes or Indian trails was nearly on the present i 
McAdam road passing Koanoke, Va., thence to New Eiver near i 
Tnglis' Ferry, thence, following the same McAdamjroad, to Seven i 
Mile Ford, thence to the left of the present main road and following 
near to the present location of the same by Abingdon until it strikes 
the North Fork of liolston river a few miles above the Long 
Island of IIolston_ river, crossing the same at the old ford of the 
North Fork and on into Tennessee until it connected with the great 
warpath of the Creeks. Near Wolf Hills, now Abingdon, another 
route or trail came in from the northwest. This trail from tlie 
northwest pursued nearly the route traveled by the early settlers to 
Kentucky, crossing the mountains at Cumberland Gap. A more 



28 Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-1786. 

minute description of this trail will be given in another and more 
appropriate place in this book. 

This trail crossed the first above described Indian trail at a point 
on West Main street where the Eussell^oad_leaves Main street. The 
statement has been often made that an Indian trail followed the 
northwest bank of the North Fork of Holston river through this 
count}', but I am not satigfied t h^at such was a fact. 

Bickle}^ in his- history of Tazewell county, sa3^s the principal 
Indian trails through Tazewell county led through the Clinch Val- 
ley, but after the whites J)e^anjto settle, these Indian trails all led 
from the Ohio river. One of these trails led up the Indian Ridge 
(now on the boundary between Virginia and West Virginia) till 
opposite the Trace Fork of Tug river; it then crossed over to that 
braiicli and, keeping into the lowest gap of the hills, led into Abb's 
Valley. 

Another trail, afterwards much used Ijy the whites, left the 
Indian Eidge and struck Tug river at the mouth of Clear Fork 
creek, thence up that creek till it fell over on a branch emptying 
into the Pry Fork of Tug river. It tlien followed that stream to its 
head and passed through Eoark's Gap, near Maxwell's, in Taze- 
well county. 

Another trail came up the Louisa Fork of Sandy river, leading 
into the settlements on Clinch river, now in Eu ssell and Tazewell 
counties. It is worthy of notice that these trails always crossed 
the mountains and ridges at the lowest gaps to be found, and 
frequently, built in these gaps, are to be found monuments of 
rock piled up oftentimes to considerable height. Several of these 
monuments may be seen in this county, in Little Moccasin Gap, on 
the Byars farm on Middle Fork, on the Mahaffey farm on South 
Fork, and another in Eoark's Gap, in Tazewell county. 

Eamsey, in his Annals of Tennessee, states that the first described 
Indian trail after leaving Seven Mile Ford bore to the left and fol- 
lowed the Middle and South Forks of Holston river until it crossed 
th(^ North Fork of Holston river at the Old Ford aljove Long 
Island in Tennessee. 

In making this statement the historian may be correct, and some 
evidences 3'et remain that might be given to sustain this staiomcnt, 
notably a small Indian mound and the vestiges of an old Indian 
village (Kilmackronan), on the north and south sides of the Middle 



Southwest Virginia, ITJ/G-ITSG. 29 

Fork of Holston river, whore the same passes through the farm 
formerly owned by Captain Jam es Byars n ear Glade Spring, and a 
small Indian mound on the farm formerly owned by J. G. Maliaffey 
about six miles southeast of Abingdon. 

But we cannot admit this statement to Ijc eoj-reet, because the 
route as described is inconsistent with the habits of the Indians, 
besides, it does not confonn to the course pursued by the eai'ly set- 
tlers of this section of Virginia. 

Tlic Indian in traveling (almost without a single exception, as 
far as I can ascertain) followed that course of travel which would, 
as far as possible, avoid the crossing of water, and of course he 
fo]h>wed the highlands near the headwaters of the creeks and rivers. 
It is evident to every man conversant with the topography of this 
county that he wouhl have passed through this county near Glade 
Spring, Meadow View and Abingdon. 

It is generally accepted as true that the early hunters and explor- 
ers in this, as well as other sections of X^irginia and the United 
States, followed, almost without a single deviation, the trails made 
and used by the Indians. And to this cause may be attributed the 
fact that many of the pTiblic roads of this section when first estab- 
lished were located over the steepest hills and ridges to be found in 
our country. 

In otlier Mords, the Indian made his trail over the hills to. avoid 
the wat(M"s ; the white num adopted the Indian trail as his road 
because it was already o])cn. and possibly, to some extent, for the 
same reason as the Indian, to avoid crossing water. 

We know that the early hunters and settlers traveling through 
and settling in this section, after leaving Seven Mile Ford passed 
through the Byars farm near Glade Spring, thence near Meadow 
\'iew and through the location of Abingdon of the present day, and 
into Tennessee. 

Another statement made by Ramsey as to this same Indian trail 
is frequently challenged, and for very good reason. 

Ramsey states that this Indian trail crossed the North Fork of 
Holston river above Long Island as above stated, while from all 
present indications this ti-ail crossed the South Fork of Holston 
river at Long Island. 

At least evidences of an Indian trail and ford are to be seen 
n(>ar TiOnff Island at this time, and it is not reasona])le to believe 



30 Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-1786. 

that the Indians would cross the North Fork of the Holston river 
and then the Holston river proper to reach his towns and home, 
when he could cross the South Fork of Holston once and reach his 
home. 

Wliile Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee were unoccupied 
by the Indians at the time of the early settlements, still it may not 
be amiss to give briefly a description of the Indian tribes that pre- 
ceded our forefathers and afterwards gave them so much trouble in 
their first undertakings. 

As to the remote Indian inhabitants of this section of the Ameri- 
can Continent, nothing authentic is known beyond the evidences of 
their occupancy to be gathered from tumuli scattered throughout 
the country and the remains found in close proximity thereto. 

These remains indicate the existence, at some distant time, of a 
dense population, civilized to a great extent, and it is not improb- 
able that at a time in the past all this section was the seat of a 
civilization tliat would have compared favorably with that of Greece 
and Rome, 

The Cherokee Indians knew nothing further of these vestiges 
than that their forefathers found them here, and they considered 
them the evidences of a numerous population far advanced in civili- 
zation. 

The modem Indian held in great veneration these evidences of 
an extinct tribe, and never used them save for religious purposes. 

The piles of stones often found scattered throughout the country, 
generally to be found in the gaps of the mountains and ridges, are 
believed to be the work of modem Indians. The modern Indian 
was of an exceedingly superstitious turn, as all barbarians or 
heathen nations have been. 

It has been for all time not uncommon to find, in heathen coun- 
tries, similar heaps of stone erected by the inhabitants at some 
particular spot, as an oft'ering to an evil spirit, who, according to 
their superstitions, would afflict or bless the passer-by. 

A pile of stone, such as indicated, may be seen near the main 
turnpike road as it passes through Little Moccasin Gap. 

The Indian tribes that molested the early settlers in this section 
were the Cherokecs and the Shawnese. 

Adair, an early Indian trader, and later historian, in describing 
the Indian and his passion for revenge, says: 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 31 

"I have known them tq go a thousand miles for the purpose of 
revenge, in pathless woods, over hills and mountains, through large 
cane swamps full of grape-vines and briars, over broad lakes, rapid 
rivers and deep creeks and all the way endangered by poisonous 
snakes, if not by the rambling and lurking enemy, while, at the 
same time, they were exposed to the extremities of the heat and 
cold, the vicissitudes of the season, to hunger and thirst, both by 
chance and their religiously scanty method of living when at war, 
to fatigue and other difficulties. Such is their revengeful temper 
that all these things they contemn as imaginary trifles, if they are 
so happy as to get the scalp of their enemy." 

And this record is preserved by a man who spoke from his 
experience with the Cherokee Indians, the one tribe that gave the 
early settlers of this section more trouble than all the Indian tribes 
combined. 

CHEROKEES. 

The Cherokee tribe of Indians, at the time of the settlement of 
Southwest Virginia, inhabited one of the most attractive sections 
of the American Continent, occupying the banks of the Catawba, 
Savannah, Yadkin and Tennessee rivers on the east and south and 
several of the feeders of the Tennessee on the west. 

There were no fortresses to be found among them. Their settle- 
ments were rude huts scattered irregularly along some water way 
convenient to good pasture land and hunting and fishing grounds. 

They usually had small clearings which were cultivated by the 
women and children in Indian corn and beans. 

But little of the history of the Cherokees can be gathered from 
their traditions. The existence of this tribe of Indians was noted by 
the historian of the' expedition of De Soto when traveling in the 
South, and it is said that they came originally from east of the 
Alleghany mountains. Their principal town or capital city was 
Choto, located about five miles from the ruins of Fort Loudon, in 
Tennessee. 

They were the mountain people of America and loved their homes 
and their liberties. 

They frequently aided the early settlers of this portion of America 
in their wars with the French and English, a company of Indians 
from this tribe having participated in the siege of Fort Du Quesne 



32 SoittJiwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

under Captain Pearis, but much oftener did they carry death into 
the homes of the early settlers of the Carolinas and Virginia. 

This tribe, previous to 1769, were numerous and exceedingly 
quarrelsome and arrogant. 

At this time they quarreled with the Chickasaw Indians and 
undertook an invasion of their country, but were overwhelmed by 
the Chickasaws after a great battle at the Chickasaw old fields. 

This overwhelming defeat occurred at the same time that Arthur 
Campbell, William Edmiston, and many other hardy pioneers 
first pitched their tents on the waters of the Holston and Clinch, 
and there can be no doubt that this occurrence contributed^ much to 
the rapid settlement of this section of Virginia. 

For thirty years following the advent of the first settlers into this 
country the Cherokees killed and scalped the inhabitants at every 
opportunity. 

The population of this tribe in 1735 was considerable. Adair 
says that they had sixty-four populous towns, and their fighting 
men numbered above six thousand. 

In the year 1776 the number of warriors pertaining to this tribe 
was two thousand four hundred and ninety-one. 

This tribe of Indians now occupy a part of the Indian Territory. 
It will be remembered that the Cherokees used principally the val- 
leys of the Holston in their hunting expeditions and seldom visited 
the valleys of the Clinch. 

SHAWNESE. 

But little can be said of this Indian tribe save that it was known 
as a wandering nation. 

At times in their history they occupied territory in almost all 
sections of the country east of the Mississip])i river and south of 
the Lakes, but at the time when this tribe gave trouble to our 
ancestors their homes were on the Wabash and Miami rivers, where 
they built many villages. Their principal town, called "Pi((uo," was 
the birthplace of the great Tecumseh. 

This tribe had a tradition respecting their origin. They believed 
their fathers crossed the ocean from the East under the guidance of 
a leader of the Turtle tril)e, one of their original subdivisions, and 
that they walked into the sea, the waters of which parted, and thus 
passed over on the bottom to this land. 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-1780. 33 

This tribe of Indians were responsible for many of the murdei"s 
and outrages suffered by the early settlers on the Clinch and many 
times on the llolston, the Indians coming by the trails through 
Cumberland Gap and the trails coming into Tazewell county pre- 
viously described. 

The population of this tribe in 1T35 did not, according to Adair, 
exceed four hundred and fifty souls. 

This tribe of Indians assisted tlie British in the wars of 1770 
and 1812, and in the hitter stniggle did effective service for their 
l^ritish allies. 

In 1817 they ceded their lands in Ohio to the United States and 
were soon confined to a small reservation west of the Mississippi 
river. 



34 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



CHAPTEE III 

Early Explorations of Southwest Virginia by the White 

Man. 

From the time of the first settlement at Jamestown in 1607, the 
English Colony had grown rapidly and had expanded until their 
western borders were in view of the Blue Eidge. With the usual 
vigor and enterprise of the Anglo-Saxon, we find, in the year 1641, 
a number of the citizens of Virginia petitioning the House of Bur- 
gesses for permission to undertake the discovery of a new river of 
land west and southerly from the Appomattox, and, in March, 1642, 
we find the House of Burgesses passing an act granting such per- 
mission. The act is as follows : 

"Forasmuch as Walker Austin, Eice Hoe, Joseph Johnson and 
Walter Chiles, for themselves and such others as they shall think 
fitt to joyn with them, did petition in the Assembly in June 1641 
for leave and encouragement to undertake the discovery of a new 
river of unknowne land bearing west southerly from Appomattake 
river, Be it enacted and confirmed, that they and every one of them 
and whom they shall admit shall enjoy and possess to them, their 
heirs, executors, administrators or assigns all profit whatsoever they 
in their particular adventure can make unto themselves by such 
discovery aforesaid, for fourteen years after the date of the said 
month of January, 1641, provided there be reserved and paid into 
his Majesty's use by them that shall be appointed to receive them, 
the fifth part of Eoyal Mines whatsoever; provided also, that if they 
shall think fit to employ more than two or three men in the said 
discovery they shall then do it by commission from the Governor of 
the Councill."* 

It is well to preserve this the earliest known evidence of the desire 
of any man to hunt out the very country we now occupy. 

The names of a portion of these first daring spirits, Austin, John- 
son and Chiles, afterwards became familiar to our own country, 
and while no evidence is at hand to establish the fact, yet it is more 
than probable that these men by their efforts made possible the 
future success of Walker, Draper, Inglis, Wood, and others. 



'1 Hen. Stat., p. 262. 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1186. 35 

The record of the next effort to reach this portion of the wilder- 
ness by the enterprising citizens of Eastern Virginia is to be found 
in an act of the House of Burgesses of Virginia passed in July, 
1653, more than a hundred years before a permanent settlement 
was effected on the waters of the Clinch or Holston rivers. 

The Act is as folio vv,s. Passed July, 1G53 : 

"Whereas, an act was made in the Assembly, 1642, for encour- 
agement of discoveries to the westward and southward of this 
country, granting them all profits arising thereby for fourteen 
years, which act is since discontinued and made void, it is by 
this Assembly ordered that Colonel William Clayborne, Esq., and 
Captain Henry Fleet, they and their associates with them, either 
jointly or severally, may discover, and shall enjoy such benefits, 
profits and trades for fourteen years as they shall find out in places 
where no English ever have been and discovered, nor have had. par- 
ticular trade, and to take up such lands by patents proving their 
rights as they shall think good: nevertheless, not excluding others 
after their choice from taking up land and planting in these new 
discovered places, as in Virginia now versed. The like order is 
granted to Major Abram Wood and his associates." 

The three gentlemen, William Clayborne, Henry Fleet and Abra- 
ham Wood, mentioned in this act, each represented a shire in the 
Virginia House of Burgesses, and were int(mt, no doubt, upon the 
acquisition of wealth and the development of the country. 

We have no information that leads us to believe that any of the 
persons named in the preceding act, with the exception of Colo- 
nel Abraliam Wood, at any time made an effort to accomplish the 
purpose of that act. 

Dr. Hale, in his book entitled "Trans-Alleghany Pioneers," 
makes the following statement : 

"The New river was first discovered and named in 1654 by Colo- 
nel Abraham Wood, who dwelt at the falls of the Appomattox, now 
the site of Petersburg, Va." 

Being of an adventurous and speculative turn, he got from the 
Governor of Virginia a concession to explore the country and open 
up trade with the Indians to the west. There is no record as to 
the particular route he took, but as the line of adventure, explora- 
tion and discovery was then all east of the mountains, it is prob- 



3G Southwest Virgmia, 174G-17S6. 

able that he first struck the river not far from the Blue Ridge and 
near the present Virginia and North Carolina lines/' 

I do not know from what source Dr. Hale obtained this infor- 
mation, and I give it for what it is worth. 

It is reasonable to believe that Colonel Wood made this trip, 
and, to support this view, three circumstances may be mentioned. 
First. The House of Burgesses of Virginia had authorized Colo- 
nel Wood, along with others, in July of the preceding year, to 
discover a new river of unknown land where no English had ever 
been or discovered. Secondly. A gap in the Blue Ridge, lying 
between the headwaters of Smith river, a branch of the Dan, in 
Patrick county, and of Little river, a branch of New river, in Floyd 
county, is to this day called Wood's Gap. Thirdly. The present 
New river was known at first, as Wood's river. It is Imown that 
at the time Thonias Batts and a company of men acting under the 
authority of Colonel Wood visited this section in the year 1671, 
Wood's Gap and New river luid been previously visited and named 
by Colonel Wood. 

In the year 1671, Tlw>mas Batts and several other persons 
traveled from the falls of the Appomattox, the present site of Pe- 
tersburg, Va., acting under a commission from Governor Berkley, 
to explore the country west of the Blue Ridge mountains and the 
South Sea. 

It is worthy of notice that at the time this expedition was under- 
taken it was believed that the waters flowing westward beyond the 
Appalachian mountains emptied into the South Sea. 

This was the first effort made to explore the country west of the 
Blue Ridge, of wliich any record has been preserved. 

A journal of this expedition was made by Thomas Batts, one of 
the company. The first entry in this journal is as follows : 

"A commission being granted the Hon. Maj. Gen. Wood for 
ye finding out of the ebbing and flowing of ye waters behind the 
mountains in order to the discovery of the South Sea: Thomas 
Batts, Thomas Wood, Robert Fallen, accompanied by Perachute, a 
great man of the Appomattox Indians, and Jack Nesan, formerly 
servant to Majr. Genl. Wood, with five horses, set forward from 
Appomattox town in Va., and about eight of the clock in the morn- 
ing being Fryday Septr. 1st. 1671, and traveling about forty miles, 
took up tlieir quarters and found they had traveled from Okene- 



Southwest Virginia, 17JiG-17S6. 37 

chee path due west: They traveled for tweut3^-fivc days, a part of 
the time through that portion of \'irginia, near the present line 
between this State and North Carolina, but when they reached the 
foot of the Alleghany ]\Iountains where the same merges into the 
Blue Hidge, now in Floyd Co. Ya., they turned to the north west 
at a low place in the said mountain known as Wood's Gap; and 
iit'tcr some time they eamc to a river which Genl. Wood had n;imed 
Wood's Iviver.* This i-iver for many yeai's thereafter was known 
a.s Wood's Ikiver. and many of the early patents in that section 
of the country describe the lands as located u])on Wood's Eiver." 
The entry in this diary of datt^ the Kith of Sept. sa3'S: "About 
ten of the clock we set forward and. after we had traveled about 
ten miles, one of ibe Indians killed a deer; presently after they 
had a sight of a curious river like tlie Thames agt. Chilcey (Chel- 
sea), which having a fall yt made a great noise, whose course was 
N". and so as they supposed, ran W. al)out certain pleasant mountains 
wbich they saw to tbe westward. At this point they took up their 
(piarters, tbeir coui'se having been AY. l)y N. At this point they 
found Indian fields with cornstalks in them. They marked the 
trees Avith the initials of tbe company, using branding irons, and 
mad(> proclamation in these words: 'Long live King Charles ye 2nd. 
king of England. France, Scotland, Ireland and Virginia and all 
the terrytories thereunto l)e]onging, defender of the faith.' 

"Wlien they came to ye river-side they found it better and 
broader than they expected, fully as broad as the Thames over agt, 
Maping, ye falls miicb like llie falls of tbe James liiver in Va., and 
imagined by the water marks it flowed there about three feet. It 
was then ebbing water. They set up a stick by the water, but 
found it ebbed very slowly." 

At this point their Indian guid(^s stopped, and refused to go any 
farther, sa}ang that there dwelt near this ])lace a numerous and 
powerful tribe of Indians that made salt and sold it to the other 
tribes, and that no one who entered into their towns had ever been 
able to escape. Thereupon the trip was abandoned and they 
started on their return to their homes without having accomplished 
the ol)ject of the exploration, to-wit: the finding of the South Sea. 
But the journal adds that when they were on the top of the hill 
they took a prospect as far as they could sec and saw westwardly 



'Now New River. 



38 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

over certain delightful hills a fog arise, and a glimmering light as 
from water, and supposed they might be from some great bog. 

Many writers suppose that this exploring party, after reaching 
the Kew river, descended the same to the falls of the Kanawha, 
but it is more than probable that after they reached the river they 
ascended the same, and the stopping point mentioned in the diary 
was in Southwest Virginia, and near where the New river first 
enters Virginia. 

Upon the return of this company to their homes Governor Berk- 
ley was very much interested in their report, but strange as it 
may seem to the reader, no further attempts were made by au- 
thority of the Government of Virginia for forty years to explore 
the country west of the mountains. 

It will be seen from the journal of Thomas Batts that he and 
his associates, and, beyond a doubt. Colonel Abraham Wood an- 
ticipated, by more than half a century. Governor Spotswood and 
his Knights of the Golden Horse-Shoe, in the exploration and dis- 
covery of the country west of the Blue Eidge mountains. 

The next effort made to explore the region west of the moun- 
tains, of which we have any account, occurred in 1716, forty-five 
years after the journey made by Thomas Batts, above described, 
and sixty years subsequent to the visit of Colonel Abraham Wood. 

In the month of August, 1716, Governor Alexander Spotswood, 
with several members of his staff, left Williamsburg by coach and 
proceeded to Germania, where he left his coach and proceeded on 
horseback. At Germania this party was supplemented by a num- 
ber of gentlemen, their retainers, a company of rangers, and four 
Meherrin Indians — about fifty persons in all. 

They journeyed by way of the upper Rappahannock, and on the 
thirty-sixth day out, being September 5, 1716, they scaled the Blue 
Eidge at Swift Eun Gap, now in Augusta county. 

John Fontaine, a member of this company, has left a journal of 
this expedition, and therein thus describes what occurred when 
they reached the summit of the Blue Eidge: "We drank King 
George's health and all the royal family's at the very top of the 
Appalachian mountains." 

The company then descended the western side of the mountain, 
and, reaching the Shenandoah river, they encamped upon its banks. 
Fontaine thus preserves an account of what occurred : 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 39 

"The Governor had graving irons, but could not grave anything, 
the stones were so hard. I graved my name on a tree by the river- 
side, and the Governor hurried a bottle with a paper enclosed on 
which he writ that he took possession of this place in the name 
and for King Geo. 1st. of England. We had a good dinner, and 
after it we got the men together, and loaded all their arms, and 
we drank the King's health in champaign and fired a volley, the 
Princess's health in Burgundy and fired a volley, and in claret 
and fired a volley. We drank the Governor's health and fired an- 
other volley. We had several sorts of liquors, viz. Virginia Red 
Wine and White Wine, Esquebaugh, brandy, shrub, rum, cham- 
paign, cavory, punch water, cider, etc. 

"We called the highest mountain Mount George and the one we 
crossed over Mount Spotswood." 

Governor Spotswood, from the fertility of the soil, gave the 
name of Euphrates to the river (now Shenandoah), and he be- 
lieved the same emptied into the great lakes and flowed northward. 

The Governor, upon his return to Williamsburg, instituted the 
Order of the Golden-Shoe, and presented to each of the gentlemen 
accompanying him a small horse-shoe nuide of gold inscribed with 
the motto: Sic jurat transcenderc montes, "Thus he swears to cross 
the mountains." 

Governor Spotswood, in a letter written in 171G, says: "The 
chief aim of my expedition over the great mountains in 1716 was 
to satisfy myself whether it was practicable to come to the lakes." 

The country thus described was a part of Sussex county, the 
western boundary of which was undefined. Spotsylvania was 
formed from Sussex in 1720, Orange from Spotsylvania in 1734, 
all of said counties including the territory now within the bounds 
of this county. 

All this infomiation is necessary to a history of Washington 
county, because Washington county was formed from the territory 
we are now dealing witli, and, for the better reason, that the pro- 
moters of our early settlements and the founders of our early gov- 
ernment came from the Valley of Virginia. 

In the year 1726, two men named Mackey and Sailings explored 
the Valley of Virginia. 

John Peter Sailings, one of the two explorers of the valley 



40 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

above mentioned, was captured by the Indians and passed through 
this immediate section as early as 1726. 

Withers, in his history entitled "Border Warfare," thus de- 
scribes the captivity of Sailings : 

"Sailings," he says, "was taken to the country now known as 
Tennessee, where he remained for some years. In company with 
a ])arty of Cherokees, he went on a hunting expedition to the salt 
licks of Kentucky and was there captured by a band of Illinois 
Indians, with whom the Cherokees were at war. He was taken to 
Kaskaskia, and adopted into the family of a squaw, whose son 
had been killed. While with these Indians he several times ac- 
companied them down the Mississippi river, below the mouth of 
the Arkansas, and once to the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Spaniards in Louisiana, desiring an interpreter, purchased 
him of his Indian mother, and some of them took him to Canada. 
He was there redeemed by the French G-overnor of that province, 
who sent him to the Dutch settlement in Xew York, whence he 
made his way, home after an absence of six years. 

The earliest visit to this section of Virginia by an Anglo-Saxon 
of which we have any record or knowledge was made by Dority, a 
citizen of Eastern Virginia, who in the year 1090 visited the Chero- 
kee Indians in their home, south of the Little Tennessee, and 
traded with them. There can be no reasonable doubt that from 
a very early period, long preceding the maldng of a permanent 
settlement by the white man in this section, many of the citizens 
of Virginia living east of the mountains carried on, in many in- 
stances, an active trade with the Indians living south of the Little 
Tennessee and in Kentucky. 

This section M'as uninhabitated by the Indians for many years 
previous to the explorations of the white man, and the wilderness 
was full of game of almost all kinds. Their flesh was valuable, 
and the slvins and furs taken in one season by a single hunter would 
bring many hundreds of dollars, and thus many daring hunters 
were induced to visit this section long before any white man thought 
of settling the lands. 

In confirmation of this idea Mr. Vaughan, of Amelia county, 
Va., who died in the year 1801, was employed about the year 1740 
to go as a packman with a number of Indian traders to the Chero- 
kee nation. 



Southwest Virginia, 17 J/ 6-1 7 S6. 41 

Tlio last hunter's cabin ho saw as he traveled from Amelia 
county, Va., to East Tennessee was on Otter river, a branch of 
Staunton river, now in Bedford county. The route he traveled 
was an old trading path following closely the location of the Buck- 
ingham road to a point where it strikes the Stage Road in Bote- 
tourt county; thence nearly upon the ground which the Stage 
Eoad occupies, crossing New River at Inglis' Ferry; thence to 
Seven Mile Ford on the Holston; thence to the left of the road 
which formed the old Stage Road; thence on to the North Fork 
of Holston, above Long Islaiul in Tennessee, crossing it where 
the St<age Road formerly crossed it, and on into the heart of Ten- 
nessee. 

This hunter's trail, or Indian trace, was an old path when he 
first saw it, and he continued to travel the same until 1754, trad- 
ing with the Indians. 

In the year 1730, John and Isaac Van Meter olitained from Gov- 
ernor Gooch, of Virginia, a patent for forty thousand acres of land 
to be located in the lower vallev, and this warrant Wijs sold in 1731 
to Joist I lite, of Pennsylvania, who, in 1732, brought his family 
and sixteen other fami lies and located a few miles south of the 
present site of Wincliester, Va., and this is generally Ixdieved to 
be the first settlement by a white man west of th e Blu e Ridge. 

Emigration to this new land was rapid, and soon reached biyond 
the confines of Hite's possessions. 

About the time of the Hite settlement Jolm Lewis, Peter Sal- 
lings and ]\rackey made settlements in the valley. Lewis' 

settled on Ijcwis' creek near the present site of Staunton, Sailings, 
at the forks of James river and Mackey, at Bulfalo Gap. 

Within less than one year the popiilation of the country near 
the settlement made l)y Lewis was ccmsiderable, so rapid was the 
migration to the new land. 

Tlie early settlers in this j^ortion of Virginia had to contend 
with titles obtained by individuals and companies for large tracts 
of land, and such grantees were usually favorites of the King or 
of the King's councillors. 

On the 6th of September, 1736, William Gooch, Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, issued a patent for the "Manor of Beverly," 
covering one hundred and eighteen thousand and ninety-one acres 
of land Ivine: in the countv of Orange between the great mountains 



42 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

and on the Eiver Sherando, and on September 7, 1736, William 
Bever ly, of Es sex, became the owner of the entire grant. 

This patent covered most of the fine lands in the Valley of Vir- 
ginia near Staunton and Waynesboro, and soon thereafter Gov- 
ernor Gooch granted Benjamin Borden five hundred thousand acres 
of land situated south of Beverly Manor and on the waters of the 
James and Shenandoah rivers. 

Each of the grants above described was to become absolute, pro- 
vided the patentees succeeded in settling a given number of families 
thereon in the time named in the grant, and as a result the paten- 
tees, Hite, Beverly and Borden, solicited and obtained settlers 
from America and Europe. 

Benjamin Borden, upon the receipt of his grant, immediately 
visited England, and in 1737 returned with a hundred families, 
among whom were the McDowells, Crawfords, McClures, Alex- 
anders, Walkers, Moores, Matthews and many others, the found- 
ers of many of Virginia's distinguished families. 

In 1738, the counties of Frederick and Augusta were formed out 
of Orange. The territories embraced within these two counties in- 
cluded all of Virginia west of the Blue Eidge and was, almost with- 
out exception, a howling wilderness occupied by the Indians and 
wild beasts. It is evident from the statement contained in the act 
establishing Augusta county that there had been a rapid and con- 
siderable increase of the population in the valley. 

The act establishing the county of Augusta provided that the 
organization of the county should take place when the Governor 
and Council should think there was a sufficient number of inhabi- 
tants for appointing jiistices of the peace and other officers and 
creating courts therein. 

While the act establishing Augusta county was passed in 1738, 
the county was not organized until 1745. The first court assem- 
bled at Staunton on December 9, 1745, at which time the following 
magistrates were sworn in, having been previously commissioned 
by the Governor of Virginia — viz. : James Patton, J ohn Buc hanan, 
George Robinson, James Bell, Robert Campbell, John Lewis, John 
Brown, Peter Scholl, Robert Poagc, John Findley, Richard Woods, 
John Christian, Robert Craven, John Pickens, Andrew Pickens, 
Thomas Lewis, Hugh Thompson, John Anderson, Robert Cun- 
ningham, James Kerr and Adam Dickenson. 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-178G. 43 

James Patton Avas commissioned high sheriff, Jolm Madison, 
clerk, and Thomas Lewis, surveyor of the coimt}^ 

It is worthy of note that James Patton, the first slieriif of Au- 
gusta county, was tlie first man to survey and locate lands within 
the boundaries of Washington county as originally formed, and the 
land by him acquired composed a considerable part of the best lands 
within tliis county. 

The idea of offering tlie dissenters from the (^hurcli of England 
inducoments to settle the lands west of the mountains liad often 
been suggested and eai'iiestly advocated ])y many of th'e promi- 
nent men in ilic \'irginia Colony. 1»nt nn move in tliaf dii'ection 
was taken until ab()iil the lime of tlie lirsl seiilem<'nt of (li'e lower 
\'alley. at and after v\liieli lime tlie ( iovcMMioi' and Coiineil of \'ir- 
ginia. v\itli bnl little hesitancy, permitted the erection of disscMding 
churches in the Vallc};, and encouraged the immigration of settlers 
whenever possible. 

Th'e result of this action was a flood of settlers, emigrants froan 
Scotland and Ti-eland. who came by way of Pennsylvania, mostly 
Scotch-Irish Presbyterians in belief. They ])assed into and settled 
in the Valley, and in a few years the Valley from Harper's Ferry 
to TsTew river was ]io]ndated with a progressive, liberty-loving peo- 
ple second to none on earth. 

Colonel James Patton. who came from tlK> north of fi-eland in 
IT.'HI, was one of the first and mC'St inllueidial selllors (d' llie Val- 
ley of Virginia. 

In the year 1745, he secured a grant from the Governor and 
Council of Virginia, for one hundred and twenty thousand acres 
of land west of the Blue Pidge, and he and his son-in-law, John 
Buchanan, who was also deputy surveyor of Augusta county, lo- 
cated lands on the James river, and founded and named Buc han an 
and Pattonsburg, villages that were built on the opposite sides of 
the James riv er, now in Botet ourt county. 

In the year 1748, Dr. Thomas Walker, who afterwards, on the 
inth day of September, 1752, qualified as a deputy surveyor of 
Augusta county; Colonel James Patton, Colone l John Buchanan, 
Colonel James Wood and Major Charles Campbell, accompanied 
by a nu mber of hunters, John Findlay being of the number, ex- 
plored Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee, and located and 



44 Southtvest Virginia, 17 J, 6-17 80. 

surveyed a ]iiiiiil)or of very valiialilc tracts of land by aiitlioj-ity of 
the grant to (C olonel James Patton. 

We give below a list of the first surveys nuide -on the waters of 
the Holston and Clinch rivers. 

This information i^ derived from the surveyor's records 
of Augusta county at Staunton, Va. Each of the above surveys 
is signed by Thomas Lewis, surveyor of Augusta county, and in 
the left-hand earner of the ]3lot, recorded with each survey, are 
written the letters J. B., the initials of Jo hn Buc lianan, deputy 
surveyor of the county. 

It is evident from thi'J record that John Buchanan surveyed the 
several tracts of land first located in Washington county, and that 
he was on the waters of the Indian or Holston river surveying as 
early as I lie l^tli day of March, 17 40. 

It will !)(> ol)sorved from an inspection of this list of surveys 
that on April 2, 1750, there; was surveyed for Edmund Pendleton 
3.000 acres of land lying on West crc^ek, a branch of the Soutli 
Fork of Indian river, which tract of land now lies in Sullivan 
county, I'ennessee. 

This tract was patented to Edmund Pendleton in 1756 upon tlie 
idea thai the A'ii'ginia line, when run, would embrace these lands. 

It is worthy of note that these early explorers and the many 
hunters and ti'aders who had |»re\iouslv visited this section called 
the Holston river the Indian river, while the Indians gave it the 
name of Hogoheegee, and the French gave it the name of the 
f'h(Tokee river. 

All of the lands surveyed in this county previously to 1,748 are 
described in the surveys as being on the waters of the Indian river. 
These explorers returned to their honies delighted, no doubt, with 
the excellent lands they had visited, but nothing resulted fi'ofu their 
efforts save the acquisition of a knowledge of the country. 

At the time Dr. Walker and his associates made their trip of 
exploration above described they were followed as far as New river 
by Thomas Inglis and h is three sons, Mrs. Draper and her son and 
daughter, Adam Ilarman, Henry Leonard and James Burke, pio- 
neers in search of a home in the wilderness. Lands were surve3'ed 
for each of tliem, which lands are described in the respective sur- 
veys as lying on Wood's river, or the waters of Wood's river. Here 
















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46 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf.6-17S6. 

they made a settlement, the first west of the Alleghany divide and 
the first on Wood's or New river. 

The name given to this new settlement was "Draper's Meadows." 

The surveys, with accompanying plats for these, the first set- 
tlers on any of the waters flowing into the Mississippi, are exceed- 
ingly interesting and instructive. 

These first settlers were immediately followed by a large num- 
ber of other persons. 

The Alleghany mountains having been crossed and the waters 
flowing into the Mississippi reached, the pioneer rapidly sought to 
bring the wilderness under his dominion. The first company of 
settlers at Draper's Meadows were at once increased by new ar- 
rivals, and numerous tracts of land west of New river and near 
what were afterwards known as the Lead Mines occupied. Among 
the early settlers in that section of Southwest Virginia were the 
Crocketts, Sayers, Cloyds, McGavocks and McCalls. 

Ja mes Bur ke, with his family, settled in 1753 in what has since 
been known as Burk's Garden, and Charles Sinclair in Sinclair's 
Bottom. Stephen Holston built his cabin within thirty feet of the 
head spring of the Middle Fork of Indian, since called Holston 
river, some time previous to 1748, and thus Burke, Sinclair and 
Holston gave names to the localities of their early settlements. 

A colony of people called "Dunkards'^ settled on the west side of 
New river near Inglis' Ferry, and in the year 1750 Samuel Stal- 
naker, with the assistance of Dr. Walker and his associates, erected 
his cabin on the Holston nine miles west of Stephen Holston's 
cabin. 

It is worthy of mention in this place that in this year, 1749, 
the commissioners appointed by the Legislatures of Virginia and 
North Carolina continued the boundary line between Virginia 
and North Carolina to a point on Steep Eock Creek,* in this county. 

Dr. Walker and his associates had met Samuel Stalnaker on the 
waters of the Holston in April, 1748, between the Reedy Creek 
settlement and the Holston river, at which time it is evident, from 
a journal kept by Dr. Walker, that Stalnaker told Walker and his 
associates of the Cumberland Gap, and made an engagement with 
Dr., Walker to pilot him upon a trip to Kentucky at a subsequent 
date. 



•Now Laurel Fork of Holston river. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 47 

The French had established settlements on the waters of the 
Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and claimed, by right of discovery 
and occupancy, as territory belonging to the French crown, all 
the lands west of the Alleghany mountains, and were actively as- 
serting their right to all of this territory at all times and by every 
possible means. It is claimed that the French had established a 
fort near the Broad Ford of the Tennessee river, and had opened 
and operated mines in the territory now included in Eastern Ken- 
tucky; and it is well known that the French traders were to be 
found in nearly all of the Indian villages east of the Mississippi 
river and west of the Alleghany mountains. 

The English Government and the American Colonies denied the 
pretensions of the French crown, and looked with jealousy upon 
every movement made by France in the direction of the accom- 
plishment of her claim. 

As a result, on the 12th day of July, 1749, the Governor and 
Council of Virginia granted to the "Ohio Company" 500,000 acres 
of land, to be surveyed and located south of the Ohio river, and 
to forty-six gentlemen, styling themselves the "Loyal Company," 
leav(; to take up and survey 800,000 acres of land in one or more 
surveys, beginning on the bounds between this State and North 
Carolina and running to the westward and to the north seas to 
include the said quantity, with four years' time to locate said land 
and make return of surveys. 

The "Ohio Company" employed Christopher Gist, one of the 
iuost noted surveyors of that time, to go, as soon as possible, to the 
westward of the Great ]\Iountains, and to carry with him such a 
number of men as he thought necessary, in order to search out and 
discover the lands upon the river Ohio and other adjoining branches 
of the Mississippi, down as low as the Great Falls thereof, now 
Louisville, Kentucky. 

He was also directed to observe the passes through the mountains, 
to talce an exact account of the soil and products of the lands, the 
width and depth of the rivers, the falls belonging to them, the 
course and bearings of the rivers and mountains, and to ascertain 
what Indians inhabitated them, with their strength and numbers. 

Pursuant to his instructions, he set out from the old town on 
the Potomac river, in ]\Iaryland, in October, 1750, and spent many 
days on the lands south of the Ohio river, in the present State 



48 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

of Kentucky; he finally came to the Cumberland mountains at 
Pound Gap, at wliieh gap he crossed and passed down Gist's river 
to Powell's and Clinch valleys. On Tuesday, the 7th day of May, 
1751, he came to New river and crossed the same about eight miles 
above the mouth of Bluestone river. On Saturday, the 11th, he 
came to a very high mountain, upon the top of which was a lake 
or pond aliout three-fourths of a mile long northeast and south- 
west, and one-fourth of a mile wide, the water fresh and clear, 
its borders a clean gravelly shore about ten yards wide, and a fine 
meadow with six fine springs in it. 

From this description it is evident that Gist visited Salt Lake 
mountain, in Giles county, Va., as early as 1751, and found the 
lake as it now is. 

It is evident from this journal that the traditions that we 
so often hear repeated al)out this lake are nothing more than mythi- 
cal, and that this lake existed as it now, is at the time of the earliest 
explorations of the white man. Colonel Gist then passed south 
about four miles to Sinking Creek and on to the settlements. 

In the meantime the "Loyal Companj'^' were not idle, but, hav- 
ing employed Dr. Thomas Walker for a certain consideration, 
sent him on the 12th day of December, 1749, in company with 
Ambrose Powell, William Tomlinson, Henry Lawless and John 
Hughes, to the westward in order to discover a proper place for a 
settlement. A journal of this trip will be found in the Appendix 
to this work, and the reader will find a perusal of this journal ex- 
ceedingly interesting, as Dr. Walker and his associates passed di- 
rectly through what might reasonably be termed the centre of 
Washington county. 

It will be necessary, in speaking of this journal of Dr. Walker's, 
to call the reader's attention to only a few incidents connected 
with the trip, which we will do as briefly as possible. 

On March 15, 1750, they came to the "Great Lick," now the 
present site of the city of Roanoke, Va., at which place they 
bought corn of Michael Campbell for their horses, at which time 
Dr. Walker remarks: "This Lick has been one of the best places 
foi- game in these parts, and would have been of much greater 
advantage to the inhabitants than it has been if the hunters had 
not killed the buffaloes for diversion and the elks and deer for 
their skins." 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 49 

It has been the prevailing opinion that there were uo buffaloes 
east of the Blue Eidge, and while the Great Lick, or Eoauoke 
City, is west of the Blue Ridge, it is altogether probable that buf- 
faloes in their range did oftentimes travel beyond the mountains; 
at any rate it is known that Colonel Byrd killed buffaloes in 1729 
on the boundary line between Virginia and North Carolina and 
south of Eoanoke. 

They tliencc went up the Staunton rivor, now called tlie Little 
Roanoke river, to William Inglis'. Dr. Walker, at this point, 
notes the fact that A\'illiaiii Inglis had a mill which is the fur- 
thest back, except one lately built by the sect of people who called 
themselves of the Brotherhood of Euphrates, or "Duncards," who 
are the upjx'r iutrahilanls of the Xew river and lived on the west 
side of the same. 

It is well to note at this point that the present village of Blacks- 
burg is near the locality occupied by William Inglis in 1750. The 
Duukards spoken of by I)i-. A\'alkcr lived on tlie west side of Yew 
river opposite Inglis' Ferry, several miles above the crossing of 
tlie Xorfolk and Western railroad. Their next stopping point was 
on a small rim between Peak Creek and Reed Creek, or between 
Pulaski city and ^lax ]\Ieadows of the present day. They next 
camped near .lames ]\IcCairs on Reed Creek, and on the 22d of 
March they reached a lai-ge s})riug about five miles below' Davis' 
Bottom, on the ^liddle Fork of ITolston river, where they camped; 
tliey moved thence down the Middle Fork of ITolston, where they 
again camped, and .Vmbi-ose Powell and Dr. Walker went to look 
for Samuel Stalnaker and foimd bis camp, lie having just moved out 
to settle. They assisted Stalnaker in building his house, and spent 
the Sabbath about one-half a mile below him. On Monday, the 
2Gth, they left the frontiers of civilization, Stalnaker's settlement 
being the farthest west at that time. Their trip was not eventful 
until the 30th, on which day they caught two young buffaloes, and 
on tlie ."Ust tluy travt'led down tlie Reedy creek to the Holston 
river at the foot of Long Island, where they measured an elm 
tree twenty-five feet in circumfei-ence three feet from tlie ground. 
They crossed the North Fork of the ITolston about one-half a 
mile above the junction of the North and South Fork rivers at 
a ford. At this point they discovered evidences of Indians. They 
f(uind, in the fork between the North and South Forks of Holston 



50 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

river, five Indian lioiises built witli logs and covered with bark, 
around Mdiich there were an abundance of bones and many pieces 
of mats and cloth. On the west side of the Korth Pork of Hol- 
ston river they found four Indian houses, and four miles south- 
west of the junction of the North and South Porks of Holston 
river they discovered an Indian fort on the south side of the main 
Holston river. 

On April 2d they left the Holston river and traveled in a north- 
west direction toward Cumberland Gap, passing over Clinch moun- 
tain at Loony's Gap, it is thought. They reached the Clinch river 
above the present location of Sneedsville, in Hancock county, Ten- 
nessee, and on the 12th day of April they reached Powell's river, 
ten miles from Cumberland Gap. It is well to* note at this point 
/ that Ambrose Powell, one of Dr. Walker's companions, cut his 
-C name upon a tree on the bank of this river, which name and tree 
were found in the year 1770 by a party of fifteen or twenty Vir- 
ginians on their way to Kentucky on a hunting expedition, from 
which circumstance the Virginia Long Hunters gave it the name 
of Powell's river, which name it still retains. On the 13th they 
reached Cumberland Gap, which gap Dr. Walker afterwards named 
Cumberland Gap in honor of the Duke of Cumberland, the son 
of George II, and the commander of the English forces, on the 
16th of April, 174G, at Culloden, where he defeated, with great 
slaughter, the Highland forces, refusing quarter to the wounded 
prisoners. 

On the 17th of April he reached the Cumberland river and 
named it at that time. On the 23d a part of this company was 
left to build a house and plant some peach stones and corn. On 
the 28th Dr. Walker returned to his company and found that 
they had built a house 12x8 feet, cleared and broken up some 
ground and planted corn and peach stones. 

This was the first house built by an Anglo-Saxon in the State 
of Kentucky, and it was used and occupied as late as 1835. The 
location of this house is on the farm of George M. Paulkner, about 
four miles below Barboursville, Ky. They thence traveled in a 
northeast direction, crossing Kentucky river and New river and 
striking the waters of the Greenbrier, and on the 13th day of 
July Dr. Walker reached his home. On this journey they killed 
thirteen buffaloes, eight elks, fifty-three bears, twenty deer, four 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 51 

wild geese and about a hundred and fifty turkeys, and could have 
killed three times as much meat if they had wanted it. 

It is to be recollected that this trip and the building of the cabin 
in the wilderness of Kentucky was all in the interest of the "Loyal 
Company." 

About this time the "Ohio Company" entered a caveat against 
the "Loyal Company," and the Lojal Company got into a dispute 
with Colo nel J ames Patton, who had an unfinished grant below 
wliere this company were to begin, and no further progress was 
made by the company until June 14, 1753. 

In the year 1748, Mr. Gray, Mr. Ashford Hughes and others 
obtained a grant from the Governor and Council for 10,000 acres 
of land lying on the waters of the New river, which grant was 
soon afterwards assigned to Peter Jefferson (father of Thomas 
Jefferson), Dr. Thomas Walker, Thomas Merriweather and David 
]\Terri weather, which lands were surveyed and principally settled 
in the early days of the settlement of this section. 

About the same time the Governor and the Council of Virginia 
granted to John Lewis, of Augusta, and his associates 100,000 
acres of land to be located on the Greenbrier river, and thus the 
English Govern inont sought to displace the French in their efforts 
to settle and hoUl tlie lands west of the Alleghany mountains. 

On the other hand, the movements of the English were closely 
watched by the French, who were equally determined to defeat 
tliem in their aspirations. A company of French soldiers in 1752 
were sent south as far as the Miami river to notify the English 
traders among the Indians to leave the country, which they re- 
fused to do, and thereupon a fight ensued between the French and 
Indians, in which fourteen Miami Indians were killed and four 
white prisoners were taken, and thus began the contest which re- 
sulted in the loss to France of all her possessions in Canada and 
east of the Mississippi river. 

In April of the year 1749, the house of Adam Harmon, one of 
the first settlers near Inglis' Ferry, on New river, was visited by 
the Indians, and his furs and skins stolen. 

*This was the first Indian depredation committed on the white 
settlers west of the Alleghany mountains. 

In the month of November, 1753, the House of Burgesses of 



*Dr. Ilale's ''Trans-Alloghany Pioneers. 



52 Southwest Virginia, 17Ji 6-1786. 

Virginia passed an act for the further encouraging of persons to 
settle on the waters of the Mississippi, which act we here copy in 
full : 

1. Whereas, it will be the means of cultivating a better cor- 
respondence with the neighboring Indians if a farther encour- 
agement be given to persons who have settled on the waters of 
the Mississippi, in the county of Augusta; and, whereas, a con- 
siderable number of persons, as well his majesty's natural born sub- 
jects as foreign Protestants, are willing to come into this Colony 
with their families and effects and settle upon the lands near the 
said waters in case they can have encouragement for so doing ; and, 
whereas, the settling of that part of the country will add to the 
security and strength of the Colony in general and be a means of 
augmenting his majesty's revenue of quit rents ; 

2. Be it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council 
and Burgesses of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby 
enacted by the authority of the same, That all ])ersons l)eing Prot- 
estants who have already settled or shall hereafter settle and reside 
on any lands situated to the westward of the ridge of mountains 
that divide the rivers Eoanoke, James and Potowmack, from the 
Mississi])pi in the county of Augusta, shall be and are exempted 
and discharged from the payment of all public county and parish 
levies for the term of fifteen years next following, any law, usage, 
or custom to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding.* 

The English Government were exceedingly anxious to encourage 
the settlements on the waters of the Mississippi and thereby 
strengthen their frontiers and fortify their claim to the lands lying 
west of the Alleghany mountains, and, in keeping with this desire, 
the Governor and Council of Virginia, on June 14, 1753, renewed 
the grant to the "Loyal Company" and allowed them four years' 
farther time to complete the surveying and seating of said land, and 
on the 6th day of July following Dr. Thomas Walker, their agent, 
proceeded with all convenient speed to survey said land and to sell 
the same to purchasers at three pounds per hundred acres, exclu- 
sive of fees and rights. The basis of the operations of Dr. Walker 
was in Southwest Virginia, and by the end of the year 1754 he had 
surveyed and sold 224 separate tracts of land containing 45,249 
acres, which surveys were made in the name of the several pur- 

*Hen. S., p. 356. 



Southwest Virginia, 17-'i6-17S6. 53 

chasers from him, and many of the said tracts of land wei'c actually 
occupied by settlers. 

During this time James Pattmi was actively at work surveying 
and selling lands to settlers under his grant from the Governor and 
Council, and the tide of emigration was fast settling towards South- 
west Virginia, when the French-Indian war of 1754-1763 came on, 
which war l)egan in all its fury about this time, and thereby Dr. 
Walker, agent for the "Loyal Company," and James Patton and 
others were prevented, for the time being, from further prosecuting 
their enterprises in surveying and settling this portion of Virginia. 

Tn the spring of 1754, numbers of families were obliged, by an 
Indian invasion, to remove from their settlements in Southwest 
\ irginia, and these removals continued during the entire war. It 
will b<' well here to note the fact that the lands held by Stephen 
il oiston , Jami'S ]\lc Call, Charles Sinclair and James Burke, the 
earlier settlers of this portion of Virginia, were held by them under 
what were known at that time as "corn ri^its — that is, under the 
law as it then stood, each settler acquired title to a hundred acres 
for every acre planted by him in corn, but subsequent settlers, as 
a general rule, held their lands under one of the above-mentioned 
grants. Stephen Holston, who settled at the head spring of the 
Middle Fork of Holston some time prior to 1748, did not remain 
long at this place, but sold his right to James Davis, who, on the 
19th of March, 1748, had John Buchanan, deputy surveyor of 
Augusta county, to survey for him at this point a tract of land con- 
taining 1.300 acres, to which he gave the name of "Davis' Fancy," 
and the descrndaiits of James Davis occupy a portion of this land 
to this day. 

Stephen Holston. when he had disposed of his rights to Davis, 
constructed canoes, ])assed down the Holston, Tennessee and Mis- 
sissippi rivers to Xatchez, Mississippi, and thence returned to Vir- 
ginia, and settled in Culpeper county, where he lived in 1754; af- 
terwards, in 1757, he was captured by the Indians, but, making 
his escape, he returned to the waters of the Holston, and served 
muler Colonel Christian upon the expedition to Point Pleasant in 
1774, and in the expedition against the Cherokees in 1776. Many 
of his descendants are to be found in East Tennessee at this time. 

At the beginning of the year 1753 two families resided on Back 
ereek ; -lames Peed, at Dublin, Va. (from whom Peed creek de- 



54 - Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

rived its name) ; two families on Cripple creek; James Burk, in 
Burk's Garden; Joseph and Esther Crockett, at the head waters 
of the South Fork of Holston river; James Davis, at the head 
waters of the Middle Fork of Holston river, and a family of Dunk- 
ards, by the name of McCorkle, on the west bank of New river 
near Inglis' Ferry. Of these facts we have record evidence. 
Many other families resided west of New river, of whom we have 
no record. 

And thus closes the record of the first efforts made to explore 
and settle Southwest Virginia by the white man. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 55 

CHAPTER IV. 

Southwest Virginia. 

1754-1770. Tims matters stood at the beginning of the year 
1754. Governor Dinwiddie, in this year, dispatched George Wash- 
ington on a mission to the French commander on the Ohio. 
Wasliington, accompanied by Christopher Gist, arrived at the 
French headquarters, which were situated near the present city 
of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he delivered the dispatches 
from Governor Dinwiddie, informing the French commander that 
war was inevitable unless he immediately withdrew from the coun- 
try. 

The French commander denied the right of Governor Dinwiddie 
to give him orders in the premises, and declared his purpose to 
destroy every settlement made by the Virginians in the west. 

To form some idea of the spirit of the American colonies in re- 
gard to the French settlements on the Ohio and their apprehen- 
sions therefrom, Governor Dinwiddie wrote to Earl Granville, in 
1 754, that the French intended to build forts, not only on the Ohio, 
hut on Greenbrier, Holston and jSTew rivers, and the French and 
Indians, he says, are now making incursions among our inhabi- 
tants in Augusta county, driving them from their homes. 

Washington returned to Williamsburg and reported the result 
of his trip, whereupon the Governor of Virginia proceeded to raise 
a regiment under Colonel Joshua Fry and Lieutenant-Colonel 
George Washington. This regiment immediately proceeded to the 
w(>st, and at Redstone, Western Pennsylvania, they encountered 
a force, composed of Indians and French, which they attacked, kill- 
ing ten and capturing the rest. 

They proceeded to the Great Meadows, halted, and built a fort, 
lo which they gave the name of "Fort Necessity.'^ On the 3d day 
of July, 1754, a force of French and Indians, numbering about a 
thousand, under the command of Count de Villiers, vigorously 
assaulted the fort and attempted to take it. The siege lasted for 
nine hours, at the end of which time the French leader sent in a 
flag of truce offering to receive the surrender of the fort upon hon- 



5G Southwest Virgmia, 1746-1786. 

orable terms, which offer was accepted, and the Virginians marched 
out next morning. 

In the spring of 1755, the American colonies attacked the French 
at Nova Scotia, Crown Point, Niagara and on the Ohio river. 

The attack on the French and Indians on the Ohio was com- 
manded by General Braddock, who had arrived from England 
early in that year with two royal regiments — the Eighteenth and 
Forty-fourth. Virginia sent 800 men to join Braddock, and the 
Virginia troops were commanded by Captains Waggoner, Cock, 
Hogg, Stevens, Poulson, Perrony, Mercer and Stewart. Brad- 
dock marched from Alexandria, Virginia, on the 20th of April, 
1755, with 2,200 men, and on the 9th of July he reached the 
Monongahela river, where his troops fell into an ambuscade. 
Braddock was mortally wounded, and his army put to flight, with 
a loss of 777 men killed and wounded, and had it not been for the 
coolness and courage of Washington and his Virginia troops the 
entire army would have been destroyed. 

The army retreated a hundred and twenty miles into the set- 
tlement, and the whole frontier of Western Virginia was thus left 
open to the ravages of the French and Indians. The French and 
Indians crossed the Alleghany mountains into the valley and to 
New river, killing and scalping, in the most horrible manner, 
men, women, and children without distinction, and thus ended 
the first year of the war. 

On the 21st day of March, 1755, the County Court of Augusta 
county appointed George Stalnaker constable on the waters of the 
liolston and New rivers, and he built a stockade fort at Dunk- 
ards' Bottom, the name of which was, according to some writers. 
Fort Frederick, but there is some doubt about it. 

In the month of February, 1755, William Wright, an ensign, 
who was stationed at Port Lewis, near Salem, Virginia, by Major 
Andrew Lewis, accompanied by twenty men, marched to the head 
waters of the Holston river for the purpose of protecting the set- 
tlers, but his movements were so slow that he failed to accomplish 
anything, and, upon his return, he was reprimanded by the Gov- 
ernor of Virginia. 

The New river settlers were not permitted to escape the ravages 
of the Indians and the French, for on the 8th day of July, 1755, 
tlio day before Braddock's defeat, a considerable party of Shaw- 



Southwest Yirginia, 17JfG-17SG. 57 

nose Indians fell upon this settlement and wiped it out of exist- 
ence. Colonel Janies^Patton, Casper Barrier, Mrs. George Draper 
and a child of John Draper were killed. Mrs. William Inglis and 
]\vv two children, Mrs. John Draper and Henry Leonard were takcni 
])i'is()ners. Mrs. Inglis was taken to Ohio, thence to Bone Lick, 
Kentucky, whence slie and an old Dutch woman luade their es- 
cape, and, after iiinny days, retiirned to her home on New river. 

This invasion occurred on Sunday, the 8th day of July, 1755. 
Colonel l*atton, accompanied hy William Preston, was on a visit 
to tlie New river settlement, and was detained by sickness at the 
house of William Inglis^. William Preston, William Inglis and 
John l)ra])cr were away from the house at the time. Mrs. John 
Draper, who first discovered the Indians, ran to the house, secured 
her infant child, and attempted to make her escape by the opposite 
side of the house, but she was detected by the Indians, and, having 
one of her arms broken, the child fell to the ground. She then 
took the child in the other arm and continued her flight, but was 
soon overtaken, the child taken from her, and its brains dashed 
out upon a log by the Indians. Colonel Patton, at the time of the 
attack, was seated at a table writing, with his broad sword beside 
him. He immediately arose, and killed two of the Indians be- 
fore he was shot by others beyond his reach. 

'I'he Indians then ])lundered the premises and began a hasty re- 
treat. 

On their ri'trcai they passed the house of an old man l)y the 
name of Philip Barger, whom they kiUed by severing his head 
from liis body, and carried it off in a bag. It was several days 
bcfoiv eH'orts were made to overtake the enemy and rescue the 
luisDiiers, as Vause's Fort was the nearest point from which help 
could be obtained. 

Mrs. Inglis and the other prisoners were carried by the Indians 
to Ohio. Mrs. Inglis was absent from her home about five months, 
when, in the month of December, 1755, she readied the house of 
Adam Harmon on New river, whence she was taken to a small fort 
at Dunkards' Bottom, on the west side of New river, where she was 
found on tlie next day l)y her liusbaud and her brother. The other 
captives, with but few exceptions, were either rescued or redeenu-'d 
and returned to their homes after many years. 

The l)odv of Colonel James Patton was luiried at Draper's 



58 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Meadows. Colonel John Buchanan sent a company of men to 
pursue the Indians, but they did not succeed in overtaking them, 
and thus occurred the first Indian massacre of the white inhabitants 
of Southwest Virginia. 

About ten miles west of where Christiansburg now stands, and 
near the former residence of Captain Jacob Kent, about two and 
a half miles east of Lafayette and on the head waters of the Eoa- 
noke river, there stood a small fort that in those daj^s was known 
as Vause's Fort, and this was the nearest place of refuge for the 
settlers on New river. 

In the fall of the year 1755, about a hundred French and Indians 
came upon the New river, and assaulted and captured this fort 
and killed or carried into captivity twenty- four persons, not a 
single person escaping. This was a private fort, constructed by 
the settlers for their own protection, and was built of logs and 
easily captured. 

As best I can ascertain, at the time of this invasion James 
Burk, who had settled in Burk's Garden in the year 1753, was 
captured with his entire family; they were all either killed or car- 
ried into captivity. 

A register of the persons who were killed, wounded, and taken 
prisoners in the years 1754, 1755, and 1756 on the New river, 
Eeed creek, and Holston rivers has been preserved, and is as fol- 
lows: 

1754, Stephen Lyon, Holston Elver, killed. 
October. John Godman, Holston Eiver, killed. 

Benjamin Harrison, Holston Eiver, killed. 

1755, Burk, Holston Eiver, prisoner; escaped. 

May 3. Mary Baker, Holston Eiver, wounded. 

June 18. Samuel Stalnaker, Holston, Eiver, prisoner; escaped. 

Samuel Hydon, Holston Eiver, prisoner. 

Adam Stalnaker, Holston Eiver, killed. 

Mrs. Stalnaker, Holston Eiver, killed. 

A servant man, Holston Eiver, killed. 

Mathias Counio, Holston Eiver, killed. 
June 19. Michael Houck, Holston Eiver, killed. 
July 3. James McFarland, New Eiver, killed. 

John Bingeman, New Eiver, killed. 

Mrs. Bingeman, New Eiver, killed. • 



Soutlnvest Virginia, 1746-1780. 59 

Adam Bingeman, New River, killed. 

John Cook. New River, killed. 

Henry Lin, New River, killed. 

A young child. New River, killed. 

Nathaniel Welshire, New River, wounded. 

Dutch Jacob, New River, wounded. 

His wife. New River, prisoner; escaped. 

Frederick Stern, New River, wounded. 

Mrs. Bingeman, Jr., New River, wounded. 

Mrs. Davis, New River, wounded. 

Isaac Frecland, his wife and five children, New River; 
prisoners. 

iJridgonian's son and daughter and a stranger, New 
Ifiver ; prisoners. 
■July 1'2. I jioutenant Wright and two soldiers. Reed Creek, killed. 
30. Colonel James Patton, New River, killed. 

Caspar Barrier, New River, killed. 

Mrs. Draper and one child, New River, killed. 

James Cull, New River, wounded. 

Mrs. English (Inglis) and her two children. New River, 
prisoners; escaped. 

Mrs. Draper, Jr., New River, prisoner. 

Henry Leonard, New River, prisoner. 
Aug. 12. IMorris Griflith, Yause's Fort, prisoner ; escaped. 
1756, ]?obert Looney and a Dutchman, Reed Creek, killed. 

Feb. John Lee, Reed Creek, killed, 

^fiirch. ]\richael IMotes, Reed Creek, killed. 

Patrick Smith, Reed Creek, killed. 

Moses ilann. Reed Creek, prisoner. 

Valentine ITarman and one son, New River, killed. 

Andrew Moses, New River, killed. 
June 25. Captain John Smith, Fort Vause, prisoner; escaped. 

Peter Looney, Fort Vause, prisoner ; escaped. 

William Bratton, Fort Vause, prisoner; escaped. 

Joseph Smith, Fort Vause, prisoner. 

William Pepper, Fort Vause, prisoner. 

Mrs. Vause and two daughters, a negro, and two young 
Indians and a servant man, Fort Vause, prisoners. 

Ivan Medley, and two daughters. Fort Vause, prisoners. 



60 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-17S6. 

James Bell, Fort Yause, prisoner. 
Christopher Hieks, Fort Vaiise, prisoner. 

Cole, Fort Vaiise^ prisoner. ^ 

Graham, Fort Vause, prisoner.- 

Benj. Paries^ Fort Vause, prisoner. 
Lieut. Jolin Smith, Fort Vaiise, killed. 
John Tracey, Fort Vause, killed. . 

John English, killed. 

Mrs. Mary English, Fort Vause, prisoner. 

Wm. Eobinson, Fort Vause, wounded. 

Thomas Eobinson, Fort Vause, wounded. 

Samuel Eobinson, Fort Vause, wounded. 

Eobert Pepper, Fort Vause, wounded. 

John Eobinson, Fort Vause, killed. 
1757. John Walker, Fort Vause, prisoner."* 

Feb. 

In July of this year, Eichard Pearis, who was located on the Hols- 
ton river carrying on a trade with the Cherokee Indians, addressed a 
letter to the Governor of Virginia requesting a grant for the lands 
on the Long Island in the Soiith Fork of the Holston river. In 
reply the Governor encouraged Pearis to believe that he could obtain 
a grant, and wrote him as follows : "1 am surprised the inhabitants 
on Holston river should submit to be robbed by a few Indians. Let 
the Chickasaw know that I greatly approve of his conduct and have 
a real esteem for him." This last sentence in the Governor's letter 
had reference to a Chickasaw warrior who had resented the murder 
of one of the white settlers. 

At the time of which we write the Virginia colonists, and the 
Cherokee and the Chickasaw Indians were exceedingly friendly, and 
through the agency of Eichard Pearis, who was a great favorite with 
the Indians, the Governi^r of Virginia subsequently sought to en- 
list the Cherokee and the Chickasaw Indians in the war against the 
French and the Northern Indians. 

SANDY RIVER EXPEDITION. 

For the purpose of avenging the massacre of the settlers upon the 
N"ew river, the Governor of Virginia enlisted a hundred and thirty 
Cherokee Indians, to whom were joined four companies of the Eang- 

*Col. Wm. Preston diary in L. C. Draper Manuscript. 



SuutlnvesL Virginia, lUiG-llSG. 61 

ers of West xVugusta, loi- the purpose of iuvading and destroying the 
Shawnese towns at the nioutli of the Big Sandy and on the Ohio 
river. The command of this expedition was given to Major Andrew 
Lewis. 

This force consisted of two lumdred and sixty-three white men, 
cominandeil hy Ca])tain ]'eter Hogg, with forty men; Captain 
William rrestoii, wiih tliiriy men; Captain John Smith, with 
thirty men : (*aptain Samuel Overton, with forty men; Captain 
Ohadiali Woodson, with forty men; Captains Rohert Breckenridge, 

Archihald Alexander, John Montgomery and Dunlap 

commanding eighty-three volunteers, and Captain Richard Pearis 
commanding a hundi'ed and tliirty Cherokee and Chickasaw In- 
dians. 

This force was rench'zvoused at Fort Lewis, near Salem, Va., 
whence they marched in Feb. 1756, for the Indian towns. They 
traveled from Fort Lewis, near Salem, to the New river, which they 
Crossed at the Horseshoe Bend; they thence descended the New 
river to the mouth of Wolf creek, thence up Wolf creek to its 
source, thence to Bluestone river, thence to the head of North Fork 
of Sandy, which they reached on the 2Sth day of February, 1756; 
thence down the Sandy to the (li'cat Burning S])riugs, at which point 
they saw the rawhides of several bidTaloes hung upon bushes to dry. 
At this time j)rovisions l)ecamc very scarce and a famine was threat- 
ened, but this litth' army was saved by the bravery and tirmness of 
Major Lewis. 

The army then proceeded fi'om the Burning Springs to the banks 
of tlie Ohio, wlicre tliey remained for two days. Seeing no evidences 
of Indians, they began to retrace their ste})s, and by the time they 
had reached the l^urning Springs on their return, the hunger of the 
men had become so great that the hides of tlie buffalo(>s, which had 
been hung \ipon the bushes, were cut into tugs, and the men de- 
voured them as the only means of preserving life. It is said that 
from this circumstam-e the 'I'lig Fork of Sandy I'iver received its 
name. Thus this expedition ended disastrously for the settlers. 
The Indians were correspondingly elated and immediately ad- 
vanced upon the settlements east of the Alleghany mountains, com- 
mitting many murders and carrying off many prisoners. 

The Governor and Council of Virginia agreed to build a number 
of forts for the protection of the western settlements, and, among 



62 Southivest Virginia, 17Jk6-1786. 

the number, Fort Vause, which ]\ad been destro3^ed by the Indians 
a short time previous. The building of the fort was to be under the 
supervision of Captain Peter Hogg, and was to be at least one hun- 
dred feet square in the clear, with stockades at least sixteen feet long, 
and was to be garrisoned by seventy men. Immediately upon the 
erection of this new fort, many of the settlers returned to their 
homes at and near the fort. About this time companies of Eangers 
were organized for the purpose of running down and capturing 
marauding Shawnese Indians wherever they should be found. A 
journal of one of these expeditions has been preserved, which we 
here publish as a relic of the past. 

An extract of a Journal "Concerning a march that Capt. Eobert 
Wade took to the New Eiver" in search of Indians, Saturday, 12th 
of August, 1758 : 

Capt. Eobert Wade marc't from Mayo fort, with 35 men, in 
order to take a Eange to the New Eiver in search of our Enemy In- 
dians. We marcht about three miles that Day to a Plantation, 
Where Peter Eentfro formerly Lived and took up Camp, where we 
continued safe that night — Next morning being Sunday, we con- 
tinued to march about three or four miles, and one Francis New 
returned back to the Fort, then we had 34 men besides the Capt — 
We marcht along to a place called Gobeling Town, where we Eat 
our Brakefast — & so continued our march till late in the after- 
noon, and took up Camp at the Foot of the Blew Ledge where we 
continued safe that night — Next morning being Monday, the 14th, 
Inst, we started early and crossed the Blew Ledge and Fell upon 
a branch of the Little Eiver, called Pine Creek, 

We followed the sd: Creek down to Little Eiver, and crost the 
Little Eiver & went to Francis Easons' Plantation where we con- 
tinued that night. Our hunters brought a plentiful supply of Ven- 
ison — Next morning being tuesday the 15 Inst, we marct. down to 
Eichard Eattlecliffs' plantation on the Meadow Creek, where we 
continued that night — Next morning being Wednesday the 16th. 
Inst, we Sent our Spyes and hunters to Spy for Enemy Signs, & to 
hunt for provisions. But the body of the Company Tarryed there — 
At Niglit they came in with a plenty of Venison, but could not dis- 
cover any fresh sign of the Enemy — Next morning Thursday the 
17th Inst, we sent out hunters as usual, & in the afternoon some 
of them came in & informed us that they had seen signs of Indians 



Southwest Virginia, lUtG-ll'SG. 63 

at Drapers' Meadow, that had been a catching of horses that Day, 
and that they had gone a straight course for Blackwater — upon 
that we began to get in Eeadyness to persue them next morning — 
but one of our men not coming in that night disappointed us — 
next morning Being Fryday the 18th. Inst. Some of the men were 
sent to Look for the man that was Lost — & the Eest remained there, 
for we counted it imprudent to Leave the Place before we knew 
what had become of the lost man — so we tarryed Till the Day was 
60 far Spent that we could not make anything of a march that Day. 
So the Capt. said that he and some more men would go to view the 
sign, and See what they could Discover. The Capt. and Wm. Hall 
and Adam Hermon, and two or three more went off & Left the men 
under my Command and ordered that we should be in Eeadyness for 
a march as soon as he returned — Soon after the Captain was Gone, 
the man that was Lost Came in & Informed us that he had been lost 
in a Creek of tlie Little Eivcr^ — But when the Captain came to the 
place where the sign was Seen, he Tels us that he saw a Shoe track 
among them, which caused them to believe that it had been white 
men after their horses — So the Captain nor none of the men, that 
was with him returned that night. But went a hunting— Next 
morning being Saturday 19th Inst, the Captain not coming gave 
us a great deal of Uneasyness — tho we Bore it with so much pa- 
tience as we could 'till about noon, for we lay under great appre- 
hensions of Danger — I ordered the men to keep a Verry Sharp Look 
out, and Likewise to be in order to march next morning, by Sun 
Eise, — 1 was Determined to stay that night & if the Capt: did not 
come, to march off after him — Soon after we had come to a con- 
clusion about it Some of the men Spyed five Indians Very near to 
us, for the place wliere we was, was grown uj^ with weeds so that we 
could not Se them, nor they see us 'till thay came A^erry near us — I 
was a Lying down in the house when I heard the news — I Eased up 
and presented my Gun at one of the Indians, But I heard some of 
our Company that was in another house, Cry out. Don't Shoot — 

I Stopt at that and askt them what they were & I beleive they said 
Cheroke, but Stood in amaise, & Eeason they had, for I suppose 
there was 20 Guns presented at them, we went up to them & 
Examined them — they said they were Cherokees, I made signs to 
them to show me their Pass, But they had none, — They had with 
them 5 head of horse Kind & Skelps, that appeared to be white 



64 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

mens — 4 of the horses appeared as tho' they had been Lately taken 
up, but the otlier was very poor — The Indians began to make ready 
to go off, but I made Signs to them that they must not Go that 
night. But they seemed very intent to go — but we would not agree to 
it — Some of the Company insisted to fall upon them and Kill them, 
for they said they believed they were Shawnees, & that they were 
Spyes^and was doubtful that they had a superior number Some 
where nigh — But I said I was determined to keep them till the Capt : 
came, without they would go by forse, and if they would we would 
fire upon them — 2 of the men went off after the Capt : who soon met 
some of the Company, who told them that they had been hunting 
& that the Capt : would soon be in ; who accordingly came soon after 
■* we informed him how tilings had happened in his absence & in 
wha^ manner the Indians appeared ; tliat they had no pass and that 
they had white Skelps — After Capt: lieard the opinion of the peo- 
ple, lie past sentence of Death upon them ; but there was one Abra- 
ham Dunklebcrry, hunter that we lot off who said they were Chero- 
kees, yet he agreed that they were Eogues ; which seemed to put the 
Capt: to a stand, but we had their Guns taken from them & a guard 
kept over them that night — next morning Being Sunday 30th Inst, 
upon what Dunkleberry had said the Capt : let them have their Guns 
& let them go off — which displeased some of the Carolina men — so 
much that they swore if they were not allowed to kill them, they 
would never go Eanging again, for they said it was to no purpose 
to Bang after the Enemy, & when they had found them, not to be 
allowed to kill them — which you must think is very hard for us to 
be compel to Rang & then let the Enemy have Liberty to Kill some 
of us, before we Dare to Kill them — at that Eate we may all be 
Kill'd, and never Kill an Indian, for if there is enough of them to 
overcome us, then they are Enemy, But if we are too numerous for 
them they are friends. 

Upon consideration of their having no pass, nor white man, & by 
reason of their steal of horses, they did not appear any waise Like 
friends, so the Captain told them to be Easy, and after Dunkleberry 
was gone, we would go after them and Kill them. So Dunkleberry 
packt up his skins to go off & we marcht after the Indians — ^we 
overtook them and past them. Because the Capt: said they were 
in such order that we could not kill them all, but would wate for a 
better opportunity — They were going toward the New Eiver — so the 



Soutliwest Virginia, 17Ji6-llSG. 65 

men that had been acquainted Knew of 2 fords & they Emagined 
tliey wouhl cross at the npper ford — But we lade an Anibushkaide 
at each ford, the ('ai)t: & mys(>]r and a partie of men at the upper 
ford, and a partie of men at the Loer ford & the Capts : orders were 
to fire at tliem as they Crost tlie River — But after we liad placed our- 
selves aiul sat a\vliih> 2 or 3 of the men came from the Loer Ford & 
inforjned us that two of ilie hulians had Crost at the Loer ford, and 
the}' did not fire at them because they were not altogether. So the 
Capt. and the men went towai'ds the Loer Ford & as we went along 
we saw 4 of the Indians: we did not fire at them; the Capt: con- 
cluded to ly by awhile and \vi tliem all get together & then follow 
them and kill them — soon after the other Indians followed them, 
tlie C'aiits: or<Ieis was for 12 of the best men to follow them and 
Kill theiu and the i-emainder of the Company to go to the Dunker 
F(u-t winch was about half a mile below us & the Capt: took such 
men as he Tiik'd and set down to conclude how we should follow 
them — the way the Capt prop')sed was to Dog them till night and 
llieii ly By till the Brake of Day and then Fall upon them and Kill 
them — he said if we fii'ed upon them in the day. some would get 
away — but we did not approve of his skeems, and told him the 111 
Consequence that attended it, but he still insisted upon that way of 
]»r()ceeding — At length we desired him to go down to the fort with 
the rest of the men, & let us go after the Indians, to which he con- 
sented, and went oil' to the fort and we after the Indians — 

"^riie men that followed them Arere Adam hernion, Daniel Her- 
mon, Wui. Hall, Eic'd IFall. -Lnvr, Tobias Clapp, Philip Clap, 
Joseph Clapp, BenJ. Angel, David Currie, Eic'd Hines, James Lyon 
& my self — 13 of us — We followed them and overtook them at a 
])each orchard — jest as they were leaving it, we watched our oppor- 
tunity, and fired at them and followed them up till we Killed 4 of 
them, and wounded the other — we Skelpt them that we killed, & 
then followed the other — he bled vei-ry much, he went into the 
river and to an Island — but we could not find where he went out — 
some of the men left looking for him, and some went after the 
Indian horse — but myself ami 1 or 5 more, we Scrcht the Island 
till late in the afternoon, & wdien we came to the Fort the Capt. and 
men were a handling the Indians' goods & after a while the Capt: 
told me we were all io be sworn — so we Tarried there that night- 
Next morning being Monday 21st Inst, w^e packed up in order to 



66 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

march homeward, for signs of Indians was plenty & we had but lit- 
tle amunition but before we left the fort, we were Sworn — the words 
of the oath Do not remember exactly, but the Intent of the thing 
was not to tell that we ever heard them say that they were Chero- 
kees without required to swere — so left the fort and marcht till dark 
& took up Camp at a Plantation upon a Branch of the Little Kiver. 
We continued there that night — next morning, being Tuesday the 
22nd inst. we marcht from that place to Blackwater — we eat din- 
ner with them marcht off again Eob Joneses Plantation on the head 
of Pig Kiver, and Tarryed there that night, next morning being 
Wednesday 23d. inst. they delayed time in the morning, and we had 
nothing to eat, the Company had some rum to drink, but myself 
and four more left the Company and went across to Goblingtown 
& came to Mayo Fort — that night — the Captain and the Eest of the 
men tells us that they came to Ilickey's fort and that night and 
next day to Mayo fort — I remember no more worth making a remark 
of so Courteous Eeader I Eem'n 

Yrs. &., John Echols. 

Captain Wm. Preston and Captain Wm. Byrd each organized a 
company of Eangers. A number of the men that enlisted under 
them afterwards settled in AVashington county and their names were 
as follows: 

Capt. Wm. Preston's Co. Capt. Wm.. Byrd's Co. 

Wm. Johnston, Michal Morrison, Sergt., 

Benj. Estill, John Crank, 

George Martin, Thomas Brumley, 

John Johnston, John Donnelly, Fifer, 

Jas. Clendenen, Eichard Staunton, Sergt., 

John Vance, Jolm Lemons, 

Solomon Kendrick, Eichard Chapman, 

Christopher Ackland, Francis Farmer, 

Eobert Eutherford. Henry Dooley, 

Drury Puckett, Sergt., 

John Eoss. 

On the 29th of July, 1756, a Council of War assembled at Staun- 
ton, by direction of the Governor of Virginia, to determine at what 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 67 

points forts should be built along the frontier for the protection of 
the settlers. 

The Council was composed of Col. John Buchanan, Samuel Stal- 
naker and others, of which Council Wm. Preston acted as clerk. 
There can be no doubt that Captain Samuel Stalnaker represented 
the Ilolston settlement and that it was at his request that the 
stockade fort was built at Dunkards' Bottom, on New river, and at 
Davis' Bottom, at the head waters of the Middle Fork of Holston 
river. 

In the year 1757, Dickenson's Fort, situated on the Cow Pasture 
river, in Augusta county, was raided by the Indians, and several chil- 
li I'en, playing imder the walls outside the fort, and a number of men 
were captured. So careless were the conmianding officers that the 
Indians I'cached the very gates of the fort before they were discov- 
ered. At the time of this raid upon Dickenson's Fort, the Indians 
captured a boy who was destined in after years to play such a part 
in the history of Washington county as would justly entitle him to 
the appellation of "Father of Washington County," so intelligent 
and active were his efforts in the settling of our county and in the 
protection of its earlier inhabitants ; and this boy was Arthur Camp- 
bell, who had volunteered as a militiaman for the protection of the 
frontiers. On the day of the raid he, with others, had gone to a 
thicket near by in search of plums, when the party was fired upon 
from ambush by Indians, and Campbell was wounded and cap- 
tured. He was carried by the Indians to Ohio and thence to the 
Lakes, where he was detained for a number of years, when he suc- 
ceeded in making his escape to an English force and returned to his 
home. Upon his return he addressed a letter to the Governor of 
Virginia, detailing the circumstances of his capture and detention, 
and thereby made such an impression upon the Governor that he 
was afterwards granted a thousand acres of land in consideration of 
his services. 

Governor Dinwiddle was so much in earnest about enlisting the 
Cherokee and other Southern Indians in the war against the French 
and Northern Indians, that, in the year 1756, he dispatched the 
Hon. Peter Randolph and Wm. Byrd to their country as commis- 
sioners, to negotiate formal treaties with them. The commissioners 
returned to Williamsburg and, either before or at that time, a treaty 
was made with the Indians, by which it was stipulated that the 



68 Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 

Indians were to send reinforcements to aid the Colonies, In consid- 
eration of the agreement of the Government to build a fort in their 
country. On the 24th day of April the Governor directed Major 
Andrew Lewis to enlist sixty men who could use the saw and axe, 
and to proceed to tlie Cherokee country with all speed and erect a 
fort as agreed upon. Major Lewis did not start for the Indian 
counti-y until June of that year, and on the 20th day of August, 
wrote the Governor that he might expect a reinforcement of a hun- 
dred and fifty Cherokees and fifty Catawba Indians at an early date. 

Major Lewis, with his force, passed down the waters of the Hols- 
ton to the southern bank of the Tennessee river, at the head of navi- 
gation, about thirty miles from the present city of Knoxville. He 
ti]£re built a fort, whicli he called Fort Loudon, in honor of the 
Governor of Virginia. In September of that year. Major Lewis 
addressed anotlier letter to the Governor of Virginia, in wdiich he 
stated that the Indians were very much pleased with their fort, and 
that the Governor might expect a reinforcement of four hundred 
Indians. This letter also contained a request from the Indians 
that the Governor would send a small garrisOn of white men to hold 
the fort during the absence of their warriors. By the 18th day of 
September, 1756, Captain Samuel Overton and his men, who had 
accompanied Major Lewis, had returned to their homes, leaving 
]\Iajor Lewis in the Indian country to bring in the reinforcements. 

In the fall of that yoai' ]\Iajor Lewis returned from the Chero- 
kee country, accompanied by seven warriors and three women, great- 
ly to the su7-prise of tlie Governor. The French in the meantime 
had bonghl off the Indians. 

Fort Loudon was then estimated to be more tlian a hundred miles 
from li;o nearest settlement, was at a place at all times difficult to 
rjacli, eveji in times of peace, and beyond the reach of help from 
the settlements in the event of war with the Cherokee Indians. This 
fort was by order of the Earl of Loudon, then Governor of Virginia, 
garrisoned by two hundred troops from Britain. 

The Indians allured artisans into Fort Loudon by donations of 
land, wliich iiiey caused to bo signed by their own chief and by 
Governoi- Dobljs of Noi-tb ('arolina. Tliere was a rapid increase of 
tlie number of settlers, as a result, at and in tlie vicinity of Fort 
Loudon. 



South irrst Virginia, 1746-17SG. 69 

Tn the year 1750 the Now River Lead Mines were discovered by 
CoL John ('liiswell, at wliich time operations were begun. 

Col. Chiswfli liad Ijeen engaged in mining operations near Ki'cd- 
ericksburg, Va., for some time previous to this time, and was an 
intimate friend of C'ol. Win Byrd. 

Al)ont this time the le ad mines were discovered, and four Iniii- 
dfcd aci'cs of land, including the mines, were surve\'ed on Octol)oi' 
1st, J781, and a patent was issued to C*has._Tjyncl\ trustee for the 
le-id Diine company, by Beverly Eandol]ih, Governor of Virginia, on 
the Tth day of ^lay, 11!M. in consideraiion of £3 10s. sterling, jmid 
by C'lias. Lynch, and of pre-oiuption Treasury warrants Nos. 2393 
and <?35(). As far as I can ascertain this property was owned orig- 
inally by Col. Wm. Byrd , Col. Joh n Chiswell and John Robinson, 
afterwards Treasurer of Virginia. Col. John Chiswell, some time 
))revious to ITT-"), killed a nian in Cumberland county, Virginia, and 
MJulo awaiting trial ho coiimiitted suicide.* 

At the beginning of tho Revolutionary ''A'ar, the Legislature of 
Virginia directed the ConiniiKec of Safety I'ov Fincastle county to 
lease these mines, at a reasonable rent, and if they could not lease 
them, to in)pi-('ss them for fthe us(> of the State. Tho committee, 
acting according to their authority, took possession of the lead mines, 
whether by lease or by impressment I cannot say, anc' the State of 
A'irginia, through her agents, Chas. Lynch and Capt. Calloway, 
operated these miiu's during the Revolutionai'y War, and paid rent 
therefor to the representati\('s of John Robinson and Wm. Byrd, 
and to .Idhii Cliiswcll. tlio son of Col. John Chiswcdl. 

A considerable xillagc had grown \\]^ around Foi-t Tjoudon 1)y the 
year K(iO. 

I'.riti>li ai'iiis wci'c successful at e\ei'y point in llie contest with the 
French and Indians in 1158-1760. Canada was con(|uereil and the 
Fi'cncb expelled from it in 1759, and K(U't l)u Quesnc was cap- 
tui-ned by Cenei-al For])es and the French expelled from the Ohio 
Valley. 

The residt of the expulsion of the French from Canada and the 
Ohio A'alley proved very disastrous to the western settlements of the 
Southern Colonies. "The scene of action was onlv changed from 



*Xinth ITonninji's Staiutos, pagos 73-2.37. 
t Vol. 14 Call's Rep., page 17. 
t 2 II. & M. Rep., page 22. 



70 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

one place to another, and the baneful influence of those active and 
enterprising enemies that had descended the Ohio soon manifested 
itself in a more concentrated form among the upper Cherokees, the 
interior position of whose country furnished facilities of immediate 
and frequent intercourse with the defeated and exasperated French- 
men, who now ascended the Tennessee river and penetrated to their 
mountain fastnesses. An unfortunate quarrel with the Virginians 
helped to forward their intiigues and opened an easier access into 
the towns of the savages. The Cherokees, as before remarked, had, 
agreeably to their treaties, sent a number of their warriors to assist 
in the reduction of Du Quesne. Eeturning home through the back 
parts of Virginia, some of them, who had lost their horses on this 
expedition, laid hold on such as they found running at large and 
appropriated them. The Virginians resented tlie injury by killing 
twelve or fourteen of the unsuspecting warriors and taking several 
more prisoners. This ungrateful conduct from allies, whose fron- 
tiers they had defended and recovered, aroused at once a spirit of 

deep resentment and deadly retaliation The 

flame soon spread through the upper towns. The garrison at Fort 
Loudon, consisting of about two hundred men under the command 
of Captains Demere and Stuart, was, from its remote position from 
the white settlements, the flrst to notice the disaffection and to suffer 
from it. The soldiers, as usual, making excursions into the woods 
to procure fresh provisions, were attacked by them and some of them 
killed. From this time such dangers threatened the garrison that 
every one was confined within the small boundary of the fort." . . 

"All communication with the settlements 

across the mountains from which they received supplies was cut off, 
and the soldiers, having no other sources from which provision could 
be procured, had no prospect left them but famine or death. Par- 
ties of the young warriors rushed down upon the frontier settle- 
ments, and the work of massacre became general along the borders 
of Virginia and North Carolina."* 

The Governor of North Carolina undertook to pacify the Indians, 
and negotiated a treaty with six of their head men, but this treaty 
did not express the sentiments of the Indians and they paid no 
attention to it. 

Numerous companies of Eangers were organized to patrol the 

*HayTVOod. 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 71 

frontiers and punish the Indians for any depredations they might 
commit, and every means was exhausted to bring about peace, but 
the Intlians were not disposed to listen to any terms of accommo- 
dation and continued tlieir depredations wherever and whenever 
possible. 

The Governor of Virginia directed Col. William liyrd to proceed 
to Fort Ix)udon vvitb a body of backwoodsmen from Virginia, num- 
bering about six hundred www, and io relieve the garrison. Col. 
iiyrd organized liis foi-cc and began the march, but was greatly 
hampered by lack of men and supplies. 

Notwithstanding the fact tliat Co]. Byrd was an exijerienced cani- 
l)aigner, he occupied most ol' his time in building block-houses and 
roads, and accomplished nothing in tlie way of relieving Fort Lou- 
don. 

He crossed New river to tlie load mines and immediately pro- 
ceeded to build a fort about two miles south of the present site of \y^ 
i\rax Meadows on the McAdam road near the home of James Mc- 
Gavock, to which he gave the name of Fort Chiswell, in honor of 
his friend. Col. John Chiswell, who was at that time working the 
letid mines which had been discovered some time previously. 

From Fort Chiswell Col. Byrd marched to the Long Island in the 
SoutJi Fork of Holston river, opening a road from Fort Chiswell to 
Long Island. 

At this point, Col. Byrd and his men spent the winter of 1760. 
During the winter Col. Byrd erected a fort upon a beautiful level on 
the north bank of the South Fork of the Holston river, nearly oppo- 
site the upper end of Long Island, to which fort lie gave the name 
of Fort Robinson, in honor of John Eobinson, the partner of him- 
self and Col. John Chiswell in the ownership of tlie lead mines. 
Tills fort was built upon an extensive plan. The walls were suffi- 
cient in thickness to withstand the force of a small cannon shot. 
Thi-re were proper bastions, and the gates were; spiked with large 
nails so that the wo<5d was entirely covered.* 

At tJic time this fori was huilt, iL was su^jposed iliat the Ijong 
Fsland was in Virginia, the boundary line between Virginia and 
North Carolina not Iiaving been i-un fartlier wcfit than Steep Eock. 

And tlius to Virginians may be assig-ned the honor of havin'^ 



*Foit Patrick ilciiry, 177U. 



72 Southwest Virginia, 17Jk6-1186. 

erected Fort Loudon and Fort Robinson, the first Anglo-American 
forts within the present State of Tennessee. 

While engaged in building Fort Robinson Col. Byrd was joined 
by five hundred men from iSTorth Carolina under the command of 
Col. Waddell. 

As a result of the course pursued by Col. Byrd, great dissatisfac- 
tion arose among his men, and Col. Byrd resigned, and was suc- 
ceeded in the command of the force, now numljering about twelve 
hundred men, by Col. Stephens. 

In the meantime, the distant garrison at Fort. Loudon, consist- 
ing of two hundred men, was reduced to the dreadful alternative of 
perishing by hunger or sul)mitting to the mercy of the enraged 
Cherokees. The Governor of Soiith Carolina, hearing that the Vir- 
ginians had undertaken to relieve it, for awhile seemed satisfied and 
anxiously waited to hear the news of that happy event, but so remote 
was the fort from any settlement and so difticidt was it to march 
an army through a barren wilderness, where every thicket con- 
cealed an enemy, and tO' carry, at the same time, sufficient supplies 
along with them, that the Virginians had not succeeded in giving 
them assistance. Provisions being entirely exhausted at Fort Lou- 
don, the garrison was upon the point of starving. For a whole 
month they had no other subsistence than the flesh of lean horses 
and dogs and a small supply of Indian beans, procured stealthily for 
them by some friendly Cherokee women. The officers had long en- 
deavored to encourage the men with the ho^e of succour ; but now, 
being blockaded night and day by the enemy and having no resource 
left, they threatened to leave the fort and die at once by the hands 
of the savages, rather than perish slowly by famine. In this extrem- 
ity the commander was obliged to call a council of war tO' consider 
what was proper to be done. The officers were all of the opinion 
that it was impossible to hold out longer. They therefore agreed to 
surrender the fort to the Cherokees on the best terms that could be 
obtained from them. For this purpose, Capt. Stuart, an officer of 
great sagacity and address and much beloved by those of the Indians 
who renuiined in the British interest, procured leave to go to Chota, 
one of the ])rincipal towns in the neighborhood, where he obtained 
the following terms of capitulation, which were signed by the com- 
manding officers and two of the ('hcrokee chiefs. 

"Tliat the (j^arrison of Fort Loudon march out with their arms 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 73 

and dnims, each soldier having as much powder and ball as his officer 
shall think necessary for the march, and all the baggage he may 
cliooso to carry; tliatthe garrison be permitted to march, immolested, 
to Virginia or Fort Prince George, as the commanding officer shall 
think proper, and that a number of Indians be appointed to escort 
lliom and hunt for provisions during the march; that such sol- 
diers as are lame, or by sickness disabled from marching, be received 
into the Indian to^ns and kindly used until they recover, and then 
!)(' allowed to return to Fort Prince George; that the Indians do 
provide for the gai'i'ison as many horses as they conveniently can for 
the march, agreeing with the officers and soldiers for payment; that 
tlie fort, great gims, powder, ])all and spare arms be delivered to the 
Indians without fraud or further delay, on the day appointed for 
the march of the troops.* 

"Agreeably to this stipulation, the garrison delivered up the fort 
and marched out with their arms, accompanied by Oconostota, 
•ludds' friend, the Prince of Chota, and several other Indians, and 
iliat day went fifteen miles on their way to Fort Prince George. 

A.t night they encamped upon a plain about two miles from Tali- 
tpio, an Indian town, wbon all their attendants, upon one pretext or 
another, left them ; which the officers considered as no good sign, and 
therefore placed a strict guard around their camp. During the 
niglit they remained unmolested, but next morning about break of 
day a soldier from an outpost came running in and informed them 
that he saw a number of Indians, armed and painted in the most 
dreadful manner, creeping among the bushes and advancing in order 
to surround theiu. Scarcely had the officer time to order his men 
to stand to their arms, when the savages poured in upon them a 
heavy fu-e from different quarters, accompanied by the most hideous 
yells, which struck a panic into the soldiers, who were so much en- 
feebled and dispirited tliat they were incapable of malsing any effect- 
ual resistance. Ca])taiu Dcmcn-e, wit1i three other officers and about 
twenty-six privates, fell at the first onset. Some fled into the woods 
and were afterwards taken prisoners and confined among the towns 
in the valley. Captain Stuart and those that remained were seized, 
])iuioned and brought back to Fort Loudon. ISTo sooner had Attalcul- 
lakulla heard that his friend, Mr. Stuart, had escaped, than he has- 
tened to the fort and purchased him from the Indian that took him, 

* Haywood. 



74 Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 

giving him his rifle, clothes and all he could command by way of 
ransom. He then took possession of Capt. Demere's house, where 
he kept his prisoner as one of his family and freely shared with 
him the little provisions his table afforded, until a fair oppor- 
timity should offer for rescuing him from the hands of the savages, 
but the poor soldiers were kept in a miserable state of captivity for 
some time and then redeemed by the province at great expense. 

"While the prisoners were confined at Fort Loudon, Oconostota 
formed the design of attacking Fort Prince George. To this bold 
undertaking he was the more encouraged, as the cannon and am- 
munition surrendered by the garrison would, under direction of 
French officers who were near him, secure its success. Messengers 
were therefore dispatched to the valley towns requesting their war- 
riors to meet him at Stickoee. 

"By accident, discovery was made of ten bags of powder and a 
large quantity of ball, that had been secretly buried at the fort to pre- 
vent their falling into the enemy's hands. This discovery had nearly 
proved fatal to Captain Stuart; but the interpreter had such presence 
of mind as to assure the incensed savages that these warlike stores 
were concealed without Stuart's knowledge or consent. The sup- 
ply of ammunition being sufficient for the siege, a council was held 
at Chota, to which the captive Stuart was taken. Here he was re- 
minded of the obligations he was under for having his life spared, 
and as they had determined to take six cannon and two cohorts 
against Fort Prince George, the Indians told him he must accom- 
pany the expedition, manage the artillery and write such letters to 
the commandant as they should dictate to him. They further in- 
formed him that if the officer should refuse to surrender, they had 
determined to burn the prisoners, one by one, before his face and 
try whether he could be so obstinate as to hold out while his friends 
were expiring in the flames. 

"Captain Stuart was much alarmed at his present situation and 
from that moment resolved to make his escape or perish in the 
attempt. He privately communicated his design to Attakullakulla 
and told him that the thought of bearing arms against his country- 
men harrowed his feelings, and he invoked his assistance to accom- 
plish his release. The old warrior took him by the hand, told him he 
was his friend and was fully apprised of the designs of his country- 
men, and pledged his efforts to deliver him from danger. Attakulla- 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 75 

kulla claimed Captain Stuart as his prisoner and resorted to strata- 
gem to rescue him. He told the other Indians that he intended to 
go a hunting for a few days and to take his prisoner with him. 
Accordingly they departed, accompanied by the warrior's wife, his 
brother and two soldiers. The distance to the frontier settlements 
was great and the utmost expedition was necessary to prevent sur- 
prise from Indians pursuing them. Nine days and nights did they 
travel through a dreary wilderness, shaping their course by the sun 
and moon, for Virginia. On the tenth they arrived at the banks of 
the Holston river, where they fortunately fell in with a party of three 
hundred men, sent out under the command of Col. Byrd for the 
relief of Fort Loudon. On the fourteenth day the Captain reached 
Col. Byrd's camp on the frontiers of Virginia. His faithful friend 
Attakullakulla was here loaded with presents and provisions and 
sent back to protect the unhappy prisoners till they should be ran- 
somed and to exert his influence with the Cherokees for the restora- 
tion of peace."* 

It will be observed that Fort Loudon was defended by twelve great 
guns. It cannot be explained how the cannon had been transported 
to Fort Loudon as early as 175G. They could not have been brought 
down the Ohio and up the Tennessee, for the French were in pos- 
session of the mouth of the Tennessee. The only plausible ex- 
planation that can be given is that these cannon were carried across 
the mountains from Augusta county when reinforcements were sent 
to Fort Loudon, and then along Indian trails upon pack horses. It 
is possible that these cannon were brought from Fort Lewis to the 
head ^vaters of the Holston and carried down the same in boats or 
canoes to the mouth of the Holston, and thence up the Little Ten- 
nessee to Fort Loudon. 

It is sad to contemplate the fate of the occupants of this the first 
Anglo-American fort established in Tennessee. 

It does not appear that the fort at Long Island was permanently 
occupied at this time. About this time, large numbers of hunters 
fi'om Eastern A^'irginia, allured by the report of the abundance of 
game and the prospect of gain in the western wilderness, organized 
themselves into companies, and hunted throughout Southwest Vir- 
ginia, East Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky. 

The first company of hunters who visited this section, as far as 

•Haywood. I 



76 Southwest Virginia, 17J,G-1786. 

I can ascertain, was a company organized by Elisha Wallen (from 
whom Wallen's Creek and Wallen's Eiclge received their names, as 
well as Wallen's Station in Lee county), accompanied by Scaggs, 
Blevins, Cox and others. Tliey remained eighteen months, during 
which time they hunted in Clinch and Powell's Valleys in Virginia, 
and Carter's Valley in Tennessee, and went as far as Laurel moun- 
tain in Kentucky. 

About the same time Daniel Boone, accompanied by several hunt- 
ers, visited the Holston and camped the first night in what is now 
known as Taylor's Valley. On the succeeding day, they hunted down 
the South Fork of Holston river and traveled thence to what was 
thereafter known as Wolf Hills, where they encamped the second 
night, near where Black's Fort was afterwards built. It is interest- 
ing to note at this point that Daniel Boone and his companion, im- 
mediately after nightfall, were troubled by the appearance of great 
numbers of wolves, which assailed their dogs with such fury that it 
was with great difficulty that the hunters succeeded in repelling their 
attacks and saving the lives of their dogs, a number of which were 
killed or badly crippled by the wolves. The wolves had their home 
in the cive that underlies the town of Abingdon. The entrance to 
this cave is upon the lot now occupied by the residence of Capt. 
James L. White, and it was from this incident that Abingdon re- 
ceived its first name, Wolf Hills. Boone and his companion re- 
mained at Abingdon for a short while, during which time they dis- 
agreed and separated, Boone taking the Indian trail leading to Long 
Island, and Nathaniel Gist, his companion, following the Indian 
trail to Cumberland Gap. They did not meet again upon this trip. 

On Boon's creek in East Tennessee was found a tree upon which 
was found the following inscription: "D. Boon cilled a bar on this 
tree in the year 1760" ; and near Long Island in Tennessee a tree 
was found in recent years upon which was the following inscription : 
"D. Boon killa bar on this tree 1773." 

A block containing the last inscription was taken from this tree 
and is now in possession of Mrs. James W. Preston, of Abingdon, 
and establishes the fact that Daniel Boone was upon the waters of 
the Holston as early as 1760, and again in 1773. 

A treaty of peace was concl\\(led between the French and English 
at Fontainbleau, in 1762, by which the English acquired Canada 
and that portion of the Mississippi Valley cast of that river, but 




l);uiirl Buonc and Boone Trees. 



78 Southwest Virginia, 17Jk6-n86. 

peace was not concluded with the Indians until the next year. The 
Indians had become accustomed to bloodshed and greatly detested 
the Anglo- American settlers. They were gi-eatly exasperated by the 
cession of Canada to the English and at the French for deserting 
them. 

The Indians detested the Anglo-American settlers for the very evi- 
dent reason that they asserted title to all the lands lying upon the 
western waters, were building forts at various places upon the fron- 
tiers and manning them with British troops, and because their set- 
tlers were occupying the favorite hunting grounds of the Indians. 
The Indians, being deprived of the more moderate counsel of their 
French allies, therefore became more brutal and savage in their con- 
duct towards the settlers, and so active and intelligent were the 
Indians in conducting their campaigns against the settlements that 
all the land lying along the waters of the Mississippi was depopulated 
by July, 1763, except a small settlement at Draper's Meadows, on 
New river. The condition of the country at that time is best de- 
scribed by a letter of Col. Wm. Preston, which letter is here pub- 
lished. 

The letter is dated Greenfield, 27th July, 1763. The writer 
says : "Our situation at present is very different from what it was 
when we had the pleasure of your company in this country. All the 
valleys of Roanoke river and along the waters of the Mississippi are 
depopulated, except Captain English with a few families on the New 
river, who have built a fort, among whom are Mr, Thompson and his 
family, alone remaining. They intend to make a stand till some as- 
sistance be sent them. Seventy-five of the Bedford militia went out 
in order to pursue the enemy, but I hear the oflScers and part of the 
men are gone home, and the rest gone to Reed creek to help in the 
family of James Davis and in two or three other families there that 
dare not venture to travel. 

"I have built a little fort in which are eighty-seven persons, twenty 
of whom bear arms. We are in a pretty good posture of defence, 
and with the aid of God are determined to make a stand. In five or 
six other places in this part of the country they have fallen into the 
same method and with the same resolution. How long we may keep 
them is uncertain. No enemy have appeared here as yet. Their 
guns are frequently heard and their footing observed, which makes 
us believe they will pay us a visit. My two sisters and their families 



Southivest Virginia, 1746-178G. 79 

are here and all in good health. We bear our misfortunes so far with 
* * * and are in hopes of being relieved I have a thousand 
things * * * Captain Christian can't wait * * * i give 
you joy.'' (The asterisks indicate parts of the letter torn out.) 

In the year 1760, a party of Indians, numbering eight or ten, 
crossed the Blue Eidge and murdered a number of people in Bedford 
county, took several women and children prisoners and returned by 
way of New river. 

A man in the New river settlement, while searching for stray 
horses, discovered the Indians encamped about six miles from the 
New river fort, of which information was given to William Inglis, 
who gathered sixteen or eighteen men and proceeded to attack the 
Indians, about daybreak the next morning. A considerable battle 
followed, in which one white man and seven Indians were killed, the 
rest of the Indians making their escape. Capt. Inglis and his men 
secured all the provisions and plunder of the Indians. ..^ 

The western settlements for ten years enjoyed comparative peace 
from the Indians. The only trouble they had to contend with was 
from parties of thieving Indians that occasionally visited the settle- 
ments. The British Government previously to 17G3 claimed the .^ 
lands lying west of the Alleghany mountains by right of the discov- 
ery of John Cabot made in 1497, and at no time recognized the 
claims of the Indian inhabitants to these lands. 

In the treaty concluded with France in 1762, Avhile France ceded 
to England all her rights in this territory, i-till no provision was 
made for extinguishing the Indian title thereto, and the Indians 
denied the right of France to cede England these lands. 

In March, 1764, a company of Indians visited the home of David 
Cloyd, about five miles west of the present Fincastle, Va., and 
tomahawked Mrs. Cloyd, killed John Cloyd, destroyed the entire 
household, and carried off a large sum of money that belonged to 
David Cloyd. Mrs. Cloyd lived until the next morning and told 
all the circumstances connected with the raid. Before dying she 
told how an Indian had taken up a cob and wiped the blood from 
her temples, exclaiming "Poor old woman !" 

This company of Indians were pursued by a company of militia 
under Capt. James Montgomery, and one of the Indians was killed 
(m John's creek about thirty miles from Cloyd's house, with £137 
18s. on his person. A dispute arose among the militia as to the 

i , 



80 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

ownership of the money and it was deposited in the hands of Capt. 
James Montgomery until the matter should be decided. 

We here insert a copy of the court records^ which best explains 
the matter. 

In Augusta County Court, August Term, 1766. 

David Cloyd Plaintiff, 

vs. Recover goods taken by Indians. 
James Montgomery, Defendant. 

We agree that a party of Indians made an Irruption into the 
Colony, attacked the Plaintiff's House, rifled it and bore off up- 
wards of £200 in gold and silver and several household goods and 
negroes. 

We agree that a party of the militia pursued the enemy and over- 
took them on John's creek, a branch of the James river, at the dis- 
tance of 30 or 35 miles from the Plaintiff's House, and attacked 
and killed one of the number. 

We agree that upon searching the Indian's Budgett a quantity of 
gold, some dollars and pieces of small silver were found, which 
upon being weighed amounted to the sum of £137 18s. 

We agree that the money found in the budgett of the Indians 
consisted of the same coins which the Plaintiff was known to have 
in his house when plundered by the Indians. 

We agree that after the money was recovered from the Indians a 
dispute arose among the militia to whom the money of right bo- 
longed, Avhether it should be delivered to the Pltff. who was deemed 
to have l)een the owner of it before it fell into the hands of tlic 
Indiau=, or whether the militia were entitled to it as having recov- 
ered it from them, upon which dispute that sum of money was 
lodged in the hands of the Defendant to be by him kept till that 
I'oint should be settled. 

We agree that the Plaintiff made an offer of 30 shillings to each 
of the men who had assisted in the pursuit of the Enemy. 

We agree that a part of the Company of Militia made an offer 
to the Plaintiff of delivering up his negroes and household goods 
if he would allow them the money. 

We agree that the Defendant paid the sum of money out of his 
hands to the Militia and that several of them returned their divi- 
dends to the Plaintiff amounting to the sum of £106.17,2. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 81 

We agree tliat the Plaintiff paid to several of the captors who 
returned him their dividends the snni of 30s. the premium by him 
before offered for their service. 

We agree that if the law be for the Plaintiff that Judgment be 
entered for him for the sum of £31.0.10, if the Law be for the 
Defendant we agree that Judgment be entered for him. 

Gabriel Jones, Atty. for Pltff. 
Peter Hogg, Atty. for Deft. 

We have no further account of Indians invading Southwest Vir- 
ginia, until the year 1764, at which time a party of Indians came 
up Sandy and on to New river, where they divided, one party go- 
ing towards the settlements at Eoanoke and Catawba, the other to 
the settlement on Jackson river. The company of Indians that 
went towards the Eoanoke settlement were accidentally discovered 
by Captain Paul and a company of twenty men, at midnight, on the 
New river, near the mouth of Indian creek. Capt. Paul's men fired 
upon the Indians, killing three and wounding many others; the 
rest fled and escaped. It is hard to depict the effect of these terri- 
ble scenes upon the settlers of Western Virginia. Among the pri- 
soners rescued by Capt. Paul was a Mrs. Green, who knew Capt. 
Paul and recognized his voice. She was mistaken for an Indian 
scpiaw by one of Capt. Paul's men, who was in the act of tomahawk- 
ing her, when she called the name of Capt. Paul, wliich saved her 
alive. 

She was asked why she made no resistance; to which she replied, 
"I would as soon die as not; my husband is murdered, my children 
slain, my parents are dead; I have not a relative in America, every- 
thing dear to me is gone. I have no wishes, no hopes, no fears. I 
would not rise to my feet to save my life." _ 

The English Government was exceedingly anxious to secure peace 
with the Indians, and this year Col. Bocpiet published a royal 
proclamation forbidding the whites to settle or hunt west of the 
Alleghany mountains; which read as follows: "And we do strictly 
enjoin and re(|uire all persons whatsoever, who have, either will- 
fully or inadvertently, seated themselves upon any lands within the 
Countries above described (West of the Alleghany mountains), or 
upon any other lands which not having been ceded to, or purchased 
by us, are still reserved to said Indians as aforesaid, forthwith to 



82 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

remove themselves from said settelments." This proclamation was 
issued in October, 1764, but it failed to accomplish the object in 
view, and thereupon, in the year 1765, two armed movements were 
made into the Indian Territory, the one to Lake Erie and the other 
to the Muskingum. Two treaties were made with the Indians in 
the autumn of this year, one at Niagara and the other at the Mus- 
kingum. The treaty signed at the Muskingum was negotiated by 
Col. Boquet with the Delaware and Shawnese Indians. At the 
time of the signing of this treaty. Col. Boquet received from the 
Indians two hundred and six prisoners, ninety Virginians from 
West Augusta and one hundred and sixteen Pennsylvanians. 

And thus was concluded at the end of ten years of hard fighting 
the French-Indian war, which began in 1754. 

If the British Government was candid in the promulgation of 
the proclamation of 1763, she thereby admitted the claims of the 
Indians, and accomplished nothing as a result of the ten years' war 
with the French and Indians just closed. 

After the publication of this proclamation, the citizens of the 
Colonies became criminals when they, in any way, trespassed upon 
any of the lands on the waters of the Mississippi. Nevertheless, 
the frontier, hunters and the western settlers proceeded with their 
explorations as if that proclamation had never been issued, and 
some historians go as far as to say that even the leading public 
men of that day did not consider this proclamation binding, but as 
only intended to appease the apprehensions of the Indians, but in 
this opinion we cannot join. 

Whatever may have been the intention of the proclamation, it is 
certain that its effect was to greatly retard the settlements of the 
lands west of the mountains. 

The "Loyal Land Company" on the 35th day of May, 1763, peti- 
tioned the Governor and Council for a renewal and confirmation 
of the grant made to them for 800,000 acres of land by the Gov- 
ernor and Council of Virginia in 1749, but their petition was de- 
nied, upon the ground that they were restricted by his Majesty's 
instructions from renewing or confirming the grant. From this 
action of the Governor and Council of Virginia, it may be well 
said, all the surveys made upon the waters of the Holston and 
Clinch rivers by James Patton, Dr. Thomas Walker and others, 
and all the patents issued therefor were void, for the reason that 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 83 

the King of England had no right to grant to any of his subjects 
lands belonging to the Indians. 

Nevertheless, Dr. Walker, agent for the "Loyal Land Company/' 
and the devisees of Col. James Patton, immediately proceeded to 
survey and sell lands upon the waters of the Holston and Clinch 
rivers, under their grants, as if they had never been restrained 
from so doing by the proclamation of 1763 and by the action of the 
Governor and Council of Virginia, and by the 16th day of Decem- 
ber, 1773, Dr. Walker, as agent for the "Loyal Company," had 
actually surveyed and disposed of to purchasers 1,756 tracts of land 
containing 156,164 acres; and this, in addition to the lands sur- 
veyed in the years 1753-'54 — making a total of 201,554 acres out 
of the 800,000 acres granted. 

In the year 1766, Dr. Walker, as agent for the "Loyal Com- 
pany," caused advertisements to be distribiited through several 
of the States, north and south, requesting all persons who . had 
contracted for any of the company's land and were driven off their 
settlements in the former war, to return and claim the same or it 
would be sold to others. The Legislature of Virginia, in the fall 
of the year 1778, confirmed the acts of Dr. Walker in the premises 
to the extent stated, but declined to allow the company any fur- 
ther time or to survey any further lands under this grant. At 
the same session of the General Assembly of Virginia William Pres- 
ton and William Thompson, execute^ of James Patton, deceased, 
were authorized to complete the grant o f 120,000 acres of land 
made by James Patton, under his grant, and to execute deeds to 
the purchas ers the refor. 

Nathaniel Gist, a noted Indian trader, in the year 1761, pur- 
chased from the Cherokee Indians the Great Island lying in the 
Holston river, known as Long Island, and claimed the same, 
under his grant from the Indians, and in the year 1777 he peti- 
tioned the Legislature of Virginia to confirm the title thereto to 
him. What action the Legislature took upon this petition cannot 
be ascertained, but it may be presumed that the Legislature de- 
clined his request, as on the 24th day of June, 1776, the General 
Assembly of Virginia, with the approval of the Governor, "Eesolved, 
That no purchase of lands within the chartered limits of Virginia 
shall be made under any pretense whatever, from any Indian tribe 
or nation, without the approval of the Virginia Legislature." 



84 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

This island was a favorite resort of the Indians, and seemed 
to have been anxiously sought after by Eichard Pearis and Na- 
thaniel Gist, probably two of the best Indian spies and hunters we 
"read of in our early history. From the conclusion of the French- 
Indian war in December, 1764, until February 13, 1770, nothing 
of importance occurred beyond the visits of tlie Long Hunters and 
the surveyors for the land companies, a few settlements being 
made. 

In the year 1765, John Campbell, who afterwards became clerk 
of the County Court of Washington county, visited the waters of 
the Holston with Dr. Walker, and purchased for his father, David 
Campbell, and himself, from John Buchanan, a large tract of land 
near the head waters of the Holston river, containing 740 acres, 
called "Koyal Oak,"* and, being the same tract of land surveyed 
for John Buchanan on the 14th day of October, 1747. 

Among the settlers that came this year (1768) was Joseph Mar- 
tin, a daring and enterprising backwoodsman. He was accom- 
panied by a band of from twenty to thirty men, and led them to 
Powell's Valley, now in Lee county, Va., where they erected a fort 
upon the north side of a creek, near two fine springs of water, 
which fort and creek were thereafter called Martin's Fort and 
Martin's Creek. The shape of the fort was a parallelogram which 
enclosed about one-half an acre of ground. There were some five 
or six cabins built about twenty feet apart, with strong stockades 
between them, and in these stockades there were port-holes. Here 
they cleared the land and planted corn and other vegetables. In 
the latter part of the summer of this year the Indians broke them 
up, and the settlers returned to the waters of the Holston. Mar- 
tin's Fort was not occupied after the Kevolutionary War. 

Several years thereafter John and Arthur Campbell, accom- 
panied by their sister, Margaret, came out and settled at Eoyal 
Oak, and in the year 1769 David Campbell, the father, with his 
wife and sons, James, David, Eobert and Patrick, and his daugh- 
ters, Mary, Martha, Sarah and Ann, came out and settled at the 
same place. 

In the year 1766, a party of hunters visited the Clinch Valley, 
and two of their number, Carr and Butler, decided to remain. 
They built a cabin at a place afterwards known as "Crab Or- 



*Near Marion, Va. 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 85 

chard," about three miles west of Tazewell Courthouse. In the 
year 1709, Carr separated from Butler and settled on a beautiful 
piece of land two miles east of Tazewell Courthouse. 

While many prospective settlers visited this section previously 
to 1769, but few permanent settlements were made because of the 
fact that the Indians claimed, and the English Government ad- 
mitted their right to all the lands lying west of the mountains, 
but the frontiers were lined with prospective settlers anxious for 
an opportunity to take possession of and settle the new land. Great 
numbers of emigrants were impatiently waiting along the fron- 
tiers for an opportunity to make a rush for new homes on the 
waters of the Mississippi. 

The British Government recognized the fact that it could not 
much longer restrain the people and protect the Indians in their 
rights, and early in the spring of 1768 Sir William Johnson was 
directed by the home government to negotiate a treaty with the 
I )olaware and the Shawnese Indians. John Stuart, the superintend- 
ent of Indian affairs, about the same time was directed to negotiate 
a treaty with the Southern Indians, extinguishing their rights to , 
tlie much-desired land. Sir William Johnson, pursuant to order,_J\ 
ajjpointed a Congress for the meeting of the Six Nations with the 
commissioners of Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, at Fort 
Stanwix, near Oswego, New York, on October 24, 1768. The Con- 
gress met pursuant to order, and on November 5, 1768, a treaty 
Mas negotiated with the Indians, by which they conveyed unto the 
British Sovereign, Lord King George III, all of a certain tract of 
land situated in North America at the back of the British settle- 
iiumts, the deed being in the words and figures following, to-wit: - 

'I'o ALL to whom these presents may come, or may concern: We 
the Sachems & Chiefs of the Six United Nations and of the Shaw- 
nese, Delawares, Mingoes, of Ohio and other dependent Tribes, on 
belialf of ourselves and the rest of our several Nations, the Chiefs 
and Warriors who are now here convened by Sir William Johnson, 
l^arnnot. His ]\Tajesty's Superintendent of our Affairs, send greet- 
ing. Whereas His Majesty was graciously pleased to propose to us 
in the year 1765, that a Boundary line should be fixed between the 
English and us, to ascertain and establish our limits and prevent 
those encroachments of which we have so long and so loudly com- 
plained, and to put a stop to the many fraudulent advantages 



86 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

which had been so often taken of us in Land affairs, which Bound- 
ary appearing to us as a wise and good measure, we did then agree 
to a part of a line and promised to settle the whole finally whenso- 
ever Sir Wm. Johnson should be fully empowered to trade with us 
for that purpose. And whereas his said Majesty has at length given 
Sir William Johnson orders, Sir William Johnson has convened 
the Chiefs and Warriors of our respective Nations, who are the true 
and absolute proprietors of the lands in question and who are here 
now to a very considerable number, and whereas many uneasinesses 
and doubts have arisen amongst us, which have given rise to appre- 
hension that the line may not be strictly observed on the part of 
the English, in which case matters might be worse than before, 
which apprehensions together with the dependent state of some of 
our Tribes, and other circumstances which retarded the settlement 
and became the subject of some debate. Sir Wm. Johnson has at 
length so far satisfied us as to induce us to come to an agreement 
concerning the line, which brought to a conclusion. The whole 
being explained to us in a large assembly of our people, and before 
Sir William Johnson, and' in the presence of his Excellency the 
Governor of New Jersey, the Commissioners for the Provinces 
of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and sundry other gentlemen, by 
which line, so agreed upon, a considerable tract of country along 
several provinces is to be thus ceded to his Majesty which we are 
induced to and do ratify and confirm to his said Majesty, from the 
expectation and confidence we place in his royal goodness, and he 
will graciously comply with our humble request, as the same is 
expressed in the speech of the several Nations addressed to his Ma- 
jesty through Sir William Johnson, on Tuesday the first of the pres- 
ent month of November, wherein we have declared our expectations 
of the continuance of his Majesty's favor, and our desire that our 
ancient engagements be observed and our affairs attended to by 
the officer who has the management thereof, enabling him to dis- 
charge all these matters properly for our interest. That the lands 
occupied by the Mohocks around their villages, as well as by any 
other Nation affected by this our cession, may effectually remain 
to them and to their posterity, and that any engagements regard- 
ing property that they may now be under, may be prosecuted and 
our present grants deemed valid on our parts, with the several other 
humble, requests contained in our speech. And whereas at the set- 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 87 

tling of the said line, it appears that the line described by his 
Majesty's order, was not extended Northward of Oswego, or to 
the Southward of Great Kanawha Eiver, we have agreed to con- 
tinue the line to the Northward, on the supposition that it was omit- 
ted by reason of our not having come to any determination con- 
cerning its course at the Congress held in 1765, inasmuch as the 
"line to the Northward became the most necessary of any for pre- 
venting the encroachments at our very towns and residences, and 
we have given this line more favorable to Pennsylvania for the 
reasons and considerations mentioned in the treaty. We have like- 
wise continued it South to Cherokee Eiver,"* because the same is 
and we do declare it to be our true boimds with the Southern In- 
dians, and that we have undoubted right to the country as far south 
as that Eiver, which makes our cession to his Majesty much more 
advantageous than that proposed. 

Now THEREFORE KNOW YE, that ws, the Sachems and Chiefs 
beforementioned, native Indians and proprietors of the lands here- 
inafter described, for and in behalf of ourselves and the whole of 
our Confederacy, for the consideration hereinbefore mentioned 
and also for and in consideration of a valuable present of the sev- 
eral articles in use and among the Indians, which, together with a 
large sum of money, amounting in the whole to the sum of £10,460 
7s 3 pence, sterling, to us now delivered and paid by Sir William 
Johnson, Baronet, his Majesty's Sole Agent and Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs, for the Northern Department of America, in the 
name and on behalf of our Sovereign Lord, George Third, by the 
grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, De- 
fender of the Faith, the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, 
we the said Indians have for us, our heirs and successors, granted, 
bargained, sold, released and confirmed, and by these presents, do 
grant, bargain, sell, release and confirm, unto our said Sovereign 
Lord, King George Third, all that tract of land situated in North 
America at the back of the British settlements bounded by a line 
which we have now agreed upon, and do hereby establish as the 
boundary between us and the British Colonies in America, begin- 
ning at the mouth of the Cherokee or Hogohegee Eiver, where it 
empties into the Eiver Ohio, and running from thence along the 
Southern side of the said Eiver to Kittanning, which is above Fort 



•Holston river. 



88 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Pitt, from thence by a direct line to the nearest fork of the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna, thence through the Alleghany Moun- 
tains along the Southern side of the said West Branch until it 
comes opposite to the mouth of a creek called Tiadgton, thence 
across the West Branch, and along the South Side of that 
creek and along the North side of the Burnett Hills to a creek 
called Awandae, thence down the same to the East side of that 
Eiver to Oswego, from thence East to the Delaware Eiver, and up 
that River to opposite where Tianadhera flows into the Susquehanna, 
thence to Tianahedra and up the West side thereof, and the West 
side of its West Branch to the head thereof, and thence by a direct 
line to Canada Creek, where it empties into the Wood Creek at the 
West End of the carrying place, beyond Fort Stanwix, and extend- 
ing Eastward from every part of the said line as far as the lands 
formerly purchased so as to comprehend the whole of the lands or 
settlement, except what is within the Province of Pennsylvania, to- 
gether with the hereditaments, and appurtenances to the same be- 
longing or appertaining in the fullest and most ample manner, 
and all the Estate, Eight, Title, Interest, Property, possession, 
Benefit and claim and demand, either in law or equity, of each and 
every one of us, in and of the same, or any part thereof, to have and 
to hold, the whole lands and premises hereby granted, bargained, 
sold, released and confirmed as aforesaid with the hereditaments 
and appurtenances thereunto belonging, under the reservations 
made in the Treaty, unto our Sovereign Lord, King George Third, 
his heirs and successors to and for his and their behoof forever. 

In witness whereof, we the Chiefs of the Confederacy, have 
hereunto set our marks and seals at Fort Stanwix, the 5th day of 
Kovember, 1768, in the 9th year of his Majesty's reign. 

Signed, Sealed and delivered, 

In presence of 

Sir William Franklin, Gov. N. J. 

Fred Smith, Chief Justice, 

Thos. Walker, Commiss'r from Va. 

Eichard Peters, ) ^„ ,, „ ., 
„M 1 > Oi the Council, 

James Tilghman, j 

His 

Texanasore, or Abraham, [L. S.] 

Mark. 



Conaquieso, 



Siignaregsora, 



Southwest Virginia, 174-6-1786. 
His 

Mark. 

His 

Mark. 



89 



[L. S.] 



[L. S.] 



Blunt or Chenughita, 



Tigaya, 



Gostrave, 



His 
Mark. 

His 
Mark. 

His 
Mark. 



[L. S.] 



[L. S.] 



[L. S.] 



This Congress was attended by 3,200 Indians of the different 
tribes composing the Six Nations, and thns the title of the North- 
ern Indians to all the territory included within Washington coun- 
ty was extinguished. 

The Confederacy of the Six Nations claimed, by right of con- 
quest, title to the lands thus ceded. About the year 1685 this Con- 
federacy of Indians overran and conquered all the country south- 
wards from the Ohio as far south as Georgia and as far west as the 
Mississippi. An immense territory, 1,200 miles long and 600 miles 
broad. 

It will be observed from an inspection of this deed that Dr. 
Thomas Walker was the Virginia Commissioner at this Congress, 
and he was beyond question interested in the successful negotiation 
of this treaty, not only in behalf of Virginia, but to a greater 
extent in behalf of the "Loyal Land Company," of which he was a 
part owner and the agent. Nothing was of greater importance to the 
"Loyal Land Company" than the extinguishment of the title of the 
Indians to the lands on the western watery, out of which they had 
a grant for 800,000 acres of land, and from the prosecution of their 
work in surveying, settling and selling the same, they had beep re- 



90 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-n86. 

strained and prohibited by the King's proclamation in 1763, and 
by the action of the Governor and the Council of Virginia. 

About the same time John Stuart, Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs in the South, concluded a treaty with the Cherokee Indians 
in the absence of Dr. Walker, by which the British Crown acquired 
the right to all the land lying east of a straight line passing by 
Chiswell's mine, on the eastern bank of the Great Kanawha* Eiver, 
and from ChiswelFs mine on the eastern bank of the river in a 
straight line to the confluence of the Great Conhoway in Ohio. 
The Commissioner of Indian Affairs communicated the result of 
the treaty to the Governor of Virginia by letter, which letter is 
as follows: 

Hard Labor, Oct. 17, 1768. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to acquaint you in obedience to his Majesty's 
commands, on the 13th curr't, I met at this place all the principal 
Chiefs of the upper and lower Cherokee Nations, and on the 14th 
by his Majesty's royal authority concluded the Treaty with said 
Indians, ratifying the cession of land lying within the Provinces of 
South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia by them to his Ma- 
jesty and His heirs forever, and confirming the Boundary line 
marked by the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, ac- 
cording to the several agreements entered into with said Indians. 
The line now ultimately confirmed and ratified by said Treaty was 
as follows: 

From the place called Towahilie, on the Northern Branch of the 
Savannah Eiver, a North 50 degrees East course in a straight line, 
to a place called Dewisses corner, or yellow water, from Dewisses, 
or yellow water, a North 50 degrees East course in a straight line to 
the south bank of Eeedy Eiver, at a place called Wanghoe, or Elm 
Tree, where the line behind Carolina terminates. From a place 
called Wanghoe, or Elm Tree, to the South Bank of Eeedy Eiver, a 
course in a straight line to a mountain called Tagon Mountain where 
the great ridge of the mountains becomes impervious. In a straight 
line to Chiswell's mine on the Eastern Bank of the Great Conhoway 
Eiver, to a N. B. E. course, and from Chiswell's mine on the East- 
ern Bank of the Great Conhoway in a straight line to a North course 

•New River. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 91 

to the confluence of the Great Conhoway with the Ohio. As soon 
as possible after my return to Charlestown I shall send you extracts 
of my conference and an authentic copy of the above mentioned 
Treaty concluded with said Chiefs. I acquainted the Chiefs that I 
expected their Deputies to set out immediately from this place 
with my Deputy to meet your Commissioners at Colonel Chis- 
well's Mine in order to finish marking the Boundary line, as agreed 
upon, but they objected, and desired that that service might be de- 
ferred till the spring of next year. The reasons they urged for 
this delay are as follows : That when they set the 10th of Novem- 
ber for the time of meeting your Commissioners to proceed upon 
that important service, they understood that they had no more to 
mark than from the mountains where the line behind North Caro- 
lina was, to Chiswell's Mine on the Conhoway, as they considered 
the river from there to its confluence with the Ohio as a natural 
Boundary. But as the line is to run in a straight line, almost due 
North from the Mine, to the mouth of the river, the advanced 
season of the year will render that service impracticable until the 
Spring, as the line now ultimately agreed upon runs through a 
large extent of mountainous country, uninhabited, where in the 
winter the cold will be extremely intense, and there will be no shel- 
ter for men, nor food for horses at that season. The reasons ap- 
peared to me so just and good, that I was obliged to acquiesce in 
them, and I send this letter by Express to prevent, as much as pos- 
sible, any disappointment that may result from this alteration. I 
hope you will receive it in time to prevent your Commissioners 
from setting out. The Chiefs have appointed the 10th of May next 
for meeting your Commissioners at Chiswell's Mine, which I hope 
will prove agreeable and their reasons for altering the time satis- 
factory to you. I reproached the Cherokees severely for the mur- 
der of five emigrants from your provinces, who were going to the 
Mississippi, which was committed in the summer last. They con- 
fessed it and said the perpetrators were a party of Chilhowie peo- 
ple who urged in their own defence, that their relations had been 
killed in Augusta County, in the province, in 1765, for which they 
had never received any satisfaction although repeated promises 
had been made either of putting the guilty persons to death, or 
making a compensation in goods from your province, which they 
believed, because I had confirmed them. That they nevertheless 



93 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

were disappointed, and being tired with waiting, took that satis- 
faction which they could not obtain from our justice. All the 
warriors declared that they disapproved of the action, but that the 
Chilhowie people were authorized by the custom of their country to 
act as they did, and their idea of never having received any satisfac- 
tion was undeniable ; that in any other instance nothing should pre- 
vent their executing strict justice according to Treaties. It is 
not only extremely disagreeable to myself, but very detrimental to 
his Majesty's service, to be obliged to fail in any promise I make 
to Indians. The compensation of 500 Indian dressed Deer skins 
value in goods for every person murdered, which on the faith of 
Gov. Fauquier's repeated letters, I engaged them to receive, early in 
the Spring, was extremely moderate, and this you will acknowledge 
if you will compare it with the sum expended by the Province of 
Pennsylvania, on a late similar occasion. And I must confess that 
this disappointment will render me extremely cautious in making 
promises on any future occasion. 

I am to meet the Chiefs of the Upper and Lower Creek Nations 
at Silver Bluff on Savannah Eiver, the first of November, to ratify 
the cessions to his Majesty in the two Floridas and Georgia, and 
expect to be at Charlestown by the time the bearer can return there. 

I have the honor of being, very respected Sir, 
Your most obedient and very humble servant, 

John Stuart. 

It will be observed from a perusal of the above letter that the 
superintendent contemplated the running of the line, as fixed by 
the treaty, immediately, but the Indians insisted upon postponing 
the time for running this line till the 10th day of May, 1769. 
.i^This treaty gave great dissatisfaction to the Colony of Virginia 
and to Dr. Walker, the agent for the "Loyal Land Company," for, 
at the time the treaty was negotiated, hundreds of settlers had fixed 
their homes on the lands west of the line as fixed, and not only had 
many settlers occupied portions of these lands, but Dr. Walker as 
agent for the "Loyal Land Company," and Col. James Patton's 
representatives, had actually surveyed and sold large and numer- 
ous tracts of land lying in the present counties of Pulaski, Wythe, 
Smyth and Washington, and west of the line fixed by this treaty. 
The result of this treaty gave the Indians an excuse for depredating 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 93 

on the settlers, and the settlers were forced to the necessity of 
denying the rights of the Cherokee Indians to the lands thus set- 
tled. 

The settlers on Holston denied the right of the Cherokees to the 
lands included within this county, and under the claim that the 
lands belonged to the Confederacy of the Six Nations, they held 
possession of their lands and continued their settlements. Dr. 
Thomas Walker acted as the Virginia representative in the mak- 
ing of the treaty at Fort Stanwix in the fall of the year 1768 and, 
by December of that year, had communicated the result to the 
emigrants along the borders, and no longer could the settlement of 
this country be postponed. In the winter of 1768 and the early 
part of the year 1769, a great flood of settlers overran Southwestern 
Virginia and advanced as far south as Boone's Creek in East Ten- 
nessee. 

The one settler who ventured farthest into the wilderness was 
Captain William Bean, who, with his family, settled on Boone's 
Creek, early in the year 1769. His son, Russell Bean, was the first 
white child born in Tennessee. 

When Col. William Byrd visited tlie Long Island in 1760, two 
men, by name Gilbert Christian and William Anderson, accompa- 
nied his regiment. In this year, 1769, Christian and Anderson de- 
termined to explore this western wilderness, and, in company with 
Col. John Sawj^ers and four others, they crossed the North Fork 
of the Holston river at Cloud's Fort in Tennessee and explored the 
wilderness as far as Big Creek, now a part of Hawkins county, 
where they met a large body of Indians, at which point they deter- 
mined to return to their homes. 

About twenty miles above Cloud's Fort, on the North Fork, 
they foimd a cabin on every spot where the range was good, where 
only six weeks before nothing was to be seen but a howling wilder- 
ness. When they passed by before, on their outward destination, 
they found no settlers on Holston, save three families on the head 
springs of that river. 

Just preceding this inrush of settlers, a young Englishman by 
the name of Smith visited this section of Virginia and describes 
the country, as he found it, in such an excellent manner that I 
here copy in full his remarks upon the appearance of the country, 
as well as the daily journal which he kept. When he had reached 



94 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

the summit of the mountains above Kew river, he thus speaks of 
the view presented : 

"Language fails in attempting to describe this most astounding 
and almost unbounded prospective. The mind was filled with a 
reverential awe, but at the same time the ideas, and I had almost 
said soul, were sensibly enlarged. The reflection on our own little- 
ness did not diminish our intellectual faculties nor consequences, 
and the mind would boldly soar over the vast extent of the earth 
and water around, and even above the globe itself, to contemplate 
and admire the amazing works of the great Creator of all. 

In short, the strong, mighty, pointed and extended sensations of 
the mind at this astonishing period are far beyond the power of 
human language to describe or convey any idea of. 

On the northwest you will observe with great astonishment and 
pleasure the tremendous and abrupt break in the Alleghany moun- 
tains, through which pass the mighty waters of New river and the 
Great Kanawha. 

On the west you can very plainly discover the three forks or 
branches of the Holston, where they break through the great Al- 
leghany mountains, forming striking and awful chasms. 

And still beyond them you may observe Clinch river, or Pelli- 
sippi; that it is almost equal to all three branches of the Holston. 
Throughout the whole of this amazing and most . extensive per- 
spective there is not the least feature or trace of art or improve- 
ments to be discovered. 

All are the genuine effects of nature alone, and laid down on her 
most extended and grandest scale. 

Contemplating them fills the eye, engrosses the mind and en- 
larges the soul. It totally absorbs the senses, overwhelms all the 
faculties, expands even the grandest ideas beyond all conception 
and causes you almost to forget that you are a human creature." 

He then proceeds to give the details of his journey through this 
section of Virginia : 

"We descended the mountain, and halted for the night on the 
side of a large rivulet, which we conjectured to be either Little 
river itself, or some of the waters of it, having crossed the Blue 
ridge at a most disagreeable and dangerous gap in the afternoon. 

Next morning we set out early and traveled down the north side 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 95 

of the rivulet, which we found to be Little river, until we arrived 
at New river and at last came to the ford. 

The New river is broad, deep and rapid, frequently impassable 
and always dangerous. 

However, we crossed it in safety, though with great difficulty and 
liazard of being carried down with the stream, and we looked out 
for a convenient spot on the west side, where we now are, to re- 
main for the night. The low ground on New river is narrow, but 
exceedingly rich and fertile ; the high land is also very fine in many 
places, but excessively broken, rocky and mountainous. 

The timber on the high land is very large and lofty, and that on 
the low ground is almost equal to the prodigious heavy trees on the 
Roanoke river. 

The extreme roughness of this country and the diflficulty of ac- 
cess to it, the roads, or rather paths, being not only almost impas- 
sable, but totally impossible ever to be rendered even tolerable by 
any human efforts, will not only greatly retard the settlement of 
this country, but will always reduce the price and value of the land, 
be it ever so rich and fertile. 

In the morning our horses and ourselves being very much re- 
freshed, we set out again on our journey, and, after traveling ten 
or twelve miles, crossed a pretty large water course named Peaks' 
creek, and soon afterwards a large branch of Eeed creek. 

In the afternoon we crossed another great ridge of the Alleghany 
mountains at a gap, and in the evening came to the waters of 
the Middle Fork of the Holston, where we halted for the night, 
having traveled this day nearly fifty miles and over a vast quan- 
tity of excellent land. 

Next morning we pursued our journey and traveled down the 
side of the Middle Fork of the Holston, which we crossed no less 
than three times this day, and at night came to Stalnaker's, where 
a few people, indeed all the inhabitants, had also erected a kind of 
wretched stockade fort for protection against the Indians ; but they 
had all left it a few days before our arrival and returned to their 
respective homes. 

Here we remained for two days at the old Dutchman's house 
for rest and refreshment for ourselves and horses, which we had 
really very much need of, and also to make inquiry concerning 
our future roiite. 



96 Southivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The land on the Holston is certainly excellent and fertile in the 
highest degree ; the climate also is delightful. 

But the value of the estates here cannot be considerable for many 
years — perhaps centuries to come ; for the same roughness that has 
been mentioned to affect those on New river. 

Here we gained intelligence of a nearer way to Kentucky than 
that commonly made use of, which had very lately been discovered, 
viz. : by crossing Clinch river about sixty miles from Stalnaker's, 
going over the great ridge of the Alleghany, or Appalachian moun- 
tains, at a gap which had been used only by a few of the best hunters, 
and falling down on the waters of the Warrior's branch, a river 
that runs into Kentucky. With this route pretty exactly laid down, 
we set out from the Dutchman's house on the third morning after 
our arrival, and, after traveling over a vast quantity of exceedingly 
strong, rich land covered with lofty timber, we reached the banks 
of the North Branch of the Holston, crossed the river, and put up 
for the night, having traveled that day more than thirty miles. 

The ford of this branch of the Holston is, if possible, worse than 
any we have hitherto met with, and is indeed extremely dangerous, 
but we were so familiarized to danger and fatigue as to regard any- 
thing of that nature but little. 

On the next morning we set out on our journey by the route 
which we had been directed to pursue, and at noon arrived at the 
summit of a vast chain of mountains which separates the north 
branch of the Holston from the Clinch river. 

Here we had the pleasure of enjoying an extensive, wild and 
romantic view, particularly that stupendous ridge of the Alleghany, 
or Appalachian mountains, which is the chief and most lofty of 
the whole. 

It was rendered more interesting to me by reflecting that I must 
cross it on my journey, our route being directly over it. We made 
no unnecessary delay, however, on this commanding spot, but de- 
scended the mountain and pursued with all the expedition we 
could ; and we arrived on the banks of Clinch river late that even- 
ing, so that we could not venture to cross the ford that night. 

In the morning we undertook the hazardous task of fording 
Clinch river, and accomplished it after several plunges, as usual, 
over our heads : neither did we halt to dry our clothes until noon, 
when we rested at the side of a savannah (meadow) ; here we re- 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 97 

mained for two hours, and then arose exceed ingl 3^ refreshed, and 
pursued our journey. 

On the evening we had reached half way up the stupendous west- 
ernmost ridge of the Alleghany mountains, the last, greatest and 
loftiest of the whole. 

Here we remained all night, concluding to attempt the steepest 
and most difficult ascent in the morning. We always alighted, and 
led our horses up these prodigious and perilous ascents. 

\Vc pursued our Journey up the mountain next morning, but the 
sun was several houi-s high before we could possibly reach the sum- 
mit. 

This ridge of the Alleghany mountains is indeed of a most stu- 
pendous and astonishing height, and commands a prospect propor- 
tionately extensive. 

I took a retrospective view, with satisfaction and pleasure, of the 
vast chain of mountains beyond Clinch river, which I had crossed, 
and I looked forward, with interested anxiety and eagerness, toward 
the great ridge of mountains which I had still to pass over. 

The summit of this ridge is the most lofty of all the Alleghany, 
is nearly a mile wide, and consists of excellent strong, rich land 
of a deep red or a dark reddish-brow^n color, with very large, tall 
timber; and there are springs of water almost on the very summit 
of the mountains. When we rested that night we were on the 
waters of Warrior's branch." 

We give no more of this diary, for our traveler has now passed 
beyond the limits of the original bounds of Washington county. . — 

The Governor of Virginia, upon the receipt of the letter from 
John Stuart, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, immediately set 
about to undo what had been done by the treaty at Hard Labor, 
S. C. He thereupon commissioned Colonel Andrew Lewis and Dr. 
Thomas Walker to visit the Indians and secure a new line from 
them. On the 5th day of January, 1769, they began their journey 
to South Carolina for the purpose of seeing the Indians and nego- 
tiating with them. Dr. Walker and Colonel Lewis returned to their 
homes in the month of February and made a report to Lord Bote- 
tourt, which report we here copy in full, as it is very interesting, 
and explains fully what was done : 

My Lord, — On receiving your Excellency's instructions, we be- 



98 Southwest Virginia, nJf6-1786. 

gan our journey to Charlestown, South Carolina; on the fifth day 
of January, we waited on his Excellency, William Tryon, Esq., at 
Brunswick, by whom we were kindly received and promised all the 
assistance in his power; on the next day we went to Fort Johnson, 
near the mouth of Cape Fear Eiver. 

On the 8th, Gov. Tryon wrote us that some Cherokee Indians 
were at Brunswick, that Judds Friend and Salue, or the Young 
warrior of Estitoe, were two of them, and that they would wait up 
at Fort Jolmston. His Excellency was again invited to go with 
them. On their arrival we informed them we were going to their 
father, John Stuart, Esq., on business relative to the Nation, and 
should be glad to have their company, and they readily agreed to 
come with us. On the 9th the officer we had engaged was ready to 
sail, and we embarked with the two Cherokee Chiefs, two Squaws 
and an Interpreter. On the 11th, we waited on Mr. Stuart, de- 
livered your Lordship's letter and full information of our business. 

In answer Mr. Stuart told us that the Boundary between the 
Oierokees and Virginia was fully settled and ratified in Great 
B] itain, and that any proposal of that kind would be very alarming 
to them, but after some time agreed that we might mention it to 
them, which we did on the 13th of Jan'y. The Indian Chiefs ap- 
peared much pleased, and agreed to wait on Mr. Stuart with us, and 
in his presence, Judds Friend spoke as follows : 

Father, — On an invitation from Governor Tryon, we left our 
country some time since; Our two elder Brothers, Col. Lewis and 
Doctor Walker, from Virginia, who had matters of importance to 
mention to us, that equally concerned our people as well as theirs. 
His news gave us great joy, and we lost no time in waiting on them, 
and with great pleasure took passage with them in order to wait 
on you on the business which was much concerning us, as well as 
their people, and to convince you that we like their talk, we now take 
them by the hand giving them a welcome, and present them with 
this string of Wampum. 

Father, — They tell us that by running the line lately mentioned, 
as a boundary between our people and Virginia, a great number of 
their people will fall within the bounds of our country, which 
would greatly distress these our poor Brothers; which is far from 
our intention. And to evidence to you, that we are on all occasions, 
willing to testify our brotherly affection towards them, we are 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 99 

heartily willing to join in any such negotiations as may be thought 
necessary and most expedient for fixing a new Boundary, that may 
include all those people settled in our lands in the bounds of Vir- 
ginia, and we now give them in the presence of you our Father, this 
string of Wampum as an assurance that those people shall remain 
in peaceable possession of those lands, until a treaty is held for fix- 
ing a new Boundary, between them and our people. 

Gives a string of Wampum. 

We then delivered the following Talk to the Warriors, to be by 
them communicated to their Nation. 

To the Chiefs of the Cherokees: 

Brothers, — On the 20th day of December last, being in Williams- 
burg, we received instructions from Lord Botetourt, a gi-eat and 
good man, whom the great King George has sent to preside over his 
Colony of Virginia, directing us to wait on your father, John Stu- 
art, Esq., Supt. Indian Afi'airs, in order to have a plan agreed 
upon for fixing a new Boundary between your people and his 
Majesty's subjects in the Colony of Virginia. On our way to the 
place, to our great joy, we met with our good brothers, Judds 
Friend and the Warrior of Estitoe, who with great readiness took 
a passage with us from Governor Tryon, to this place where we had 
the happiness to wait upon your father, 'Mr. Stuart, and with joint 
application, represented to him the necessity of taking such meas- 
ures as may efi'ectually prevent any misunderstanding that might 
arise between his Majesty's subjects of the Colony of Virginia and 
our brothers the Cherokees, until a full treaty be appointed and 
held for the fixing a new Boundary that may give equal justice and 
satisfaction to the parties concerned, and that his Majesty's sub- 
jects, now settled on the lands between Chiswell's Mines, and the 
Great Island of Holston Eiver, remain in peaceable possession of 
said lands, until a line is run between them and our good brothers 
the Cherokees, who will receive full satisfaction for such lands as 
you, our brothers, shall convey to our Great King for the use of his 
subjects. I 

Your Father, Mr. Stuart's, message to you on this head, makes it 
needless for us to say any more on this subject. He will let you, 
at a proper time, know both the time and place where this great 
work shall be brought into execution. We have the pleasure to 



100 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

inform you that your two great Warriors now present, have heartily 
concurred with us in every measure and make no doubt of such 
measures giving great satisfaction to the whole Nation. 
Gave a string of Wampum. 

Jan. 16th. In answer to which, Judds Friend and the Warrior 
of Estitoe spoke as follows: 

Father: and our Brothers from Virginia, — We have heard your 
Talks, which we think very good, and shall with all convenient 
speed return to our Nation, and when our Chiefs are assembled 
shall lay these Talks before them. 

Brothers, — We are sorry to have it to say, that for some time bad 
blood and evil actions prevailed amongst us, which occasioned a 
stroke from our Elder Brothers; but now we have the satisfaction 
of telling you that our hands are good and straight, and you may de- 
pend on their continuing so, and, that you may depend the more on 
what we say, we take off these black beads from the end of 
this string, that nothing may remain but what is pure and white, 
and now put the black beads in your hands, which we call the re- 
mains of our evil thoughts, and desire you may now cast them 
away, that they may never be had in remembrance more. 

Brothers, — We shall with great pleasure comply with the request 
that you have made with regard to the lands you have mentioned, 
and shall wait with impatience for a general meeting, that we may 
have opportunity for convincing our Elder Brothers of our friendly 
disposition towards them, as we may be of real use to them, for to 
us it is of little or none, as we never hunt there; the deer do not 
live in the mountains, and you, in the meantime, may depend that 
your people shall enjoy peaceable possession until we make a 
Treaty with the Great King. 

Brothers, — We hope the measures now taken will be productive of 
many advantages to our people, as well as those who by living so 
much nearer to us, will have it in their power to supply us with 
goods, for we are often imposed upon greatly, as we have no trade 
at present but with this -Province, and we hope you, our Brothers, 
will signify to your Governor, whom we believe to be that great 
and good man you mention, our great desire to have 'a trade with 
Virginia, that after this business is happily finished, which we 
make no doubt of on the part of our Nation, we may enjoy a 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-n86. 101 

friendly intercourse and have an advantageous trade with our 
Brothers, the Inhabitants of Virginia. 

Brothers, — We have often joined you in war against your ene- 
mies and you may always depend on our assistance on any future 
occasion. 

Gives a string of Wampum. 

After we had given Mr. Stuart the reasons for thinking it ab- 
solutely necessary that the new Boundary should be agreed upon, 
he desired us to commit these reasons in writing and sign them: 
which we did in the following words : 

Sir, — His Excellency, the Eight Honorable Norborne, the Lord 
Botetourt, Governor in Chief of the Colony of Virginia, and the 
King's Council of that Dominion, having ordered us to wait on you 
and assist in settling the Boundary line between that Colony and 
the Cherokee Indians, we beg leave to inform you that the line pro- 
posed to be marked from Chiswell's Mines to the confluence of the 
Great Kanawha and the Ohio, would be a great disadvantage to 
the Crown of Great Britain, and would injure many subjects of 
Britain that now inhabit that part of the frontier, and have in mak- 
ing that settlement complied with every known rule of government 
aud the laws of that Colony. 

liands were first granted on the waters of the Mississippi by Sir 
William Gooch of Virginia, and the Council about the year 1746, 
in consequence of instructions from England, and many families 
settled on the lands so granted. In the year 1752, the Legislature 
of Virginia passed an act to encourage settlers on the waters of the 
Mississippi. By that act they were exempted from the payment of 
taxes for ten years. To this act his late Majesty, of glorious mem- 
ory, gives assent. The next year another act was passed, by which 
five years' indulgence was added, and in that or the succeeding 
year Robert Dinwiddle, Esq., Governor of Virginia at that time, 
received instructions from King George 2nd. to grant lands on 
these waters, exempted from the payment of the usual right money 
and free from Quit-rents for ten years. 

Under these encouragements was that part of the Colony settled. 
Whilst the inhabitants were settling on these lands, the Cherokee 
Indians were frequently at their habitations, and never that we, 
either of us, ever heard made the slightest complaint of our settling, 



102 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

or laid any claim to the lands we settled, until November, 1763, 
after the King's proclamation issued in that year. 

The Six Nations both claimed the lands that were settled on the 
branches of the rivers Kanawha and Monongahely and were paid 
a proper consideration for them at Lancaster, in 1744, when they 
executed a deed of cession to his late Majesty. 

We flatter ourselves that the above is sufficient to convince you 
of the justice and legality of making those settlements. The 
Boundary line that has been proposed would include many of the 
inhabitants above mentioned within the limits of the Cherokee 
Hunting Grounds. For all such lands and improvements, the jus- 
tice of the crown would be an inducement to make some satisfac- 
tion to the owners which would be expense to the crown and injure 
the inhabitants much and totally ruin many of them, and the 
evil would be increased by the loss of the Quit-rents paid for 
these lands, and would also give the Cherokees a large tract of coun- 
try that was never claimed by them and now is the property of the 
crown, as Sir William Johnson actually purchased it of the Six 
United Nations of Indians at a very considerable expense, and 
took a deed of cession from them at Fort Stanwix, near the head 
of Mohock's River, on the 5th day of November last. 

The interest of the crown and the inhabitants of Virginia will 
be most served by fixing the Boundary with the Cherokees in 36° 
30m. North Latitude, that Boundary being already marked by proper 
authority as far as Steep Eock Creek, a branch of the Cherokee 
River, and is the proper division between Lord Granville's Pro- 
prietary and the Dominion of Virginia, and includes but a small 
part of the lands now claimed by the Cherokees, they having often 
disclaimed the lands lying between the Ohio and a ridge of moun- 
tains, called Sheep Ridge, that divides the waters of the Cumber- 
land River from those of the Cherokee River. This boundary will 
give room to extend our settlements for ten or twelve years, will 
raise a considerable sum by the Rights, much increase the Quit- 
rents, and enable the Inhabitants of Virginia to live thus manu- 
facturing such material as they raise. 

ANDREV7 Lewis, 
Thomas Walker. 
Feb. 2nd. 1769. 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 103 

Thus it will appear that Colonel Lewis and Dr. Walker suc- 
ceeded in securing from the Indian chiefs the assurance that the 
settlers on the land in Southwest Virginia should remain in 
peaceable possession of their homes until a treaty could be held fix- 
ing new bounds between them. Acting upon this assurance, emigra- 
tion to the land continued, and during this year James Bryan 
settled near the present residence of Captain Kendrick, Moab, Va., 
and erected Bryan's Fort, William Cocke settled upon Spring creek, 
then called Eenfro's creek, and erected Cocke's fort, near the present 
residence of C. L. Clyce. Anthony Bledsoe settled in the lower end 
of this county about thirty miles east of Long Island, on the Fort 
Chiswell road, and afterwards built Bledsoe's Fort. Amos Eaton 
settled seven miles east of Long Island, where Eaton's Fort was 
afterwards built, and by the beginning of the year 1770 there were 
many settlers upon Holston. 

The first settlers of the Liberty Hall neighborhood were the 
Edmistons, Moores and B uchanan s. The first name was written 
Edmiston until sixty or seventy years ago. All the land from 
Liberty Hall to some distance east of Friendship was held by 
William Edmiston under a grant from Charles II, King of Eng- 
land, and under the King's proclamation of 1763, Edmiston being 
an officer in the French-Indian war of 1754-1763. 

Fort Edmiston was built by the settlers as a protection against 
the Indians, who made frequent inroads on the settlements. As 
nearly as can be learned, it was built about 1765. 

The site was about three hundred yards east of Liberty Academy, 
riie old Keys' dwelling, now owned by William Snodgrass, stands 
on the site of the old fort. A soldier by the name of Edmiston 
died at the fort and was the first person buried in the old Moore 
graveyard. 

The Indians made frequent attacks on the fort and, in one, cap- 
tured and carried off a Miss Steele. The Indians were followed by 
parties from the fort, and she was recaptured on Walker's moun- 
tain. She was traced by means of twigs, which she had presence 
of mind enough to break off along the road. 

Several persons from the fort were in the battle at King's Moun- 
tain, among whom were the eight Edmistons and William Moore. 
Several of the former were killed. They were the ancestors of 
<he Edmondsons of this day. 



104 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Fort Edmiston was one of the first forts erected in this section. 
Fort Thompson^ six miles northeast of Liberty Hall, on the Huff, 
formerly the Byars place, was erected about the same time. It was 
named for Captain James Thompson, who owned the property at 
that time, and it remained many years after the revolution. 

Tradition says Fort Edmiston ceased to exist about the year 
1800. 

The first settlers in Widener's Valley were John Widener, Paul- 
ser Rouse and John Jones. They came from Germany, a few years 
prior to the Revolutionary War, or about 1767. They first settled 
in Pennsylvania, but afterwards came to this country and settled 
temporarily near Fort Thompson. After remaining there a short 
time, they removed to the valley. John Widener located near W. 
M. Widener's mill, and Jones and Rouse in the lower end of the 
valley. 

In order to raise money to get away from Germany, John 
Widener pawned or bartered his son Mike, a boy twelve or four- 
teen years old. John Widener found employment in Pennsylvania, 
and earned money enough to redeem Mike. Mike tlien followed 
his father to the New World. He arrived just about the commence- 
ment of the revolution, joined Washington's army, was a brave sol- 
dier, acted as interpreter when the Hessians were captured, and 
appears to have been a favorite of Washington's, who called him 
"Mikey.'^ 

After the revolution Mike followed his father and settled in the 
valley on what is now known as the Lilburn Widener farm. Mike 
died at the age of eighty-four. Joel Widener, now living, is a 
grandson. The present generation are all descendants of John 
and Mike. Several families of Rouses, descendants of Paulser, still 
live in the valley. 

At the time of these early settlements there were a good many 
Indians hunting and fishing in and near the valley. They were 
very peaceable, however. Two large Indian camps were established 
— one on the Middle Fork at a point east of the New Bridge; the 
other in the lower end of the valley. Of the latter many evidences 
still remain. 

John and Michael Fleenor settled in Poor Valley; Casper Flee- 
nor in Rich Valley, on the head waters of what is now called Gas- 
per's creek, and Nicholas Fleenor settled at the Lilburn Fleenor 



Southwest Virginia, nifS-llSe. 105 

place in Eich Valley, below Benhams. The four persons named 
were of German descent and brothers, and are the ancestors of 
many of our best citizens. 

At this point it may be appropriate to give a description of the 
early forts erected by the settlers in the West. 

My readers will understand by this term, not only a place of de- 
fence, but the residence of a small number of families belonging 
to the neighborhood. 

As the Indian's mode of warfare was an indiscriminate slaugh- 
ter of all ages and both sexes, it was as requisite to provide for the 
safety of the women and children as for that of the men. The fort 
consisted of cabins, block-houses and stockades. A range of cabins 
commonly formed one side, at least, of the fort. Divisions or par- 
titions of logs separated the cabins one from another. The walls 
on th^ outside were ten or twelve feet high, the slope of the roof 
being turned wholly inward. Very few of these cabins had plank 
floors ; the greater part were earthen. 

The block-houses were built at the angles of the fort. They pro- 
jected about two feet beyond the outer walls of the cabins and 
stockades. Their upper stories were about eighteen inches, every 
way, larger in dimension than the under one, leaving an opening 
at the commencement of the second story to prevent the enemy 
from making a lodgement under their walls. 

In some forts, instead of block-houses, the angles of the fort 
were finished with bastions. A large folding gate, made of thick_ 
slabs nearest the spring, closed the fort. 

The stockades, bastions, cabins and block-house walls were fur- 
nished with port-holes at proper heights and distances. The whole 
of the outside was made bullet-proof. It may be truly said that 
"necessity is the mother of invention,'' for the whole of this 
work was made without the aid of a shingle, nail, or spike of iron, 
because such things were not to be had. In some places less exposed 
a single block-house, with a cabin or two, constituted the whole 
fort.* 

In this same year Daniel Boone, John Finley, John Stuart and 
a few others, as well as numerous other companies of hunters who 
are of no importance in the history of this country, explored Ken- 

*Dodridge. 



106 Southwest Virginia, 174-6-1786. 

tucky and hunted throughout Southwest Virginia, East Tennes- 
,see and Eastern Kentucky. 

In the year 1769 there occurred a circumstance that greatly aided 
the early settlers of Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee in 
settling this country and in conquering their Indian neighbors, the 
Cherokees. 

The Cherokee Indians were exceedingly overbearing in their dis- 
position and they sought a quarrel with the Chickasaw Indians and 
invaded their country. 

When they had reached the Chickasaw Old Fields, they were met 
by the Chickasaw warriors. After a terrible battle the Cherokees 
were defeated with great loss and retreated to their own villages. 
The very flower of the Cherokee Nation were destroyed in this bat- 
tle, and, the number of their warriors being greatly reduced, for 
seven years the early settlers were permitted to pursue their course 
in peace. 

All of the incidents above related occurred while the lands, now 
included in Washington county, were a part of Augusta county, but 
in the year 1769, the House of Burgesses of Virginia passed an act 
for the division of Augusta county, and all that part of Augusta 
county lying south and west of the North river, near Lexington, 
Va., was given the name of Botetourt county, and thus a new county 
was formed, which included all that part of Virginia in which we 
live and about which I write. 

The act establishing Botetourt county provided that from and 
after the 31st day of January next ensuing, 1770, the said county 
and parish of Augusta be divided into two counties and parishes by 
a line beginning at the Blue Eidge, running north 55 degrees west 
to the confluence of Mary's creek, or the South river, with the north 
branch of James river, thence up the same to the mouth of Carr's 
creek, thence up said creek to the mountain, thence north 55 degrees 
west as far as the courts of the two counties had it extended, and 
further. Whereas the people situated on the waters of the Mis- 
sisippi in the said county of Botetourt will be very remote from 
their courthouse and must necessarily become a separate county as 
soon as their numbers are sufficient, which probably will happen in 
a short time, be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that 
the inhabitants of that part of said county of Botetourt which lies 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786, 107 

on the said waters shall be exempted from the payment of any 
levies to be laid by the said county court for the purpose of building 
a courthouse and prison for said county. 

It will thus be seen that the organization of the county of Bote- 
tourt was intended to be temporary only. 



108 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



CHAPTER V. 

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA— BOTETOUET COUNTY. 

1770-1773. 

The first County Court of Botetourt county met at the house of 
Robert Breckenridge;, near the location of Fincastle, Va., on Tues- 
day, the 13th of February, 1770. The justices composing the court 
were: 

William Preston, David Robinson, 

George Skillem, James Trimble 

Richard Woods, ^ John Maxwell 

Benjamin Hawkins, William Fleming, 

Benjamin Estill, Israel Christian, 

John Bowyer, Robert Breckenridge. 

A number of the members of this court were not present on the 
first day of the court, but were subsequently qualified. The follow- 
ing officers qualified on that day: . 

County Court Clerk, John May. 
Sheriff Botetourt -county, Richard Woods. 

Deputy Sheriffs Botetourt county, Jas. McDowell and Jas. Mc- 
Gavock. 

County Surveyor, William Preston. 
Escheator, William Preston. 
Coroner, Andrew Lewis. 
Colonel of Militia, William Preston. 

The attorneys qualifying to practice in tlie court were: 

Edmund Winston, John Aylett, 

Luke Bowye^, Thomas Madison. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 109 

On the 14th day of February, 1770, the following magistrates 
qualified and took their seats : 

John Bowman, Anthony Bledsoe, 

William Christian, Walter Crockett, 

Robei-t Doach, John Howard, 

William Herbert, William Inglis, 

Philip Love, Andrew Lewis, 

John Montgomery, James McGavock, 

William Matthews, William McKee, 

James Eobertson, Francis Smith, 

Stephen Trigg, Andrew Woods. 

And on the 11th day of June, 1771, the following members of the 
court qualified: 

John Van Bebber, James Thompson, of Holston, 

John Stewart, Matthew Arbuckle. 

Botetourt county was named for Lord Botetourt, Governor of 
Virginia, in 1768, and the county seat was fixed at the present loca- 
tion of Finscastle, Va., upon forty acres of land presented to the 
county for a town seat by Israel Christian. Fincastle was named 
for the county seat of Lord Botetourt in England, and was estab- 
lished as a town by law in 1772. 

Of the members of the County Court of Botetourt county, James 
Eobertson, Anthony Bledsoe and James Thompson had their resi- 
dence upon the waters of the Holston and the Watauga. On the 
second day of the court, being February 14, 1770, Frederick Stern 
and Eobert Davis were appointed constables upon the Holston river ; 
on the 12th of June, 1770, William Pruitt was appointed a con- 
stable upon the waters of the Clinch, and Arthur Campbell was 
appointed surveyor of the roads from the State line to the Eoyal 
Oak, and James Davis from the Eoyal Oak to his house. 

On the 13th of March, 1770, Arthur Campbell obtained permis- 
sion from the County Court of Botetourt county to erect a mill at 
Eoyal Oak, on the Holston, and there can be no question that this 
was the first mill erected upon any of the waters of the Holston or 
Clinch river. 

On the same day Francis Kincannon was appointed surveyor of 
the roads from Stalnaker's to Eighteen Mile creek; Thomas Eam- 



110 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

say from said creek to Beaver, or Shallow, creek, and David Looney 
from said creek to Fall creek. 

On the 10th of May, 1770, Anthony Bledsoe was appointed to 
take the tithables from Stalnaker's to the lowest inhabitants. 

The next order of the County Court of Botetourt county, of any 
importance in the history of this county, was made on the 14th of 
August, 1771, when the County Court ordered that lAndrew Colyill,---' 
George Adams, George Tiller, George Baker, David Ward and 
Alexander Wilie, or any three of them, being first sworn to view 
the way from the head of Holston river to the Wolf Hill creek, both 
the old and the new way, make report to the next court of the con- 
veniences and inconveniences thereof. The records of Botetourt 
county fail to show that this report was ever made or that the road 
was established, but there can be but little doubt that the road was 
established and used, and, if so, this was the first public road estab- 
lished upon the waters of the Holston or Clinch river. The fore- 
going is all the information that the records of Botetourt county 
give of any of the people living upon the waters of the Holston and 
Clinch rivers. 

The one matter of supreme importance to the inhabitants of this 
section of Virginia at that time was the extinguishment of the 
claims of the Cherokee Indians to the lands which they were set- 
tling and occupying, and, pursuant to instructions, John Stuart, 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, assembled the Indian chiefs at 
Lochaber, S. C, October 18, 1770, and on Monday, October 22, 
1770, he succeeded in concluding a treaty with the chiefs and war- 
riors of the Cherokee Nation, by which George III, King of Eng- 
land, became the owner of all the lands lying east of a line 
beginning at a point where the North Carolina (now Tennessee) 
line terminates at a run, thence in a west course to Holston river, 
where it is intersected by a continuation of the line dividing the 
Province of North Carolina (now Tennessee) and Virginia, and 
thence in a straight course to the confluence of the Great Canaway 
river, the treaty being here given in full : 

TEEATY. 

At a meeting of the principal Chiefs and Warriors of the Cherokee 
Nation with John Stuart, Esq., Superintendent of Indian Affairs, 
etc., Lochaber, South Carolina, Oct. 18th, 1770. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. Ill 

Present Colo. Donelson by appointment of his Excellency, the 
Eight Honorable Lord Botetourt, in behalf of the Province of Vir- 
ginia. 

Alex'r Cameron, Deputy Superintendent ; James Simpson, Clk of 
his Majesty's Council of South Carolina; Major Lacy, from Vir- 
ginia; Major Williamson, Capt. Cohoon, John Caldwell, Esq., Cap- 
tain Winter, Christopher Peters, Esq., besides a great number of the 
back inhabitants of the province of South Carolina, and the fol- 
lowing chiefs of the Cherokee Nation: Oconistoto, Killagusta, At- 
tacallaculla, Keyatory, Tiftoy, Terreaino, Encyod Tugalo, Scali- 
loskie Chinista, Chinista of Watangali, Octaciti of Hey Wassie, and 
about a thousand other Indians of the same ISTation. 

John Watts, ^ ' 

David McDonald, v Interpreters. 

John Vans, I 

Treaty, Monday, 22nd Oct. 

At a Congress of the principal chiefs of the Cherokee Nation, held 
at Lochaber, in the province of South Carolina, on the 18th day 
of October in the year of our Lord 1770, by John Stuart, Esq., his 
^lajesty's agent for and Superintendent of the Affairs of the In- 
dian Nation in the Southern district of North America. 

A Treaty for a cession! His most sacred Majesty, George the 
Third, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, 
King, Defender of the Faith, etc., by the said Nation of Cherokee 
Indians, of certain lands lying within the limits of the Dominion of 
Virginia. 

Whereas by a Treaty entered into and concluded at Hard Labor, 
the 14th day of Oct. in the year 1768, by John Stuart, Esq. his 
Majesty's Agent foi- nud Superintendent of the affairs of the In- 
dian Nations, inhabiting the southern district of North America, 
with the principal and ruling Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation, all of 
the lands formerly claimed by, and belonging to the said Nation of 
Indians, lying within the province of North Carolina and Virginia, 
running in a N. B. E. course, to Colo. Chiswell's mine on the East- 
ern bank of the Great Canaway, and from thence in a straight line 
to the mouth of the said Great Canaway river, where it discharges 
itself into the Ohio river, were ceded to his most sacred Majesty, his 



112 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

heirs and sucessors. And whereas by the above recited Treaty, all 
the lands lying between Holston's River, and the line above specified 
were determined to belong to the Cherokee Nation to the great loss 
and inconvenience of many of his Majesty's subjects inhabiting the 
said lands; and representation of the same having been made to 
his Majesty by his Excellency, the Et Hon'ble Norborne, Baron de 
Botetourt, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the 
dominion of Virginia. In Consequence whereof, his Majesty has 
been generously pleased to signify his Eoyal pleasure to John Stu- 
art, Esq., his Agent for and Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the 
Southern District of North America, by an instruction contained 
in a letter from the Rt. Hon'ble the Earl of Hillsborough, one of 
his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, dated the 13th of May, 
1769, to enter into a negotiation with the Cherokees for establishing 
a new boundary line beg'g at the point where the No. Carolina line 
terminates, and to run thence in a west course to Holston's River, 
where it is intersected by a continuance of the line dividing the 
province of North Carolina & Virginia, and thence a straight course 
to the confluence of the Great Canaway and Ohio Rivers. 
Dec. 12, 1770. 

Article 1st. 

Pursuant therefore to his Majesty's orders to & power and autho- 
rity vested in John Stuart, Esqr. Agent for and Superintendent of 
the Affairs of the Indian Tribes in the Southern District: It is 
agreed upon by the said John Stuart, Esqr. on behalf of his most 
sacred Majesty, George Third, by the grace of God, of Great 
Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., and 
by the subscribing Cherokee Chiefs and Warriors on behalf of their 
said Nation in consideration of his Majesty's paternal goodness, so 
often demonstrated to them, the said Cherokee Indians, and from 
their affection and friendship for their Brethren, the Inhabi- 
tants of Virginia as well as their earnest desire of removing as far 
as possible all cause of dispute between them and the said inhabi- 
tants on account of encroachments on lands reserved by the said In- 
dians for themselves, and also for a valuable consideration in 
various sorts of goods paid to them by the said John Stuart, on 
behalf of the Dominion of Virginia that the hereafter recited line be 
ratified and confirmed, and it is hereby ratified and confirmed ac- 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 113 

cordingly : and it is by these presents firmly stipulated and agreed 
upon by the parties aforesaid that a line beginning where the boun- 
dary line between the province of No. Carolina and the Cherokee 
hunting grounds terminates and running thence in a west course 
to a point six miles east of Long Island in Holston's river and thence 

to said river six miles above the said Long Island, thence in a 

course to the confluence of the Great Canaway and Ohio rivers, 
shall remain and be deemed by all his Majesty's white subjects 
as well as all the Indians of the Cherokee Nation, the true and 
just boundaries of the lands reserved by the said Nation of Indians 
for their own proper use, and dividing the same from the lands 
ceded by them to his Majesty's within the limits of the province of 
Virginia, and tliat his Majesty's white subjects, inhabiting the pro- 
vince of Virginia, shall not, upon any pretense whatsoever, settle 
beyond the said line, nor shall the said Indians make any settlements 
or encroacliments on the lands which by this treaty they cede and 
confirm to his Majesty; and it is further agreed that as soon as his 
Majesty's royal approbation of this treaty shall have been signified 
to the Governor of Virginia or Superintendent, this treaty shall be 
carried into execution. 

Article 2nd. 

And it is further agreed upon and stipulated by the contracting 
parties, that no alteration whatsoever shall henceforward be made in 
the boundary line above recited, and now solemnly agreed upon, ex- 
cept such as may hereafter be found expedient and necessary for 
tlie mutual interest of both parties, and which alteration shall be 
made with the consent of the Superintendent or such other person 
or persons as shall be autliorized by his Majesty, as well as with the 
consent and approbation of the Cherokee Nation of Indians, at a 
Congress or general meeting of said Indians, to be held for said 
purpose, and not in any other manner. 

In testimony whereof, the said Superintendent, on behalf of his 
ISIajesty, and the underwritten Cherokee Chiefs on behalf of their 
Nation have signed and sealed this present treaty at the time and 
place aforesaid. 

John Stuart, (L. S.) 

Oconistoto, YC, (L. C.) 

Kittagusta, 0., (L. C.) 



114 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Attacallaculla, X., (L. C.) 

Keyatoy's mark NG., (L. C.) 

Unkayonla, C, (L. C.) 

Chuckamuntas, C, (L, C.) 

Kinalilaps, NG., (L. C.) 

Skyagusta Tucelicis, S., (L. C.) 

Wolf of Keewees, G., (L. C.) 

Skyagusta Tif toy, (L. C.) 

Terrapino, (L. C.) 

Ency of Tugalo, (L. C.) 

Scaliluskey of Sugar Town, (L. C.) 
Thus all claim asserted by both the northern and southern In- 
dians to any of the lands located within the present bounds of 
Washington county was extinguished, and the settlement of these 
lands was greatly expedited thereby. This portion of Virginia now 
opened to settlement was one vast forest overspreading a limestone 
soil of great fertility and excellently watered, and this, accompa- 
nied by the comparative security and quiet succeeding the French- 
Indian war of 1763, contributed greatly to the rapid settlement of 
Southwestern Virginia. 

In the year 1770, Col. James Knox,* accompanied by about 
forty hunters from the settlements on New river, Holston and 
Clinch, passed oved the Cumberland mountains for the purpose of 
hunting and trapping, and penetrated to the lower Cumberland. 
They were equipped with their rifles, traps and dogs, and the 
usual outfit of backwoods hunters, and thus originated the name 
Long Hunters. The usual mode of hunting followed by what were 
Imown as the Long Hunters, in those days, was for not more than 
two or three men to go in one company, each man having two 
horses, traps, a large surplus of powder and lead, a small hand vise 
and bellows and files and screw plates for the purpose of fixing 
guns, if any should get out of fix. They usually set out from their 
homes about the first of October and returned the latter part of 
March or first of April. The most noted Long Hunters were 
Elisha Walden, William Carr, William Crabtree, James Aldridge, 
William Pitman and Henry Scaggs. 

During the season above mentioned, large numbers of himters 



*AfterwaTds Gen. Knox. The last named erected a fort near the present 
site of Knoxville, Tenn., to which was given the name of Fort Knox. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 115 

visited the valleys of the Holston, Clinch and Powell's rivers, and 
oftentimes penetrated into the very heart of -Kentucky. 

In the year 1771, Absalom Looney settled in Abb's Valley, Taze- 
well county, Virginia, and from him the valley received its name. 
Thomas Witten and John Greenup settled at Crab Orchard, a few 
iniles west of Tazewell C. H. ; Mathias, Jacob and Henry Harmon 
settled a few miles east of Tazewell C. H., and John Craven, 
Joseph Martin, John Henry, James King and Jolin Bradshaw set- 
tled in Tazewell county, on the headwaters of the Clinch. __ 

In the year 1771, a company of about twenty men from near 
the Natural Bridge in Virginia and from the New river settle- 
ments met about eight miles below Fort Chiswell on New river, 
whence they traveled to the head of the Holston, and thence down 
the Holston Valley, and on into Kentucky, where they continued 
to hunt for about nine months. 

The Holston settlements received during this year a large num- 
ber of emigrants from North Carolina. The government of North 
Carolina was in the hands of a class of people who were very 
haughty and oppressive in their manner towards the poorer classes 
of citizens, which caused great numbers of the people of North 
Carolina to organize themselves into bands called Eegulators. 
They petitioned Governor Tryon for relief, which was denied; tu- 
mult and violence succeeded, the courts were prevented from sit- 
ting and the laws were disobeyed. The principal ground of com- 
plaint was that the people were taxed without the right to vote and 
send representatives to the House of Commons of North Carolina. 
About three thousand Eegulators banded themselves together, and 
on the 16tli of May, 1771, a battle was fought at the Alamance, 
between the Regulators and the forces commanded by Governor 
Tryon. The Eegulators, being undisciplined and poorly armed, 
were defeated with the loss of nine killed and many wounded, the 
Governor's forces having lost twenty-seven killed and many 
wounded. And thus it is said was fought the first battle of the 
Revolution, and thus was shed the first blood for the enjoyment 
of liberty. The Regulators being thus defeated and dispersed, 
many of their number found homes oa the waters of the Holston 
and Clinch rivers. At this time the settlements extended down the 
north side of the Holston river as far as Carter's Valley, about 
foui'teen or fifteen miles above Rogersville, Tenn., and that por- 



116 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

tion of the country being supposed to be a part of Virginia, it was 
soon settled by people from the Wolf Hills in Virginia. 

A settlement was made on the Watanga as early as the year 1770, 
upon the idea that the lands were in Virginia, and that the set- 
tlers would be entitled to take up the lands given to settlers under 
the laws of Virginia, to-wit: To each -actual settler who should 
erect a log cabin and cultivate one acre in corn, four hundred acres, 
located so as to include all improvements, with the right to buy 
a thousand acres adjoining at a nominal price. Most of the early 
settlers on the Watauga came from near the Wolf Hills and, being 
loyal Virginians, they did not contemplate establishing a residence 
in the State of North Carolina, but thought they were near the 
boundary between the two States. 

In the fall of the year 1771, Anthony Bledsoe ran the boundary 
line between the Colonies of Virginia and North Carolina, far 
enough west to ascertain that the Watauga settlement was in North 
Carolina, and Alexander Cameron, the British agent, immediately 
ordered the settlers on the Watauga to move off of the Indian lands. 
James Eobertson and John Sevier, two of the leading members 
of the Watauga settlement, immediately set about to devise ways 
and means by which they could avoid the order of the British 
agent. They could not buy the lands from the Indians, because 
the purchase was prohibited, but there was no law prohibiting a 
lease of the land, and in the year 1774, the Indians leased to the 
settlers -on the Watauga the lands in the Watauga Valley and all 
was peace once again. 

The stream of emigration that poured over the mountains ex- 
tended along the Holston as far as Carter's Valley and on the lands 
belonging to the Indians. They were all from Virginia and of 
Scotch-Irish descent, their wealth consisting of strong arms and 
stout hearts. 

In the year 1772, James Moore and James Poage settled in 
Abb's Valley, William Wynn at Locust Hill, John Taylor and 
Jesse Evans on the north fork of Clinch ; Thomas Maxwell, Benja- 
min Joslin, James ' Ogleton, Peter and Jacob Harmon, Samuel 
Ferguson and William Webb, near Tazewell C. H.; Eees Bowen, 
at Maiden Spring, David Ward in the Cove, and William Garri- 
son at the foot of Morris' Knob. William Wynn erected a fort on 



SoutTiwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 117 

Wyim's Branch, Thomas Witten at Crab Orchard, and Rees 
Bowen at Maiden Spring. 

The early settlers of Southwest Virginia came principally from 
the Valley of Virginia, western Pennsylvania and Maryland, some 
of them coming directly from Ireland. They were of a mixed 
race, and a large majority were Scotch-Irish. In studying the 
nationality of the early settlers of Southwest A^irginia, it must 
be kept in mind that there was a great difference between the 
people inhabiting the eastern shores of Virginia and the early set- 
tlers in the mountains of western Virginia. They differed both in 
their ancestry and in their religion. 

The early settlers of Eastern Virginia were English by birth and 
Episcopalians in religion; while the early settlers of Southwest 
Virginia were Scotch-Irish by birth and Presbyterians in religious 
belief. 

Tlie government of tlie Colony of Virginia, early in the eigh- 
teenth centur}^, adopted the policy of offering inducements to the 
dissenters from the established church to settle and make their 
homes in the Valley of Virginia and in the Southwest, and thereby 
sought to establish a barrier between the Indian tribes and the set- 
tlers east of the mountains. 

In the adoption of this policy the government of the Colony of 
Virginia was actuated by selfish motives; they little dreamed that 
they were thus giving a foothold to a vigorous people, who were 
destined to play a strong part in the future history of their 
country. 

The people thus invited to settle the garden spot of Virginia 
were the sons of the men who followed Cromwell. They were men 
who regarded themselves, according to Macaulay, as ^'kings by the 
right of an earlier creation and priests by the interposition of an 
Almighty liand." King James I, M'hen speaking of a Scotch Pres- 
l)ytery, said, "Presbytery agreeth as well with monarchy as God and 
(lie devil." They were Protestants and detested the Catholics, the 
enemies of their forefathers, and they despised the Episcopalians, 
their oppressors. They constituted the outposts of our earlier civiliza- 
tion, their homes being in the moimtains. A distinguished writer, 
in speaking of tliese people, says : "That these Irish Presbyte- 
rians were a bold and hardy race is proved by their at once pushing 
past tlie settled regions and plunging into the wilderness as the 



118 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

leaders of the white advance. They were the first and last set of 
emigrants to do this; all others have merely followed in the wake 
of their predecessors. But indeed they were fitted to be Americans 
from the very start; they were the kinsfolk of the Covenanters: 
they deemed it a religions duty to interpret their own Bible, and 
held for a divine right the election of their own clergy. The creed 
of the backwoodsmen who had a creed at all was Presbyterianism, 
for the Episcopacy of the tidewater lands obtained no foothold in 
the mountains, and the Methodists and Baptists had but just be- 
gun to appear in the west,* before the E evolution broke out." 

Governor David Campbell, who lived and died at Abingdon, in 
speaking of these people, says : "The first settlers on Holston river 
were a remarkable race of people, for their intelligence, enterprise 
and hardy adventure." The greater portion of them had emi- 
grated from the counties of Botetourt, Augusta and Frederick, and 
others from along the same valley and from the upper counties 
of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and generally, where they had any 
religious opinions, were Presbyterians. 

A very large proportion were religious, and many were mem- 
bers of the church. It is generally supposed that the motive 
actuating the early explorers and settlers of this country was the 
acquisition of wealth, and while such motive may have had its 
influence on some, we cannot believe that such was the real motive 
of the great body of our early settlers. The early settlers and 
forefathers had been persecuted in their homes across the Atlantic 
because of their independent spirit and their undying fealty to 
the doctrines taught by Calvin and Knox; and when they crossed 
the waters they were driven, by the intolerant spirit of the estab- 
lished church, beyond the lowlands to the very mountains, where 
they sought a place and opportunity to exercise their religion ac- 
cording to the dictates of their consciences. The important part 
played by this people in the early history of our country cannot be 
overestimated. 

Our forefathers were inspired and governed by the same senti- 
ments that actuated the founders of our nation. The theology of 
Calvin, the founder of the republic of Geneva, combined with the 
sturdy independence of the Scotch-Irish settlers of the American 
colonies, gave birth to our republic. "The first voice raised in 



4 



*The Winning of the West, Vol. I., page 138, 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 119 

America to destroy all connection with Great Britain came from 
the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians.*" 

The Hon. Wm. C. Preston, of South Carolina, a native of Wash- 
ington county, in speaking of the resemblance between the consti- 
tution of the Presbyterian Church and the constitution of our 
country, said : "Certainly it was the most remarkable and singular 
coincidence that the constitution of the Presbyterian Church 
should bear such a close and striking resemblance to the political con- 
stitution of our country."! 

jSTot only were they the first to demand the separation of the 
colonies from the mother country, but they were the first to de- 
marnd religious liberty and the separation of Church and State. 

Hanover Presbytery, of which the Eev. Chas. Cummings was an 
honored member, prepared a petition with this object in view and 
presented it to the General Assembly of Virginia on the 24th of 
October, 1776, the petition being as follows: 

"A memorial of the Presbytery of Hanover was presented to the 
House, and read : setting forth that they are governed by the same 
sentiments which have inspired the United States -of America, 
and are determined that nothing in their power and influence shall 
be wanting to give success to the common cause: that Dissenters 
from the Church of England in this country have ever been desir- 
ous to conduct themselves as peaceable members of the civil gov- 
ernment, for which reason they have hitherto submitted to several 
ecclesiastick burthens and restrictions, that are inconsistent with 
equal liberty, but that now when the many and grievous oppres- 
sions of our mother country have laid this continent under the 
necessity of casting off the yoke of tyranny, and of forming inde- 
pendent governments, upon equitable and liberal foundations, they 
flatter themselves they shall be freed from all the encumbrances 
which a spirit of domination, prejudice or bigotry hath interwoven 
with most other political systems : that they are more strongly en- 
couraged to expect this, by the declaration of rights, so universally 
applauded for the dignity, firmness and precision with which it 
delineates and asserts the privileges of society and the prerogatives 
of human nature, and which they embrace as the Magna Charta of 
the Commonwealth, which can never be violated without endanger- 



♦Bancroft's His. U. S., Vol. X., page 77. 
tScotch-Irish Seeds, page 346. 



120 Southioest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

ing the grand superstructure it was destined to support: There- 
fore they rely upon this declaration, as well as the justice of the 
Legislature, to secure to them the free exercise of their religion, 
according to the dictates of their consciences : and that they should 
fall short in their duty to themselves and to the many and nu- 
merous congregations under their care, were they upon this occasion 
to neglect laying before the House a statement of the religious griev- 
ances under which they have hitherto labored, that they may no 
longer be continued in the present form of government: that it 
is well known that in the frontier counties which are justly sup- 
posed to contain a fifth part of the inhabitants of Virginia, the 
dissenters have borne the heavy burthens of purchasing glebes and 
supporting the established clergy, where there are very few Episco- 
palians either to assist in bearing the expense or to reap the ad- 
vantage: and that throughout the other parts of the country there 
are also many thousands of zealous friends and defenders of the 
State who, besides the invidious disadvantageous restrictions to 
which they have been subjected annually, pay large taxes to sup- 
port an estaljlishment from which their consciences and principles 
oblige them to dissent, all which are so many violations of tlieir 
natural rights, and in their consequences a restraint upon freedom 
of inquiry and private judgment. In this enlightened age, and in 
a land where all are united in the most strenuous efforts to be free, 
they hope and expect that their representatives will cheerfully 
concur in removing every species of religious as well as civil bond- 
age. That every argument for civil liberty gains additional 
strength when applied to liberty in the concerns of religion, and 
that there is no argument in favor of establishing the Christian 
religion but what may be pleaded for establishing the tenets of Ma- 
homet by those Avho believe in the Alcoran : or, if this be not true, 
it is at least impossible for the magistrate to adjudge the right 
of preference among the various sects which profess the Christian 
faith, without erecting a chair of infallibility which would lead us 
back to the Church of Rome. That they beg leave farther to repre- 
sent that religious establishments are highly injurious to the tem- 
poral interests of any communit)'^, without insisting upon the ambi- 
tion and the arbitrary practices of those who are favored by govern- 
ment, or the intriguing seditious spirit which is commonly excited 
by this, as well as every other kind of oppression. Such establish- 



Southwest Virginia, 17 46-17 S6. 131 

ments greatly retard population and consequently the progress of 
arts, sciences and manufactures: witness the rapid growth and 
improvement of the northern provinces compared with this. That 
no one can deny the more early settlement, and the many supe- 
rior advantages of our country, would have invited multitudes 
of artificers, mechanics and other useful members of society, to fix 
tlieir habitation among us, who have either remained in the place 
of their nativity, or preferred worse civil government, and a more 
barren soil, where they might enjoy the rights of conscience more 
fully than they had a prospect of doing in this : from which they 
infer that Virginia might now have been the capital of America, 
and a match for the British arms, without depending upon others 
for the necessaries of war, liad it not been prevented by her reli- 
gious establishment. Neither can it be made appear that the gos- 
pel needs any such civil aid: they rather conceive that when our 
Blessed Savior declares his kingdom is not of this world, he 
renounces dependence upon State power, and as his weapons are 
spiritual and were only designed to have influence upon the judg- 
ment and heart of man, they are persuaded that if mankind were 
left in the quiet possession of their unalienable privileges, Chris- 
tianity, as in the days of the Apostles, would continue to prevail 
and flourish in the greatest purity by its own native excellence, 
nnd under the all-disposing providence of God. That they would 
also humbly represent, that the only proper objects of civil gov- 
ernment are the happiness and protection of men in the present 
state of existence, the security of the life, liberty and property of 
the citizens, and to restrain the vicious and encourage the virtuous 
by wholesome laws, equally extending to every individual : but that 
the duty they owe their Creator, and the manner of discharging it, 
can only be directed by reason and conviction, and is nowhere 
cognizable but at the tribunal of the universal judge, and that 
therefore they ask no ecclesiastical establishments for themselves, 
neither can they approve of them when granted to others, and earn- 
estly entreating that all laws now in force in this Commonwealth 
which countenance religious denominations may be speedily re- 
pealed, that all and every religious sect may be protected in the 
full exercise of their several modes of worship, and exempted from 
the payment of all taxes for the support of any church whatever. 



122 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



farther than what may be agreeable to their own private choice, or 
voluntary obligations."* 

But few of the inhabitants of this beautiful country at the 
present time have even a slight idea of the dangers and priva- 
tions endured by the early settlers, the dim shadows of which are 
vanishing like the tints in a dissolving scene. The men who 
worked their way from the settlements in the valley to their future 





1 


1 


i.'ft7A*s\^ 




hLs> 






l^^s 


^* 






;«*k 





Tlie First Temples. 

home, groping through the forest without a road and with nothing 
to guide them in their course, except the trail of the Indian and 
the buffalo ; at night resting on the ground with no roof over them 
save the branches of the mighty oak or the broad expanse of 
heaven; exploring an unknown wilderness, surrounded by insur- 
mountable obstacles and momentarily threatened with assault from 
their deadly enemies, the rattlesnake, the Indian and the wild beast 
of the forest, but always accompanied by a trust in their God, 
came, "with the Bible in one hand and a cross in the other, tread- 
ing the sombre shades of these dark old woods and often with a 
boulder of granite for a footstool, and the eternal cataracts thunder- 



*Journal Va. House of Delegates, 1776. This petition preceded Jefferson 
resolution by many years. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 133 

ing amid the everlasting solitudes for an organ, these devout men 
worsl lipped their God according to the dictates of their consciences." 
Each emigrant brought with him some clothes, a little bedding, 
guns and ammunition, cooking utensils, seed corn, an axe, a saw 
and the Bible. Such were the men and the manner of their com- 
ing, who cleared the forests and opened the beautiful and rich 
farms that are now spread out upon our hills and mountain sides 
and grassy plains. 

The early settlers in their intercourse with others were kind, 
beneficent and disinterested: extending to all the most generous 
hospitality tliat tlieir circumstances could afford. That selfish- 
ness which prompts to liberality for the sake of remuneration and 
professes tlie civilities of life with an eye to individual interest 
was nnlcnown to them. They were kind for Icindness' sake and 
songlit no other recompense than the never failing concomitant 
of good deeds, tlie reward of an approving conscience. 

There existed in each settlement a perfect unison of feeling. 
Similitude of situation and community of danger operated as a 
magic charm and stifled in their birth those little bickerings which 
are so apt to disturb the quiet of society.* 

Ambition of preferment, the pride of place, too often hin- 
drances to social intercourse, were unknown among them. Equal- 
iiy of condition rendered them strangers alike to the baneful dis- 
tinctions of wealth and otlier adventitious circumstances, a sense 
of mutual dependence for their common security, linked them in 
amity and they conducted their several purposes in harmonious con- 
cert; together they toiled and together they suffered. Such were 
the pioneers of the Southwest; and the greater part of mankind 
might now derive advantage from the contemplation of their "hum- 
ble virtues, their hospitable homes, their spirits potential, noble, 
proud and free, their self-respect grafted on innocent thoughts, 
their days of health and nights of sleep, their toils, by dangers 
dignified, yet guiltless, their hopes of cheerful old age and a quiet 
grave with cross and garland over its green turf and their grand- 
children's love for an epitaph."* 

The early settlers of this section of Virginia were a strong, 
stern people, simple in their habits. God-fearing in their practices, 
imbibing the spirit of freedom, such as is usually found among the 

•Dodridge. 



134 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

inhabitants of a mountainous country, kind in their disposition 
towards the well-disposed and unmerciful in their dealings with 
their enemies. They were upright in all their dealings, fearless 
advocates of the right and undying lovers of their country. 

"^ Dr. Dodridge, an author who wrote from his personal knowl- 
edge, says that "linsey coats and bed-gowns, were the universal dress 
of the women in the early times." The weed, now known among 
us as the "wild nettle," then furnished the material which served 
to clothe the persons of our sires and dames." It was cut down 
while yet green and treated much in the same manner in which 
flax is now treated. 

The fibrous bark, with the exception of the shortness of the 
fibres, seemed to be adapted to the same uses. When this "flax," 
if I may so term it, was prepared, it was mixed with buffalo hair, 
and woven into a substantial cloth in which the men and women 
were clothed. It is a true maxim, "Necessity is the mother of 
invention." 

'^ "The furniture of the table, for several years after the settle- 
ment of this country, consisted of a few pewter dishes, plates and 
spoons; but mostly of wooden bowls, trenchers and noggins. If 
these last were scarce, gourds and hard-shelled sqiiashes made up 
the deficiency. Iron pots, knives and forks were brought from the 
East, with the salt and iron on horseback." 

"In our whole display of furniture, the delft, china and silver 
were unknown. It did not then, as now, require contributions 
from the four quarters of the globe to furnish the breakfast table, 
viz., the silver from Mexico, the coffee from the West Indies, the 
tea from China and the delft or porcelain from Europe or Asia. 
Yet, a homely fare, imsightly cabins and furniture produced a 
hardy race, who planted the first footsteps of civilization in the 
immense regions of the West. Inured to hardship, bravery and 
labor from their early youth, they sustained wiih manly fortitude 
the fatigue of the chase, the campaign and scout, and with ^strong 
arms turned the wilderness into fruitful fields,' and have left to 
their descendants the rich inheritance of an immense empire 
blessed with peace, wealth and prosperity."* 

"For a long time after the settlement of this country, the in- 

*Bickley. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 125 

liabitants in general married young. There was no distinction of 
ranlv and very little of fortune. On these accounts the first impres- 
sion of love resulted in marriage, and a family establishment cost 
but little labor and nothing else. 

"A description of a wedding from beginning to end will serve 
to show the manners of our forefathers and mark the grade of civi- 
lization which has succeeded to their rude state of society, in the 
course of a few years. 

"•In the first years of the settlement of a country, a wedding en- 
gaged the attention of the whole neighborhood, and the frolic was 
anticipated by young and old with eager expectation. This is not 
to be wondered at when it is told that a wedding was almost the 
only gathering which was not accompanied with the labor of reap- 
ing, log-rolling, building a cabin, or planning some scout or cam- 
paign. On the morning of the wedding day the groom and his at- 
tendants assembled at the house of his father for the purpose of 
reaching the home of his bride by noon, which was the usual time 
for celebrating the nuptials and which, for certain reasons, must 
take place before dinner. 

''Let the reader imagine an assemblage of people without a 
store, tailor or mantua-maker within a hundred miles, and an as- 
semblage of horses without a blacksmith or saddle within an equal 
distance. The gentlemen dressed in shoepacks, moccasins, leather 
breeches, leggings, linsey hunting shirts, and all home-made. The 
ladies dressed in linsey petticoats and linsey or linen bed-gowns, 
coarse shoes, stockings and handkerchiefs and buckskin gloves, if 
any. If there were any rings, buckles, buttons or ruffles, they were 
the relics of olden times; family pieces from parents or grand- 
parents. The horses were caparisoned with old saddles, old bridles 
or halters, and pack-saddles with a bag or blanket thrown over 
them; a rope or string as often constituted the girth as a piece of 
leather. 

"The march, in doiible file, was often interrupted by the narrow- 
ness of our mountain paths, as they were called, for we had no 
roads, and these difficulties were often increased by the good and 
sometimes the ill-will of neighbors by felling trees and tying grape- 
vines across the way. Sometimes an ambuscade was formed by 
the wayside, and an unexpected discharge of several guns took 



126 Southwest Virginia, 174-6-1786. 

place, so as to cover the wedding party with smoke. Let the reader 
imagine the scene which followed this discharge ; the sudden spring 
of the horses, the shrieks of the girls and the chivalrous bustle of 
their partners to save them from falling. Sometimes, in spite of 
all that could be done to prevent it, some were thrown to the 
ground. If a wrist, elbow or ankle happened to be sprained, it was 
tied up with a handkerchief, and little more said or thought 
about it. 

"The ceremony of the marriage preceded the dinner, which was 
a substantial backwoods feast of beef, pork, fowls, and sometimes 
venison and bear meat roasted and boiled with plenty of potatoes, 
cabbage and -other vegetables. During the dinner the greatest 
hilarity prevailed. The table might be a large slab of timber, 
hewed out with a broad-axe, supported by four sticks, set in auger 
holes; and the furniture, some old pewter dishes and plates; the 
rest, wooden bowls and trenchers: a few pewter spoons much bat- 
tered about the edges were to be seen at some tables. The rest were 
made of horn. If knives were scarce the deficiency was made up 
with scalping knives which were carried in sheaths suspended to 
the belt of the hunting shirt. Every man carried one. 

"After dinner the dancing commenced and generally lasted until 
the next morning. The figures of the dancers were three and four 
handed reels, or square sets and jigs. The commencement was 
always a square form, which was followed by what was called jig- 
ging it off; that is, two of the four would single out for a jig, and 
were followed by the remaining couple. The jigs were often ac- 
companied with what was called cutting out, that is, when either 
of the parties became tired of the dance, on intimation, the place 
was supplied by some one of the company, without any interrup- 
tion to the dance. In this way the dance was often continued till 
the musician was heartily tired of his situation. Toward the lat- 
ter part of the night, if any of the company through weariness at- 
tempted to conceal themselves for the purpose of sleeping, they 
were hunted up, paraded on the floor, and the fiddler ordered to 
play,- 'Hang out till to-morrow morning.' 

"About nine or ten o'clock a deputation of young ladies stole 
off the bride and put her to bed. In doing this it frequently hap- 
pened that they had to ascend a ladder, instead of a pair of stairs. 



SoutTiwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 127 

leading from the dining and ball room to a loft, the floor of 
which was made of clapboards lying loose. 

"This ascent, one might think, would put the bride and her 
attendants to the blush; but the foot of the ladder was commonly 
behind the door, which was purposely opened for the occasion, 
and its rounds at the inner ends were well hung with hunting- 
shirts, dresses and other articles of clothing. The candles being 
on the opposite side of the house, the exit of the bride was noticed 
but by few. 

"This done, a deputation of young men, in like manner, stole 
off the groom and placed him snugly by the side of his bride. The 
dance still continued; and if seats happened to be scarce, as was 
often the case, every young man when not engaged in the dance, 
was obliged to offer his lap as a seat for one of the girls; and the 
offer was sure to be accepted. In the midst of this hilarity the 
bride and groom were not forgotten. Pretty late in the night 
some one would remind the company that the new couple must 
stand in need of some refreshments. Black Betty, which was the 
name of the bottle, was called for and sent up the ladder; but 
sometimes Black Betty did not go alone. I have sometimes seen 
as much bread, beef, pork and cabbage sent along as would afford 
a good meal for half a dozen hungry men. The 5'oung couple 
were compelled to eat and drink more or less of whatever was 
offered. 

"But to return: it often happened that some neighbors or rela- 
tions, not being asked to the wedding, took offence, and the 
mode of revenge adopted by them on such occasions was that 
of cutting off the manes, foretops, and tails of the horses of the 
wedding company. 

"On returning to the infare, the order of procession and the 
race for Black Betty was the same as before. The feasting and 
dancing often lasted several days, at the end of which the whole 
company were so exhausted with loss of sleep that many days' 
rest were requisite to fit them to return to their ordinary labors." 

HUNTING. 

"This constituted one of the greatest amusements, and, in many 
instances, one of the chief employments of the early settlers. The 
various intrigues of a skillful hunter, such as mimicking a turkey. 



128 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1186. 

owl, wolf, deer, etc., were soon learned, and the eye was taught 
to catch, at a glance, the faintest impressions left upon the earth 
by any animal. Marks which would be by any but a hunter 
overlooked were easily detected. The times and grounds on 
which elk, deer, etc., fed were soon learned, and then the important 
lesson of preventing spells or enchantments by enemies was 
studied, for it is a singular fact that all hunters are more or less 
superstitious. Frequently, on leaving home, the wife would throw 
the axe at her husband to give him good luck. If he chanced to 
fail to kill game, his gun was enchanted or spelled, and some old 
woman was shot in effigy, then a silver bullet would be run with a 
needle through it and shot at her picture. To remove these spells, 
they would sometimes unbreech their rifles, and lay them in a 
clear running stream for a certain number of days. If this failed, 
they would borrow patching from some other hunter, which 
transferred all the bad luck to the lender, etc. 

"Game was plenty at the time this country was first settled by 
the whites, and, acordingly, the woods furnished most of the 
meat. The elks and buffaloes were generally killed at the licks 
whither they repaired to salt themselves. Animals were hunted 
there not merely for their meat, but for their skins and furs. 
These served to pay for powder, lead, or anything else, being nomi- 
nally the currency of the country. 

"Neither was hunting a mere pastime, devoid of skill, as it now 
is. The hunter might be considered somewhat of a meteorologist; 
he paid particular attention to the winds, rains, snows, and frosts, 
for almost every change altered the location of the game. He 
knew the cardinal points of the compass by the thick bark and 
moss on the north side of a tree, so that during the darkest and 
most gloomy night he knew which was the north, and so the 
direction of his home or camp. 

"The natural habits of the deer were well studied; and hence he 
knew at what times they fed, etc. If, in hunting, he found a deer 
at feed, he stopped, and though he might be open to it, did not seek 
to obscure himself, but waited till it raised its head and looked 
at him. He remained motionless till the deer, satisfied that 
nothing was in sight, again commenced feeding. He then began 
to advance, if he had the wind of it, and if not, he retreated and 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 129 

came up another way, so as to place the deer between himself and 
the wind. As long as the deer's head was down, he continued to 
advance till he saw it shake the tail. In a moment he was the same 
motionless object, till again it put down its head. In this way he 
would soon approach to within sixty yards, when his unerring rifle 
did the work of death. It is a curious fact that deer never put 
their heads to the ground, or raise it, without shaking the tail be- 
fore doing so."* 

*Bickley. 



130 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



CHAPTER VI. 

SOUTHWEST VIEGINIA— PINCASTLE COUNTY. 

1773-1777. 

The House of Burgesses of Virginia in tlie fall of the year 
1772, in answer to the petition of the inhabitants and settlers on 
the waters of the Holston and New rivers, representing their in- 
conveniences by reason of the extent of Botetourt county and their 
remote situation from the courthouse, with the consent of the 
Governor and Council enacted a law providing that from and 
after the first day of December, 1772, the said county of Bote- 
tourt should be divided into two distinct counties; that is to say, 
all that part of said county within a line to run up the east side 
of New river to the mouth of Culberson creek, thence a direct line 
to the Catawba road where it crosses the dividing ridge between 
the north fork of Roanoke and the waters of New river, thence 
with the top of the ridge to the bend where it turns eastwardly, 
thence a south course, crossing Little river to the top of the Blue 
Ridge mountain, shall be established as one distinct county, to be 
called and Imown by the name of Pincastle ; and all that other part 
thereof which lies to the east and northeast of said line shall be 
one other distinct county and retain the name of Botetourt. The 
act establishing Pincastle did not designate the place of holding 
the court of the county, but, by order of the Governor of the 
Colony, the Lead Mines, now in Wythe county, Virginia, was desig- 
nated as the county seat of the new county.* 

Pursuant to a commission from the Governor of the Colony 
bearing date December 1, 1772, directed to 

William Preston, William Inglis, 

William Christian, John Montgomery, 

Stephen Trigg, Robert Doach, 

Walter Crockett, James McGavock, 

Anthony Bledsoe, James Thompson, 

Arthur Campbell, William Russell, 

Benjamin Estill, Samuel Crockett, 

Alexander McKee, 



*8 Hen. Stat., page 600. 



Southwest Virginia, 17J,G-]78G. 131 

tlie first County Court for Fincastle county assembled at the 
Ijoad Mines, on New river, in tlie present county of Wytlie, on 
tlie 5th day of January, 1773. The following members of the 
court being present: 

Arthur Campbell, James Thompson, 

William Preston, William Inglis, 

William Christian, Stephen Trigg, 

Walter Crockett, James McGavock. 

Arthur Campbell and James Thompson administered the oath 
to William Preston and William Inglis, and they to: 

William Christian, Stephen Trigg, 

Robert Doach, Walter Crockett, 

James McGavock, James Thompson, 

Arthur Campbell. 

Subsequently in the year 1773, William Campbell, James Mc- 
Corkle and William Herbert were commissioned and qualified as 
members of the court. The following officers of the new county 
([iialifiod on that day: 

Sheriff Fincastle county, 
William Preston. 

Deputy Sheriffs : 
Daniel Trigg, John Floyd, 

James Thompson, Henry Moore. 

Surveyor Fincastle County, 
William Preston. 

Deputy Surveyors : 
John Floyd, Eobert Preston, 

Daniel Smith, Robert Doach, 

William Russell, James Douglas. 

Clerk Fincastle county, 
John Byrd. 

Deputy Clerks : 
William Christian, 
Stephen Trigg, 
Richard Madison. 



132 Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 

King's Counsel or Dept. Attorney : 
John Aylett, Jan. 5th, 1773. 
Thomas Madison, May 3rd, 1774. 

The following attorneys qnalified in this court during the exist- 
ence of the county: 

Ephraim Dunlop, Luke Bowyer, 

John May, John Todd, 

Harry Innes, Charles Simm, 

John Aylett, , Gabriel Jones, 

Benjamin Lawson, Thomas Madison. 

On the first day of the court many interesting orders were en- 
tered, several of the number being here copied as entered : 

"The Court doth appoint the house adjoining the Court House, 
where the court is now held, for a prison, which house William 
Preston, Sheriff, doth protest against as insufficient. 

"Ordered that Stephen Trigg send for weights and measures 
for the use of the said county, as soon as possible and on as low 
terms as he sells goods to his best customers on." 

"Ordered that John Byrd do provide all necessary law books for 
this county, and that he bring in his charge." 

A number of orders were entered by the court on the first day 
of its existence, in regard to that section of Fincastle county lying 
upon the waters of the Holston and Clinch rivers. 

Leave was given Francis Whitney and William Kennedy to 
erect mills on the properties on which they lived, on the Holston 
river and the waters of Holston river. 

In this connection it is worthy of notice, tliat at the time per- 
mission was given to Kennedy and Whitney to erect their mills, 
there was but one mill on the waters of the Holston, so far as the 
records show, to-wit: the mill of Arthur Campbell at Eoyal Oak. 

"It is further ordered by the court that William Edmiston, 
George Adams, John Beaty, Joseph Drake, David Snodgrass and 
James Kincannon, or any three of them, being first sworn, do view 
the nighest and best way from tlie Town House (now in Smytli 
County, Va.,) to tlie Eighteen Mile creek (now Abingdon), and 
report." 

It seems that there was some contention among the settlers on 
Holston as to the location of this road; for, on the 3nd day of 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 133 

]\Iai-cli, 1773, the above order was set aside by the court, and on 
that day it was ordered that John Hays, Benjamin Logan, William 
Campbell, Artluir Bowen and Thomas Eamsey, or any three of 
Ibem, being first sworn, do view the several ways proposed for said 
j-oad and make a report of the conveniences and inconveniences 
attending the same. The viewers thus appointed made their re- 
])<)j-t to the County Court on July G, 1773, recommending that the 
lower road 1)e established, wbicli re})ort was confirmed and the road 
establislied, and William Canipl)ell, William Edmiston and James 
Br^'an were appointed overseers of the said road. 

The above is all the information that the records contain of the 
controversy in regard to the establishment of this road, but I ap- 
])i-elicii(l that the action of the court in establishing the road as 
they (lid had considerable bearing in settling the future location 
of the county seat of Washington coimty at Abingdon. 

Upon the second day of the court it was recommended to his 
Execllciicy the (governor that h(^ will be pleased to establish the 
coui-thoiisc I'oi- this county at a piece of land commonly called 
McCiilTs ]ihu'('. now the property of Boss & Co., and the lands 
of Siiiinicl Crockett, in lieu of the Lead Mines, for the several 
reasons following: 

That the said iMcCalTs place and Crockett's lies on the Great 
l^oad that j)asses througli the county, and that it is well watered, 
timbered and level. 

That it is more central ihiin the mines, and that it is in the 
neighborhood of ;) gi-e;it deal of good lands and meadows. 

'Hiat the Lead Mines are near the south line of the county, that 
there is no sjiriug convenient, the place is very bare of timber and 
in a neighborhood wliere there is very little pasture, and it is 
certiiinly off the leading road. 

From which order iVrthur Campbell dissented. 
While tlic records are to some extent indefinite as to the action 
of tlie (^lovernoi- upon tliis petition, it is clear that the county seat 
was not removed from the Lead Mines during the existence of 
the county of Fincastle, as is evident from other records that 
have a bearing upon this subject. 

Tlie County Co\irt on March 3, 1774, entered the following 
order : 

"Ordered that the surveyor lay off the prison bounds, and that 



134 Southwest Virginia, 171fG-178G. 

he include all the houses and some part of the waters." This 
clearly applied to the Lead Mines. 

The act of the Legislature of Virginia establishing Montgomery 
county directed that the county seat should be Fort Chiswell, and 
one of the first orders of that court was to appoint commissioners to 
contract for and superintend the erection of a courthouse. 

The above facts, when taken in connection with the circumstance 
that Fort Chiswell was at no time mentioned in the records of the 
County Court of Fincastle county, except in the petition ahove set 
out, are conclusive in regard to this matter. 

On May 2, 1773, the court ordered that Eobert Davis, Alexan- 
der Wylie, Eob ert Buch anan, and Hugh Gallion, any three of 
whom being duly sworn, do view the nighest way from James Davis' 
(at the head spring of the Middle Fork of the Holston) to James 
Catherine's (near the head spring of the South Fork of the Hol- 
ston), but the records of Fincastle fail to show that this road was 
established. 

The next order of importance entered by the court was on May 
5, 1773, when the court ordered that Isaac Eiddle, Wesley White, 
James Young and James Montgomery do view the nighest and best 
way from Eleven Mile creek, on Holston, by Jones' place at the 
crossing place, going to Watauga, and report. 

The commissioners made their report on July 6, 1773, and the 
road was established, and James Montgomery, James Young and 
Isaac Eiddle were appointed overseers. 

On March 3, 1T73, James McCarthy, Matthew Mounts, John 
Smith, Thomas Byrd, Nathan Eieherson and Peter Lee, or any 
three of them, being first sworn, were ordered to view the nighest 
and best way from the Town House on Holston to Castle's Woods 
on Clinch river, and make report. 

The commissioners made their report on July 6, 1773, and the 
]-oad was partially established, beginning at John Dunkin's in Elk 
Garden, thence over the mountains to Poor Valley, about five miles 
to the westward of the old path, and from thence by the Big Lick, 
through Lyon's Gap to the Town House. 

On March 3, 1773, the court directed John Maxwell, Eobert Al- 
lison and Eobert Campbell, or any three of them, to view the 
nighest and best way from Catherine's Mill to Charles Allison's, 
and so on to Sinclair's Bottom, and report. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 135 

On July G, 1773, tlie coniniissioners reported, and the court di- 
rected a road to be established from Catherine's Mill to Charles 
Allison's house on the condition that the people on the South Fork, 
or any others on same road who think it useful, do cut the same 
themselves. 

On the same day the court ordered that William Edmiston, 
Robert Edmiston, Alexander McNutt, Eob ert Buch anan, and John 
Edmiston, any three of whom' may act, do view a road from Charles 
Allison's house down the South Fork to Eobert Edmiston's house 
and report. 

On May 5, 1773, the County Court directed Arthur Camp- 
bell to take a list of the tithables on the Clinch river and on all its 
forks, as low as the Elk Garden, and on the Wolf Hill creekv 

And William Eussell to take a list of the tithablep from the 
Elk Garden, on the Clinch, down to the county line. 

And Anthony Bledsoe to take a list of the tithables from Cap- 
tain Campbell's down to the county line, on the North, South, and 
Middle Forks of Holston river. 

And that Captain James Thompson do take a list of the tith- 
ables in Captain William Campbell's company. 

On May 4, 1773, the court directed James Hays, John Hays, 
Arcliibald Buchanan, and Eobert Davis to view the nighest and 
best way by Eobert Davis' into the leading road from Holston. 

At the meeting of the County Court on July 6, 1773, Jonathan 
Jenning was fined forty shillings for speaking of the court with 
contempt and saying that they were self-interested and partial. 

And on the same day Stephen Trigg, James McCorkle, Walter 
Crockett and James McGavock were directed to agree with work- 
men to repair the second house from the courthouse for a prison 
in such manner as is necesssary. 

And on the 9th day of July, 1773, Joseph Black, 'Andrew Col- 
vill, Samuel Ewen, William Blackburn, George Blackburn, Samuel 
Briggs, Davis Galloway, John Berry, Christopher Acklin, John 
Keswick, John Vance and Benjamin Logan were directed to clear 
tlie nearest and best way fi'om Samu el Brig g's, on Eighteen Mile 
creek, to James Bryan's, on Eleven Mile creek. — ^, 

On November 2, 1773, on the petition of a number of the in- 
habitants, it was ordered that William Priest, Henry Willis, Jo- 
seph Martin, William Bowen and Joseph Craven, any three of 



136 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

whom may act, after being duly sworn, do view the best way from 
Maiden Springs settlement (now in Tazewell county) into the 
Great Road. 

No further orders pertaining to Washington county were en- 
tered by the court until March 2, 1774, on which day Patrick Por- 
ter was given leave to build a mill on Falling creek, the waters 
of Clinch river, this being the first mill erected on Clinch river, 
so far as the records disclose. 

On the same day, on the motion of Charles Allison, leave was 
given him to build a mill on his land, on tlie South Fork of Hol- 
ston, near the head spring. 

On the same day the court appointed Andrew Miller and Tliomas 
Ramsay commissioners to view the nighest and best way from 
Thomas Ramsay's, by Kennedy's iiiill, to the Great Road. 

At a meeting of the court on M ay 3, 177 4, the court, on tlie 
petition of the inhabitants of Beaver creek, ordered Benjamin Tjo- 
gan to open a road from James Fulkerson's to the wagon road at 
Josepli Black's (now Abingdon), the best and most convenient way. 

On the same day the court directed Anthony Bledsoe to take a 
list of the tithables in Captains Looney's, Shelby's, and Cocke's com- 
panies, William Campbell in his own and Captain iirthur Camp- 
bell's companies, and William Russell in his own and Captain 
Smith's companies. 

The County Court of Fincastle county was composed of men of 
dignity and respectability, and they purposed to deal with the at- 
torneys practicing at their bar in such a manner as to command 
the respect of the bar and the citizens of the county, and, as an 
evidence of the manner in which they dealt with the members of 
the legal profession, we here copy an order made by this court on 
May 3, 1774 : 

"John Gabriel Jones, having misl)ehaved liimself in the court, it 
is ordered that for his contempt he make his fine with our Lord, 
the King, by the payment of twenty shillings, and tliat he be 
taken," etc. 

On the same day a peculiar order was entered, whicli read as 
follows : 

"John Dougherty cam e into court, and, it being fully proved 
that his left ear had been bitten off by a person jn an afl'ray, it is 
ordered that the same be recorded." It is hard to perceive his ob- 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 137 



ject in making this proof and having it recorded unless there ex- | 
isted at that time, or at an earlier date, some law or custom by j 
which criminals lost their ear s. 

At the August term of this court it was directed that a road be 
built from Arthur Campbell's mill to Blue Spring, at the head 
of Cripple creek, by way of Eye Bottom, and on August 3d, being 
the same day as the above order, the court directed a road to be 
built from Arthur Campbell's mill to Archibald^ Buchanan's, on 
the Nort h Fork o f Holston river. 

In the preceding pages we have given a great deal of the records 
of the County Court of Fincastle county directing the opening of 
the first roads and granting permission to erect the first mills on 
the waters of the H olston and Cli nch rivers, and it cannot be other- 
wise than interesting, for, previously to tlie opening of these roads, 
the early settlers of this country, as a general rule, were compelled 
to follow the Indian and buffalo trails made before their advent. 

The main trail down the Holston and through Washington 
coimty was, from the very earliest time of which we have any 
record, called the G reat E oad. Before the erection of the first mills 
on the waters of the Hols ton, if the early settlers wished to have 
meal, it could be obtained in one way only, and that by cracking 
the grains of corn with a hammer or by some other similar method. 

The first deed executed to any of the settlers on the Holston was 
dated January 5, 1773, and was made by Edmund Pendleton. It 
conveyed to Benjamin Logan and John Sharp 676 acres of land 
situated on Beaver creek, alias Shallow creek, and was the same 
land surveyed by John Buch anan for E dmund Pendleton on April 
2, 1750. 

On the same day Edmund Pendleton conveyed to William 
Cocke and Eobert Craig 950 acres of land situated on Spring 
creek, alias Eenfro's creek, being the same land surveyed by John 
Buchanan, deputy surveyor of Augusta county, for Edmund 
Pendleton on April 2, 1750, and described in the survey as lying 
•on Eenfro's creek. This survey covered a considerable part of the 
farms now owned and occupied by C. L. Clyce, Jerry Whitaker, 
Allen Lester and H. B. Eoberts on Spring creek. 

The four conveyances above described are older by more than 
one year and three months than any others to be found in the pres- 



138 Southwest Virginia^ 1746-1786. 

ent bounds of Washington county, the next oldest conveyance 
bearing date April 14, 1774, 

It may be interesting at this point to know the oath required of 
the members of the first County Court administering justice among 
the settlers upon the Holston. We here copy the oath : 

"You shall swear that as a justice of the peace in the county 
of Fincastle in all articles in the commission to you directed, you 
shall do equal right to the poor and to the rich, after your cunning, 
wit and power according to law; and you shall not be of any 
counsel of any quarrel hanging before you, and the issues, fines and 
amercements that shall happen to be made, and, all the forfeitures 
which shall fall before you, you shall cause to be entered, without 
any concealment or embezzling; you shall not let for gift or other 
causes, but well and truly you shall do your office of justice of the 
peace, as well within your county court as without ; and you shall 
not take any gift, fee or gratuity, for anything to be done by vir- 
tue of your office, and you shall not direct or cause to be directed, 
any warrant by you to l)e made to the parties, but you shall direct 
them to the Sherift', or bailift's of said county, or other the King's 
officers or ministers, or other indifferent persons, to do execution 
thereof, so help you God." 

The oath of a justice of the County Court in Chancery was as 
follows : 

"You shall swear that well and truly you will serve our sovereign 
lord, the King, and his people, in the office of a justice of the county 
court of Fincastle in Chancery, and that you will do equal right to 
all manner of people, great and small, high and low, rich and poor, 
according to equity and good conscience and the laws and usages 
of this colony and dominion of Virginia, without favor, affection 
or partiality. So help you God."* 

A considerable number of people had settled in the immediate 
vicinity of Abingdon, and eastward to the head waters of the Hol- 
ston, and in the beginning of this year two congregations of Pres- 
byterians had organized in the county — one at Sinking Spring^ 
(now Abingdon) and another at Ebbing Spring, on the Middle 
Fork of the Holston river, near the James Byars farm; and in the 
month of April, 1773, Samuel Edmiston was commissioned by the 
two congregations above mentioned to present a call to the Rev. 



*5 Hen. Stat., pages 489-49Q. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 139 

Charles Cummings at the Eeverend Presbytery • of Hanover when 
sitting at the Tinkling Springs, in Augusta county. This call was 
reduced to writing and signed by the members of the Sinking 
Spring and Ebbing Spring congregations. It was presented to 
the Presbytery by Samuel Edmiston for the services of Mr. Cum- 
mings at Brown's meeting-house, in Augusta county, on June 3, 
1773. The call with the signatures thereto is as follows: 

"A call from the united congregations of Ebbing, and Sinking 
springs, on Holston's river, Fincastle county, to be presented to the 
Eev. Charles Cummings, minister of the gospel, at the Eeverend 
Presbytery of Hanover when sitting at the Tinkling Spring : 

Worthy and Dear Sir, — We, being in very destitute circum- 
stances for want of the ordinances of Christ's house statedly ad- 
luinistered amongst us ; many of us under very distressing spiritual 
languishments ; and multitudes perishing in our sins for want of 
the bread of life broken among us; our Sabbaths too much pro- 
faned, or at least wasted in melancholy silence at home, our hearts 
and hands discoviraged, and our spirits l)roken with our mournful 
condition, so that human language cannot sufficiently paint. Hav- 
ing had the happiness, by the good providence of God, of enjoying 
part of your labors to our abundant satisfaction, and being uni- 
versally well satisfied by our experience of your ministerial abili- 
ties, piety, literature, prudence and peculiar agreeableness of your 
qualifications to us in particular as a gospel minister — we do, 
worthy and dear sir, from our very hearts, and with the most cor- 
dial affection and imanimity agree to call, invite and entreat you to 
undertake the office of a pastor among us, and the care and charge 
of our precious souls, and upon your accepting of this our call, we 
do promise that we will receive the word of God from your mouth, 
attend on your ministry, instruction and reproofs, in public and 
private, and submit to the discipline which Christ has appointed 
in his church, administered by you while regulated by the word of 
God and agreeable to our confession of faith and directory. And 
that you may give yourself wholly up to the important work of the 
ministry, we hereby promise to pay you annually the sum of ninety 
pounds from the time of your accepting this our call ; and that we 
shall behave ourselves towards you with all that dutiful respect 
and affection that becomes a people towards their minister, using 
all means within our power to render your life comfortable and 



140 



Southwest Virginia^ 1740-17S(J. 



liappy. We entreat you, worthy and dear sir, to have compassion 
ii}ion us in this remote part of the world, and accept this our call 
and invitation to the pastoral charge of our precious and immor-^ 
tal souls, and we shall hold ourselves bound to pray. 



G' orge Blackburn, 
AVin. Blackburn, 
John Vance, 
John Casey, 
Benjamin Logan, 
liobert Edmiston, 
Thomas Berry, 
Eobert Trimble, 
^\m. McGaughey, 
II avid Dry den, 
V\'m. McNabb, 
J ohn Davis, 
Halbert McClnre, 
Arthur Blackburn, 
^lathl. Davis, 
Saml. Evans, 
: \Vm. Kennedy, 
Andrew McFerran, 
Saml. Hendry, 
John Patterson, 
James Gilmore, 
John Lowry, 
Wm. Christian, 
Andrew Colville, 
Kobert Craig, 
Joseph Black, 
Jonathan Douglash, 
John Cusick, 
Koliert Gamble, 
Andrew Martin, 
Augustus Webb, 
Samuel Briggs, 
Wesley White, 
James Dorchester, 
James Fnlkerson, 



John Long, 
Eobert Topp, " 
John Hunt, 
Thomas Bailey. 
David Getgood, 
V Alex. Breckenridge 
George Clark, 
James Molden, 
William Blanton, 
James Craig, 
Thomas Sharp, 
John Berry, 



^avid Carson, 
Samuel Buchanan, 
William Bates, 
William McMillin, 
r John Kennedy, 
, Eobert Lamb, 
Thos. Eafferty, 
Thomas Baker, 
J^ohn Groce, 
"^Eobert Buchanan, 



Chrisr. Acklin, 
Joseph Gamble, 
James Montgomery, John McISTabb, 
Samuel Houston, Chris. Funkhouser, 



Henry Creswell, , 
George Adams, 
George Buchanan, 
James Dysart, 
William Miller, 
Andrew Leeper, 
David Snodgrass, 
-H^Danl. McCormick, 
Francis Kincannon, 
Jos. Snodgrass, 
James Thompson, 
Eobert Denniston, 
William Edmiston, 
Saml. Edmiston, 
Andrew Kincannon, 
John Kelley, 
John Eobinson, 
James Kincannon, 
Margaret Edmiston, 
John Edmiston, 
John Bovd, 



John Funkhouser, Sr., 
John Funkhouser, Jr., 
Thomas Evans, 
William Marlor, 
Wm. Edmiston, 
Thos Edmiston, 
John Beaty, 
David Beaty, 
George Teator, 
Michl. Halfacre, 
Stephen Cawood, 
James Garvell, 
Eob. Buchanan, Jr., 
Edward Jamison, 
IN'icholas Brobston, 
Alexander MclSTutt, 
William Pruitt, 
John McCutchen, 
James Berry, 
James Trimble, 
Ei chard Heggons, 



Soutliwest Virginia, 17^6-1780: 



141 



Stephen Jordan, 
Alex. Laughlin, 
James Inglish, 
Ki chard Moore, 
Thomas Eamsey, 
Samuel Wilson, 
Joseph Vance, 
William Young, 
William Davidson, 
James Young, 
John Sharp, " 



Eobert Kirkham, 
Martin Pruitt, 
Andrew Miller, 
William Berry, 
James Piper, 
James Harrold, 
Saml. Newell, 
David Wilson, 
David Craig, 
William Berry, 
v' Moses Buchanan, 



John Lester^ 
Hu^h Johnson3 
Edward Pharis> 
Joseph Lester^ 
Saml. White, 
WniianL J^ester, 
William Pqdge, Y" 
Saml. Buchanan, 
Thos. Montgomery, 
Samuel Bell, 
John Campbell. 



This call was accepted by Mr. Cummings, but no record is pre- 
served of any installation being appointed or performed. It was 
intended that this call should have been presented at a session of 
tlie Presbytery in the preceding April, but, for some cause, it was 
delayed until the following June. Having accepted this call, he 
removed his family to the Holston, and settled upon three hundred 
acres of land on the head waters of Wolf Hill creek, which he pur- 
chased from Dr. Thomas W^alker for the consideration of thirty- 
three ])ounds, and whicli land was conveyed to him by Dr. Walker 
by a deed dated April 14, 1774. 

A\'e hope our readers will indulge us if we pause at this place 
to remark that every acre of this three-hundred-acre tract of land 
is to-day, 129 years thereafter, in tlu> possession of the direct lineal 
descendants of the Eev. Charles Cummings. A remarkable fact. 

As soon as he had settled his family on the Holston, he set about 
the performance of the duties pertaining .to his station with all the 
energy and intelligence of which he was capable. He purchased 
from Dr. Thomas Walker, I'oi' live shillings, by estimation, fifty- 
live aeres of land, which land was deeded by Dr. Walker "to the 
iniiii>ier and congregation of the Sinking Spring Church and 
Iheir successors for the time being on April 14, 1774. This tract 
of land was bounded as follows: Beginning at a red oak corner to 
^jVndrew Colvill) running ihencc E. 10 poles to a white oak, N". 
20'71^.~1^6 poles to a hickory: thence N. 31', W. 48 poles to a 
chestnut on a high ridge, S. 5;]', W. 96 poles to a chestnut and a 
wliite oak on tlie side of said ridge, S. 35', E. 46 poles to a large 
white oak, S. 40', W. 28 poles to a l)lack oak near Sinking Spring, 



142 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

S. 36', E. 48 poles to a white oak; thence E. 13 poles to the be- 
ginning."* 

A considerable part of northwest Abingdon is bnilt upon this 
same tract of land. 

The first meeting house of the Sinking Spring congregation was 
erected on the first rise in the present cemetery in the rear of the 
Martin vault, and was a very large cabin of unhewn logs. It was 
from 80 to 100 feet long and about 40 feet wide, and had a very 
remarkable appearance. 

Governor David Campbell, in speaking of the men who signed 
this call, says: "In early life I knew personally many of those 
whose names are signed to it, and I knew nearly all of them from 
character." 

They were a most respectable body of men, were all Whigs in the 
revolution, and nearly all, probably every one of them, performed 
military service against the Indians, and a large portion of them 
against the British in the battles of King's Mountain, Guilford 
Courthouse, and other actions in North and South Carolina. 

Such was the character of the first men who inhabited our 
county and worshipped in this, the first place of worship, on all the 
waters of the Holston and Clinch. 

Daniel Boone again visited the waters of the Holston in the 
fall of this year. The Boones and five other families set out from 
their homes on the Yadkin river, N". C, on September 25, 1773. 
They passed through Washington county and on into Powell's 
Valley (on their way to Kentucky), where they were joined by 
William Bryan, with forty other people. While this body of emi- 
grants were leisurely traveling through Powell's Valley a small 
company, under James Boone, Daniel Boone's eldest son, left the 
main body and went to the home of William Eussell to secure pro- 
visions, and on the 9th of October James Boone and his company, 
among the number being Eussell's son Henry and two slaves, en- 
camped a few miles in the rear of the main body. At this point 
they were, the next day, waylaid by a small company of Shawnese 
and Cherokee Indians, who were supposed to be at peace with the 
white settlers. On the morning of the 10th James Boone and his 
entire company were captured, and, after cruel torture, were slaught- 
ered. After this occurrence Daniel Boone's company of emigrants 



*Deed Book "A," page — , Fincastle county. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 143 

broke up and returned to the settlements, and Daniel Boone and his 
family returned to the home of William Kussell, near Castle's 
Woods, on Clinch river, about forty miles distant, and took up their 
residence in an empty cabin on tlie farm of Captain David Glass, 
seven oi- eight miles from William Russell's, where they spent the 
winter of 177;}-1774. ])aniel Boone had twice, previously to this 
time, visited the Kentucky wilderness, and had decided to settle in 
the beautiful country whicli he had visited. And thus rudely were 
liis first efforts frustrated. 

The motive actuating the Indians in making this assault must 
liave been jealousy of these, the first emigrants to Kentucky. They 
could not have liad for their ohject the securing of j^lunder alone, 
for the Indians had long lived in peace with the white settlers 
without any effort to murder or burn. Tn this assault six men, 
including Boone's son. were slain, and their cattle and plunder 
secured and carried off. 

We have now rcachod the time when the e3'es of all frontiersmen 
were fixed upon the fertile lands lying heyond the Cumberland 
mountains. The Kentucky wilderness was no longer visited by 
the hunter alone, but the explorer and the settler were seeking an 
opportunity to acquire a future home in the new country. 

A distinguished author, in speaking of the condition of the 
Indians at that time, says: "Recently they had been seriously 
ahirmed by the tendency of the whites to encroach on the great 
hunting grounds south of the Ohio, for here and there hunters and 
settlers were already beginning to build cabins along the course of 
that stream," and in another place the same author speaks as fol- 
lows : "The savages grew continually more hostile, and in the fall 
of 1773 their attacks became so frequent that it was evident a 
general outbreak was at hand. Eleven people were murdered in 
tlie county of Fincastle alone. The Shawnese were the leaders in 
all these outrages. Thus the spring of 1774 opened with every- 
tliing ripe for an explosion. The Virginia borderers were fear- 
fully exasperated, and. were ready to take vengeance upon any In- 
dian, whether peaceful or hostile, while the Shawnese and Mingoes, 
on their side, were arrogant and overbearing, and yet alarmed at 
the continual advance of the whites."* 

The Virginia Colony was at peace with the Cherokees, and 



»Tlie Winning of the West, Vol. I., pages 250-252. 



144 Suvthwest Virginia, 174G-17SG. 

most of the Indians' depredations during the year 1774-1775 
were committed b}^ the northwest Indians. 

A Mr. Eiissell and five of his companions were murdered by the 
Indians in the fall of the year 1773 in Fincastle connty, and about 
the same time two men, by the name of Cochran and Foley, and 
a man by the name of Hayes, with his three companions, were 
murdered by the Indians, but as to the locality of these murders 
or the circumstances attending them we have no information.! 

In the course of the summer of 1774, a number of the citizens 
of Fincastle county were captured and killed by the northern In- 
dians, among the number being Thomas Hogg and two men near 
the mouth of the Great Kanawlia, and Walter Kelly, with three or 
four other persons, below the falls of the Great Kanawha. William" 
Kelly and a young woman were captured on Muddy creek, a branch 
of Green river, Kelly was killed and the yoimg woman carried 
into captivity. During this same suumier a man by the name of 
Shockley, a scout employed by the County Court of Fincastle 
county, was shot and killed, and on the 7th day of August, 1774, 
the house of one John Lybrook, situated on Sinking creek in the 
present county of Craig, was attacked by the Indians. Lybrook 
was wounded in the arm, and only saved his life by hiding in a 
cave. Three of his children (one of them a sucking infant), a 
young woman, a daughter of one Scott, and a child of widow 
Snidow were killed. All the children were scalped but one, and 
were mangled in a most cruel manner. At the same time and in 
the same community, John and Jacob Snidow and a younger 
brother, whose name is not known, were captured and made pris- 
oners. Two of the brothers escaped from the Indians on the fol- 
lowing Wednesda}^, but the other was carried into captivity and 
remained with the Indians until he acquired their habits and be- 
came so fond of their manner of life that he ever afterwards lived 
among them. At the same time a Miss Margaret McKinsie was 
captured and carried into captivity, where she remained for eighteen 
years, at the end of which time she returned to New river and 
married a Mr. Benjamin Hall. 

The white settlers near Pittsburg were on very bad terms with 
the northwest Indians. On the last day of April, 1774, a small 
company of Indians left the camp of the Indian Chief Logan, at 



tWm. Preston Mss. 



Southwest Virginia, 17JfG-178G. 145 

Yellow crook, and crossed the river to visit a man by the name of 
(jreatliouso, a })lace wliich they liad been accustomed to visit for 
the pui'poso of buying rum from tlie whites. The Indians were 
made drunk with liquor, and wlule in this condition were cruelly 
murdered by Groathouse and his associates. Nine Indians in all 
wore murdorod at this time, among the number being the entire 
family of the Indian Chief Logan. Logan had always been the 
friend of tlie white man, and had always been exceedingly kind and 
gentle to women and children, notwithstanding the fact that some 
of Ids relatives had been killed by the whites some years before. 
Logan was a skilled mai'ksman and a mighty hunter of com- 
manding dignity, who treated all men with a grave courtesy and 
exacted the same treatment in ivturn. He was greatly liked and 
respected by all the white hunters and frontiersmen whose fricnd- 
slup and respect were worth having. They admired him for his 
dexterity and j)rowoss, and they loved him for his straightforward 
lionesty and his noble loyalty to his friends.* 

'I'ln's last stroke was more than Logan could stand. He at- 
tributc^d Ids misfortune to Captain Cresap, and he began at once 
to raid tlie settlements with small bands of Indians. This raid 
was upon the settlers of the Holston and the Clinch. On his first 
expedition he took tliirteen scalps, six of the number being chil- 
dren. He was pursued and overtaken by a party of men com- 
manded by a man by the name of McClure, but he ambushed and 
defeated them on McClure's creek, now in Dickenson eoimty, and 
it was from this occurrence that the creek obtained its name. 
Again, during the same year, he visited the waters of Holston, 
within twelve miles of the ])resent location of Bristol, and cap- 
tured and murdered many families. At the house of one Koberts, 
wliose family was cut off, Logan left a war-club, to which was tied 
a note, which read as follows: 

"Caj)tain Cresap, — What did you kill my people on Yellow 
creek for? Tlic wliite people killed my kin at Conestoga a great 
while ago, and 1 tlmuglit nothing of that. But you killed my kin 
again on "^'ollow crook, and took my cousin prisoner. Then I 
thought 1 must kill, too, and I have been tliroe times to war since; 
but the Indians are not angry, only myself. 

Julv 21, 1774. "Captain. John Logan." 



•Winning of the West, Vol. I., page 256. 



146 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



While the settlers at Pittsburg provoked this difficulty, it seems 
that the settlers on the Holston and Clinch were the principal 
sufferers thereby. 

Numerous surveyors, with their instruments, visited Kentucky 
during this year. Among the number were James Douglas, Han- 
cock Taylor, Isaac Bledsoe, and John Floyd. The last named left 
the home of Colonel William Preston at Smithfield on April 9, 
1774, accompanied by eight men. They passed down the Kanawha 
river to the Ohio, where they were informed by a company they 
met that an Indian war was probable; notwithstanding which in- 
formation they continued their explorations, surveying many tracts 
of land on the Ohio and in the present State of Kentucky. We here 
give a list of a few surveys made by the men who visited Kentucky in 
this year. We copy this list from the fact that it is exceedingly 
interesting, and for the further reason that it contains the first sur- 
veys made by the white man in the present State of Kentucky : 

Notable Tract k: of Land, Surveyed by John Floyd, Hancock Taylor and James Doug- 
las, in 1774-1775, lying mostly in Kentucky 



Time. 



April 25, 

" 20, 

" 22, 

June 7, 

" 3, 

April 15, 

June 7, 

July 8, 

7, 

" U, 

" 12, 

" 6, 

20, 

6, 

2. 



May 
June 



1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 
1774 



Name. 



Mitchell Clay. 
Wm. Inglis. 
Wm. Inglis. 
Col. Wm. Christian 
Jas. McCorkle. 
Col. Geo. Washington 
John Floyd. 
Patrick Henry. 
Patrick Henry. 
Wm. Christian. 
Wm. Russell. 
Wm. Preston. 
Audley Paul. 
Wm. Christian, 
Wm. Byrd. 



May 24, 1774 Wm. Fleming. 

" 27, 1774'John Corlin. 
June 2, 1774 Henry Harrison. 
Mar. 2;i, 1774, Samuel Scott. 
Aug. 8, 1774 Andrew Lewis. ' 

" 16, 1774 Evan Shelby. 
May 31, 1774 Zachary Taylor. 
June 17, 1774 Zachary Taylor. 

" 29, 1774 Adam Stephens. 



" 1, 1774 John Connally. 

" 1, 1774 Wm. Byrd. 
I 

" 2, 1774 Thomas Bower. 

" 14, 1775 James MeD(Jwell. 
July 11, 1775 Samuel McDowell. 
June 12, 1774 Wm. Christian. 

" 24, 1775 Jethro Sumner. 
3, 1774 Arthur Campbell. 
May 12, 1774 Wm. Christian 



ACBKS 



1,000 
200 
1,000 
2,000 
1,000 
2,000 
1,000 
2,000 
3,000 
3,000 
2,000 
1,000 
2,000 
1,000 
1,000 

3,000 

200 

1,000 

40 

2,000 

2,000 
1,000 
2,000 



2,000 
1,000 

1,003 
•..',000 
2,000 
1,000 

2,000 
1,000 
1.000 



Location. 



Both sides Bluestone Cr., Clover Bottom. 
H'd Spring Wojf Cr., Burks Garden. 
Abbs' Valley. 
Bear Grass Creek, Br. of Ohio. 

Bank of Cole River. 

W. Bear Grass Creek. 

Elk Horn Creek, Br. of Kentucky. 



N. Br. Ky. River, 95 miles from the Ohio. 

S. Br. Kentucky River. 

N. Br. of Kentucky. 

S. Side Ohio, 3 miles above mouth of Ky. 

About 11 miles below mouth of Ky., called 

" Mt. Byrd." 
On Ohio River. 
On Ohio, 19 miles above falls. 
On Ohio, 21-^ miles from h'd of fall. 
The Narrows, Giles County. 
Sinking Cr., 8 miles from Ky. River, N, 

course from Harwood Landing. 
Elk Horn Cr., Branch of Kentucky. 
On Ohio, Mouth Bear Grass Creek. 
Br. Ky. that empties at Great Crossing. 
N. side Ky. River and N.W. side Elk Horn 

Creek'about 8 miles from a remarkable 

buflfalo feeding place, the Ky. River. 
S. side Ohio River opposite the falls. 
S. side Ohio, nearly opposite first island 

above the falls. 
Near falls of Ohio. 
S. Fork Licking Cr., Br. of Ohio. 
Elk Horn Cr., Br. of Kentucky. 
Salt River, 20 miles from Great Falls Inc'd 

Spring and Butfalo Lick. 
Elk Horn Creek (Sumner's Forest). 
Br. Bear Grass Cr. S. Br. Ohio. 
Big Bone Lick and Bufl'alo Lick. 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 147 

This is a partial list only of the many surveys made in west 
Fincastle county, now in the State of Kentucky, by Hancock Tay- 
lor, James Douglas, and John Floyd, 

These men were sent to Kentucky by direction of the Governor 
of the Colony of Virginia, and all the lands thus located were for 
men or the assignees of men who took part in the French-Indian 
war of 1754-1763, and who acquired their rights under the King's 
proclamation of 1763. When the war with the Indians broke out 
Lord Dunmore was exceedingly anxious to give information of that 
fact to the surveyors, and he directed Colonel William Preston, 
who had charge of the defenses of Fincastle county, to communi- 
cate the fact to tlie surveyors. Colonel Preston authorized Colo- 
nel ^Vi]liam Eussell, who then lived on the Clinch river, to employ 
two faithful woodmen to go to Kentucky and convey the infor- 
mation to tlie several companies of surveyors and their assistants, 
and on the 26th of Jime, 1774, Captain Eussell wrote Colonel 
William Preston as follows: "I have engaged to start immediately 
upon the occasion two of the best hands I could think of, Daniel 
Boone and Michael Stoner, ^^•ho have engaged to reach the coun- 
try as low as the falls, and to return by way of Gasper's Lick, on 
Cumberland, and through Cumberland Gap, so that by the as- 
siduity of these men, if it be not too late, I hope the gentlemen 
will be apprized of the imminent danger they are daily in." 
Boone and Stoner set out immediately upon their trip, and warned 
Colonel James Harrod and thirty men at Harrodsburg, now Ken- 
tucky. They found another company of surveyors at Pontainebleau 
and on the Kentucky river they found Captain John Floyd 
and his men, and thence they passed to the falls of the Ohio, where 
they warned the surveyors at Mann's Lick, and, after an absence 
of sixty-one days, they reached Eussell's Fort on Clinch river, 
having traveled 800 miles on foot. Captain John Floyd imme- 
diately set out for the settlements, and on the 13th day of August, 
1774, he reached the home of Colonel Preston at Smithfield, and 
reported : "That on tlie 8th of July he and three others parted with 
fourteen men, who were also engaged in the surveying business, 
and went about twenty miles from them to finish his part of the 
work, and that they were to meet on the first day of August at a 
place on the Kentucky, known by the name of the Cabin, in order 
to proceed on their homeward journey. That on the 24th of July 



148 Southwest Virginia, nJf6-1786. 

he, with his three men, repaired to the place appointed, where he 
found that a part, or all of the company, had assembled according 
to agreement, but had gone off in the greatest precipitation, leav- 
ing him only this notice written on a tree: 'Alarmed by finding 
some people killed, we are gone down,' upon which he, with his 
small party, immediatel}' set out, steering for our settlements; and 
after an extremely painful and fatiguing journey of sixteen days 
through mountains almost inaccessible and ways unknown, he at 
last arrived on Clinch river. He did not well understand the 
notice left him on the tree, whether part of the company had as- 
sembled at the Cabin, and that they had gone down to the camp in 
order to warn those who were at work in that neighborhood of 
danger, or whether the whole company had met and were departed 
down the Mississippi, as several in the company had before pro- 
posed returning home that way, with a view both to see the coun- 
tr}'^ and avoid the fatigue of returning by land. The names of 
some of the party not then returned are here inserted, viz. : James 
Douglas, Hancock Taylor and Isaach Bledsoe ; Surveyors John Wil- 
lis, Willis Lee, Captain John Ashby, Abraham Hempenstall, Wil- 
liam Ballard,. John Green, Lawrence Darnell, Mordecai Batson, 
John Sodusky, James Strother and John Ball." 

The northwestern Indians were greatly alarmed at the encroach- 
ments of the white settlers, who were daily surveying and settling 
the lands on the banks of the Ohio and in the wilderness of Ken- 
tuck}'. The white settlers insisted that they had a right to survey 
and settle these lands under the provisions of the treaty made withM'"; 
the confederacy of the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix in 17G8, and ^ ' 
they were greatly exasperated by the conduct of the northwestern 
Indians in denying their right to said lands and in murdering 
their people and plundering their settlements. The white settlers 
had long been restrained by /the British Government from aveng- 
ing their wrongs on the Indians, and now they clamored for war. 
When the news of the disposition of the Indians reached Williams- 
burg the Governor of the Colony and the House of Burgesses of 
Virginia immediately took steps to protect the western settlers. 

By the direction of Lord Dunmore, Lieutenant-Colonel William 
Christian, in the month of May, 1774, left Williamsburg for Fin- 
castle county with instructions to use every means possible to pre- 



^i 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 149 

vent the inhabitants from leaving the settlements on the approach 
of the Indian war. 

As soon as he reached his home a council of the militia officers 
was held on June 25, 1774, at the Lead Mines, at which council it 
was resolved that Lieutenant-Colonel Christian should march with 
a body of militia to the Clinch settlements. The militia was at 
once mustered in and equipped at the personal expense of Colonel 
Christian, William Preston and Major Arthur Campbell, and pro- 
ceeded to the Clinch settlements, where every preparation was 
made for war. A considerable part of this force accompanied 
Colonel Christian to Point Pleasant in the following August. Gen- 
eral Andrew T^ewis was directed by Governor Dunmore to organize 
a sufficient force to carry war into the enemy's country. The organi- 
zation of tliis body of troops was intrusted to General Andrew 
Lewis and Colonel Charles Lewis, of Augusta county. As it would 
require some time to organize this body of troops, it was thought 
proper to send an advance guard into the enemy's country to re- 
strain the Indians while the whites were preparing, and early in 
June about 400 men, under the command of Colonel Angus Mc- 
Donald, assembled at Wheeling and immediately marched to the 
Indian grounds, on the Muskingum, with the loss of two men killed 
and eight or ten wounded. The Indians fled, and in a few days 
returned and sued for peace, luit their pretensions were not sin- 
cere; and they were only delaying Mc])onald while they removed 
their property and their women and children beyond the reach of 
ilip Virginia troops. Thereupon Colonel McDonald burned the In- 
dian towns and crops and retraced his steps to Wheeling. As soon 
as the troops had retired from the Indian country small bands of 
Indians invaded the western settlements at many points. 

Many of the people of Fincastle county were murdered, and by 
the first of August all the people in Fincastle county, except a few 
of the settlers on Holston, were gathered into small forts; and 
such was tlio unbappy situation of the people that they could not 
attend to thcii- [)lantations, nor were the scouts employed by the 
county able to investigate the inroads of the enemy, as they came 
in small parties and traveled along the mountains with great cau- 
tion. About the last of June one Knox, who went to Ohio with the 
surveyors in the spring, reached the settlements and reported: 
"That on the L3th of June one Jacob Lewis departed from the 



150 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

camp on Salt river in the morning to hunt, and had never been 
heard of since; that on the 8th of Jnly, being at said camp, about 
one hundred miles from the Ohio and nearly opposite to the falls, 
he, with nine others, was surprised and fired upon by a party of 
about twenty Indians; that two men were killed on the spot, viz.: 
James Hamilton, from Fredericksburg, and James Cowan, from 
Pennsylvania, and as the enemy rushed upon them before it was 
possible to put themselves in any posture of defence, they were 
obliged to abandon their camp and make their escape to a party of 
thirty-five men who were in that neighborhood. Next day, the 
whole company, being forty-three in number, after burying the 
dead, set out for the settlement on Clinch river, where they arrived 
on the 29th, after making several discoveries of the enemy on the 
way." 

General Andrew Lewis had orders to raise four companies of 
militia from Fincastle and Botetourt counties, to rendezvous at 
Camp Union, and to march thence down the Kanawha to Fort Pitt, 
at the junction of the Kanawha and Ohio. Three companies of 
men were raised in Fincastle county and were coanmanded by: 
Captain Evan Shelby, the forces from the waters of the Holston, 
Captain Wm. Russell, the forces from the waters of the Clinch, 
Captain Wm. Herbert, the forces from the waters of New river. 

Captain Russell left Russell's Fort on Clinch river previously 
to August 13th, 1774, and Captain Evan Shelby began the march 
with his forces on the 17th of August, 1774, both companies join- 
ing the regiment of Colonel Christian on New river; from which 
place Colonel Christian, with his regiment, proceeded to Camp 
Union. On the 11th day of September, 1774, the army of Gen. 
Lewis began the march down the Kanawha, and, after the expira- 
tion of twenty-five days, they arrived at Point Pleasant and camped 
upon the banks of the Ohio. When the army of General Lewis left 
Camp Union, Colonel Wm. Christian, with four hundred men, was 
directed to remain and guard the provisions until the return of a 
company of horse that had been sent to the mouth of Elk, when he 
was to hurry things forward. But tlie companies of Captains 
Russell and Shelby accompanied the army of General Lewis upon 
its march from Camp Union to Point Pleasant and were attached 
to the command of Colonel Charles Lewis, of Augusta county. 

At the same time, Lord Dunmore raised a considerable force in 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 151 

the lower Valley and was to march to Fort Pitt, and thence to 
I'oint Pleasant, where he was to meet General Lewis. Instead of 
doing so, he marched into Ohio. General Lewis, upon his arrival at 
Point Pleasant, waited several days, expecting the arrival of Lord 
Dunmorc, and, not hearing from him, he dispatched messengers, 
but whether he received a reply before the battle is a matter of dis- 
pute. On Sunday, the 9th day of October, the sturdy Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterians from Fincastle county spent the day in religious 
exercises, little dreaming that on the coming day they would be sur- 
prised by the Indians and win the most hotly contested battle with 
the Indians recorded in the annals of our history. 

BATTLE OF POINT PLEASANT. 

Early Monday morning, October 10th, James Mooney and James 
Ilughey, of Captain Russell's company, left the camp in quest of 
deer. When about three miles distant from their camp, they unex- 
pectedly came in sight of a large body of Indians, in their en- 
campment. The Indians, when they discovered the two men, fired 
upon them, and Hughey was killed by a white renegade by the name 
of Travenor Eoss. Mooney made his escape, and, returning to the 
camp, reported that he had seen a body of the enemy covering four 
acres of ground, as closely as they could stand by the side of each 
other. 

About the same time, two members of Captain Shelby's company, 
James 'Eobertson and Valentine Sevier, who had been out hunting, 
returned to camp and reported that they had met a body of hostile 
Indians advancing upon the camp, and that they had fired upon 
them at the distance of ten steps. It being dark, the Indians were 
thereby halted. As no official report of this battle has been pre- 
served, I will here give the report as obtained by Dr. Hale from a 
letter published in tlie Belfast (Ireland) News Letter, a paper 
published at that time. 

BELFAST. 

Yesterday arrived a mail from New York brought to Falmouth 
by the Harriot packet boat. Captain Lee. 

Williamsburg, Va., November 10th. 

Tlie following letter is Just received from the camp on Point 
Pleasant, at the mouth of the Great Kenliawa (as then spelled), 
dated October 17, 1774: 

"The following is a true statement of a battle fought at this 



152 Southwest Virginia, 17JfO-1786. 

place on the 10th instant: On Monday morning about half an 
hour before sunrise, two of Captain Russell's company discovered a 
large party of Indians about a mile from the camp, one of which 
men was shot by the Indians; the other made his escape and 
brought in the intelligence. In two or three minutes after, two of 
Captain Shelby's men came in and confirmed the account. 

"Colonel Andrew Lewis, being informed thereof, immediately 
ordered out Colonel Charles Lewis, to take command of one hun- 
dred and fifty of the Augusta troops, and with him went Captain 
Dickinson, Captain Harrison, Captain Wilson, Captain John 
Lewis, of Augusta, and Captain Lockridge, which made the first 
division. Colonel Fleming was then ordered to take comniand of 
one hundred and fifty men of the Botetourt, Bedford, and Fin- 
castle troops, viz., Captain Thomas Buford, from Bedford; Captaiii 
Love, of Botetourt; Captain Shelby and Captain Russell, of Fin- 
castle, wJiich made the second division. 

"Colonel Charles Lewis's division marched to the right some 
distance from the Ohio, and Colonel Fleming with his division, on 
tlie bank of the Ohio to the left. 

"Colonel Charles Lewis's division had not marched quite half 
a mile from the camp when, about sunrise, an attack wa^ made on 
the front of his division, in a most vigorous manner, by the united 
tribes of Indians, Sha,wnose, Delawares, Mingoc-s, Tawas, and of 
several other nations — in number not less than eight hundred, and 
by many thought to be one thousand. 

"In this heavy attack. Colonel Charles Lewis recei\^ecl a wound, 
which, in a few hours caused his death, and several of his men fell 
on the spot; in fact, the Augusta division was obliged to give way 
to the heavy fire of the enemy. In about a second of a minute after 
the attack on Colonel Lewis's division, the enemy engaged the front 
of Colonel Fleming's division on the Ohio, and in a short time the 
Colonel received two balls through his left arm and one turoiigh liis 
breast, and, after animating the officers and soldiers, in a most (aim 
7nanner, to the pursuit of victory, retired to the camp. 

"The loss in the field was sensibly felt by the officer^^ in par- 
ticular; but the Augusta troops being shortly after reinforced from 
the camp by Colonel Field, with his company, together witli Cap- 
tain McDowell, Captain Matthews, and Captain St-^vvart, from 
Augusta ; Captain Paulin, Captain Arbuckle and Captain McClana- 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 153 

li..n, from Botetourt, the enemy no longer able to maintain theiv 
^irimd, were forced to give way till they were in a line with the 
troops. Colonel Fleming being left in the action on the Ohio. 

"In this precipitate retreat Colonel Fleming was killed. During 
tl.is time, which was till after twelve, the action in a sifall degree 
ilated, but continued, except at short intervals, sharp enough till 
after one o'clock. Their long retreat gave them a most advanta- 
geous spot of ground, from which it appeared to the otticers so diffi- 
tnilt to dislodge them that it was thought most advisable to stand 
as the line was then formed, which was about a mile and o (|ua]-ter 
in length, and had sustained till then a constant and equal weight of 
t]:e action, from wing to wing. 

"It was till alx).ut half an hour of sunset they continued firing on 
us scattered shots, which we returned to their disadvauun.ge. ' At 
length the night coming on they found a safe retrcar. 

"■Phey had not the satisfaction of carrying off any of our men's 
scalps, save those of one or two stragglers they kiiicd before the 
engagement. Many of their dead they scalped, ralhci- than we 
should have them, but our troops scalped upwards of twenty of 
their men that were first killed. 

"It is beyond doubt their loss, in number, far exccM^led ours, 
'.vhich is considerable. 

"The return of the killed and wounded in the above battle, same 
as our last, is as follows : 

"Killed — Colonels Charles Lewis and John Fields, Captains 
John Murray, R. McClanahan, Samuel Wilson, James Ward, Lieu- 
tenant Hugh Allen, Ensigns Cantiff and Bracken, and forty-four 
privates. Total killed, fifty-three. 

"Wounded— Colonel William Fleming, Captains John Dickinson, 
Thomas Buford, and I. Skidman, Lieutenants Goldman, Robinson, 
Lard and Vance, and seventy-nine privates. Total wounded, eighty- 
seven; killed and wounded, one hundred and forty." 

When Colonel Charles Lewis fell, Captain Evan Shelby succeed- 
ed to the command of the regiment, and Isaac Shelby, his son, 
succeeded to the command of his father's company, and late in the 
evening General Lewis directed Captains Isaac Shelly, Matthews, 
and Stewart to assail the Indians in the rear, by advancing up the 
Kanawha river, protected by the bank and undergrowth. In the 
execution of this order considerable difficulty was experienced, and 



154 Southwest Virginia, lUfe-lHSe. 

possibly, failure would have been the result had it not been for 
the request of John Sawyers an Orderly Sergeant in Captain 
Shelby's company, for permission to take a few men of the com- 
pany and drive the Indians from the position which afforded them 
protection. Permission was granted and the Indians were dislodged. 
The companies above mentioned having gained their rear, the In- 
dians precipitately took their flight across the Ohio. 

It is generally admitted that this was one of the most iiotly con- 
tested battles between the white men and the Indians that took 
place in the history of the early settlement of our co'untry. The 
terrible conflict that took place between the white men and the 
Indians in this battle is hard to depict in ordinary language. De 
Hass thus describes the conflict : 

''The battle scene was terribly grand. There stood the com- 
batants, terror, rage, disappointment, and despair riveted upon the 
faces of one, while calm resolution and the unbending will to do or 
die were marked upon the other. Neither party would retreat, 
neither could advance. The noise of the firing was tremendous. No 
single gun could be distinguished, it was one continuous roar. 

"The rifle and the tomahawk now did their work with dreadful 
certainty. The confusion and perturbation of the camp had now 
arrived at its greatest height. The confused sounds and wild up- 
roar of the battle added greatly to the terror of the scene. The 
shouting of the whites, the continued roar of fire-arms, the war- 
whoop and dismal yelling of the Indians, were discordant and ter- 
rific." 

Colonel Christian, whom General Lewis had left at Camp Union, 
as soon as he had complied with the orders of General Lewis, set 
out for Point Pleasant, with all the troops under his command 
except one company of Pincastle men, whom he left under the 
command of Anthony Bledsoe at Camp Union to guard the sup- 
plies and take care of the sick. He marched his troops with all 
possible expedition, and arrived at Point Pleasant on the evening 
of October 10th, after the battle had been fought. Soon thereafter, 
Lord Dnnmore negotiated a treaty of peace with the Indians at one 
of their towns in Ohio, by which the northwest Indians ceded all 
their claims to the lands lying south of the Ohio river, to the King 
of England. 

General Lewis marched his army back to Camp Union where it 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 155 

was disbanded. The body of militia that went from Fincastle upon 
this expedition were armed with rifle guns, and, being good woods- 
men, were looked upon to be at least equal to any troops for the 
number that had been raised, in America. It is sufficient to know 
that the credit of having been the first to discover the approach 
of the Indians, and thereb}^ possibly, to secure the preservation of 
General Lewis's army, was due to the vigilance of the backwoods- 
men from Fincastle. And in addition to that, it should be a mat- 
ter of pride to every citizen of this section of Virginia to know that 
the troops from the waters of the Clinch and the Holston were 
among the number to receive the first assault of the enemy, and to 
their skill and bravery may be accredited, the successful flanking, 
and consequently the precipitate rout, of the Indian army. The 
killed and wounded among the Fincastle troops were considerable. 
The names of a few of the killed and wounded are given below : 

Eobert Campbell, private, afterwards granted a pension of 10 
pounds per year. 

James Hughey, killed. 

James Robinson, wounded. 

Mark Williams, private, killed. 

John Carmack, private, wounded. 

John Steward, wounded. 

John McKenney, wounded, three times. 

Lieutenant Vance, wounded. 

The following is a partial list of the men who accompanied Cap- 
tain Evan Shelby on this expedition: 

Isaac Shelby, Captain. Robert Handley, 

James Robertson, 0. S. William Casey, 

James Shelby, John Stewart, wounded; 

Henry Span, Richard Burke, 

Frederick Mongle, Elijah Robertson, 

John Carmack, Richard Holliway, 

George Brooks, Julius Robison, 

Abram ISTewland, Benjamin Graham, 

Emanuel Shoatt, Hugh O'Gullion, 

Peter Forney, James Hughey, 

John Fain, \ Basileel Maxwell, 

Samuel Fain, Valentine Sevier, 0. S., 

Samuel Samples, John Sawyers, 0. S., 



156 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



John Findley, 
Daniel Mongle, 
John Williams, 
Andrew Torrence, 
Isaac Newland, 
George Eiddle, 
Abram Boga^-d, 
William Tucker, 
Samuel Vance, 
Samuel Handley, 
Arthur Blackburn, 



George Armstrong, 
Mack Williams, 
Conrad Nave, 
John Riley, 
Eees Price, 
Jarrett Williams, 
Charles Fielder, 
Andrew Goff, 
Patrick St. Lawrence, 
John Bradley, 
Barnett O'Guillion. 



Captain Wm. Pussell's company : 
James Mooney, Joseph Hughey. 

FINCASTLE TROOPS. 

COMPANIES NOT KNOWN. 



Walter Steward, Adjt. 

Fincastle troops. 
William Campbell, Captain. 
William McFarland, 
John McKenney, 
John Moore, 
Conrad Smith, 
John Floyd, 
John Steward, 
John Campbell, Lieutenant: 
Moses Bowen, died with 
small-pox on expedition ; 



Daniel Smith, 
Robert Campbell, 
Andrew Waggoner, 
John Gilmore, 
John Lyle, 
Francis Berry, 
James Robinson, 

Hickman, 

William Tate, 
George Findley, 
Rees Bowen. 



Daniel Boone, upon his return from Kentucky to Russell's Fort, 
on the 13th day of August, found Captain William Russell absent 
on the Point Pleasant expedition, and he immediately set out with 
a body of troops to reinforce him, but was ordered back to protect 
the settlers on the Clinch, where he remained for some time. 

The forts on Clinch river, at this time, with the number of men 
in each and the officers in command, were as follows : 

Fort Blackmore, sixteen men. Sergeant Moore commanding. 
Fort Moore, (twenty miles east), twenty men, Lieutenant Daniel 
Boone commanding. Fort Russell (four miles east), twenty men, 



/ 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. Ul 

Sergeant W. Poage commanding. Fort Glade Hollow, (twelve miles 
east), fifteen meivSergeant John Duncan commanding. Elk Gar- 
den* (fourteen miles east), fifteen men. Sergeant John Kinkead 
commanding. Maiden Spring, (twenty-three miles east), five men, 
Sergeant John Crow commanding. Whitlow's Crab Orchard, three 
men. Ensign John Campbell commanding. 

Boone was very diligent in protecting the settlements and was 
commissioned Captain for his valued services. 

As soon as the Indians ascertained that so many of the citizens 
from the waters of the Clinch were absent on the expedition to 
Point Pleasant, they began a series of very alarming raids. On the 
8th of September, 1774, they visited the home of John Henry, on 
the Clinch river, now in Tazewell county, Virginia, in Thompson's 
Valley, he, liaving on the 15th day of May of the same year, settled 
upon a tract of land that Daniel Smith, Deputy Surveyor of Fin- 
castle county, luid surveyed for him. Henry received a dangerous 
wound from which he died, liis wife and three children were taken 
prisoners, and on the same day a man was taken prisoner by an- 
other party of Indians on tlie Holston river. On the 13th day of 
September, 1774, a soldier was fired upon by three Indians on the 
Clinch river, but was not hurt. He returned the fire and, it is be- 
lieved, killed an Indian. This company of Indians were pursued 
for several days, by Captain Daniel Smith and a company of militia, 
but they could not be overtaken. On the 23d, two negroes were 
taken prisoners at Blackmore's Fort, on waters of Clinch river, and 
a great many horses and cattle were shot down. On the 24th day 
of the same month, an entire family were taken and killed, at Reedy 
Creek, a branch of the Holston river, near the Cherokee line. On 
Sunday morning, the 25th, hallooing and the report of many guns 
were heard. These last murders were believed to be the work of the 
Cherokees, who appeared at that time in very bad humor. 

The victory gained at Point Pleasant on the 10th of October put 
a stop to all organized raids upon the frontier settlements, for the 
time being. Upon the return of the Pincastle troops from the expe- 
dition to Point Pleasant, the free-holders of Fincastle county as- 
sembled at the Lead Mines and drafted an address to the Hon. 
John, Earl of Duniuore, thanking him heartily for his exertions in 



*About six miles rast of Lebanon on North Fork of Cedar Creek, on land of 
the Stuart Land & Cattle Company. 



158 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

their behalf iu the late war, and expressed the wish that the late 
disturbances might be amicably settled. 

On the 14th day of April, 1774, Dr. Thomas Walker conveyed to 
James Piper 365 acres of land on a branch of the Holston river 
called Wolf Hill Creek; on the same day, he conveyed to Alexander 
Breckenridge 360 acres on Wolf Hill Creek, to Samuel Briggs 313 
acres on Wolf Hill Creek, alias 'Castle's Creek, to Joseph Black, 305 
acres ou Eighteen Mile Creek (this being the name of the small 
creek that flows througli Abingdon) and to Andrew Colvill, 334 
acres on Wolf Hill Creek. The persons above named were the first 
settlers in the vicinity of Abingdon. 

In the spring of the year 1774, the free-holders of Fincastle 
county met at the Lead Mines, their courthouse, and elected two 
members of the Virginia House of Burgesses to represent Fincastle 
county, viz.: 

William Christian, Stephen Trigg, 

It may not be amiss at this point to state briefly the laws gov- 
erning the qualifications required of tlie citizens of Fincastle coun- 
ty to vote and hold office, in this, the last year that the Colony 
of Virginia adhered to the crown of England. The freeholders of 
every county possessed the liberty of electing two of the most able 
and fit men, being freeholders and qualified to vote, to represent 
their county in all the General Assemblies. The electors or voters 
were required to own an estate of freehold for his own life or the 
life of another, or otEer greater estate in at least fifty acres of land, 
if no settlement be made upon it, or twenty-five acres with a planta- 
tion and house thereon at least twelve feet square, said property be- 
ing in the county in which the electors offered to vote. The sheriff 
was required to deliver to the minister and reader of every parish in 
his county a copy of the writ of election, and, upon the back of 
every such writ, he was required to endorse the fact that said elec- 
tion would be held at the courthouse in his county upon a day 
appointed by him. And the minister or reader was required to 
publish the same immediately after divine services, every Sunday 
between the receipt of said writ anSi the Hay of election, under 
heavy penalty for failure to do so. It was further provided 
that every freeholder actually residing in the county should per- 
sonally appear at the courthouse on the day fixed and give his vote, 
upon the penalty of forfeiting two hundred pounds of tobacco, if lie 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 159 

failed to vote. The sheriff was required to appoint fit persons, and 
these persons after being duly sworn, were required to enter the 
names of ever}' candidate in a distinct column, and the name of 
every freeholder giving his vote, under the name of the person 
voted for, all of which was required to be done in the presence of 
the candidates or their agents, and upon the close of the polls the 
sheriff was ordered to proclaim the names of the successful candi- 
dates. And it was further provided, that any person who should 
directly or indirectly, except in His usual and ordinary course of 
hospitality, in his own house, give, present, or allow to any person 
or pei-sons, having voice or vote in such elections, any money, meat, 
drink, entertainment or provisions, or make any present, gift, re- 
ward, or entertainment, or any promise, agreement, obligation, or 
engagement, to any person, etc., shall be declared guilty of bribery 
and corruption,* and rendered incapable to sit, or vote, or to hold 
office." 

Thus it will be seen that the laws Avere very strict in regard to the 
manner of holding elections, and it cannot be doubted, that an elec- 
tion held under such laws would be honest and would express the 
will of the people. Our present law-makers might well learn a 
lesson from the example set them by the law-makers of the Colony 
of Virginia, under the rule of King George III. 

Early in the history of Fincastle county, the House of Burgesses 
enacted a law which provided, "that from and after the first day 
of Decemlx^r next, the inhabitants of the said county of Fincastle 
shall discharge all fees due from them to the secretary and other 
officers in said county at the rate of 8s and 4 pence, for every hun- 
dredweight of gross tobacco. 

The principle asserted by the regulators at the Alamance had 
spread among the American colonies, until, at the time mentioned, 
it seemed to permeate the whole American body politic, and, on the 
other hand, the British Parliament had repealed all the port duties 
imposed at their session in 1767, except the duty of three pence a 
pound on tea, which was continued for the purpose of maintaining 
tlio principle contended for by the British Parliament, to-wit: that 
they had the right to tax the American Colonists without giving 
them representation, and not for the purpose of revenue only. 



»8 Hen. S., page 626. 



160 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The American Colonists were opposed' to the principle of taxation 
without representation, and they opposed a small tax as bitterly 
as they opposed the port duties of 1767. The collection of the tax 
was resisted at every point, and, at Boston, the cargoes of tea were 
thrown into the sea. Whereupon the British Parliament passed 
a bill closing Boston Harbor, upon which information great indig- 
nation pervaded the entire colonies. The House of Burgesses of 
Virginia observed the first day of the operation of the bill closing 
Boston Harbor, as a fast day, and declared : "That any attack made 
on one of our sister colonies to compel submission to arbitrary taxes 
is an attack made on all British America, and threatened ruin to the 
rights of all, unless the united wisdom of the whole be applied." 
xind they proposed a general Congi-css to take such action as the 
united interests of the American Colonies might require. This 
suggestion, made by the House of Burgesses, was accepted by all 
the colonies and the first Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, 
on the 5th day of September, 1774, just one month and five 
days preceding the battle of Point Pleasant. 

The officers and men under command of Lord Dunmore, hearing 
of the action of the first Continental Congress, met and adopted 
a resolution, which was as follows : 

"Resolved, That as the love of liberty and attachment to the 
real interests and just rights of America outweigh every other 
consideration, they would exert every power mthin them for 
the defence of American Liberty and for the support of her just 
rights and privileges; not in any precipitate, riotous, or tumultu- 
ous manner, but when regularly called foiih by the unanimous 
voice of our countrymen." 

THE EEVOLUTION. 

The period with which we now purpose to deal will be ever 
remembered, by reason of the production of one of those master- 
pieces of political evolution which mould the world and fix the 
destiny of mankind, an event unsurpassed in the history of the 
world; the founding of the x\merican Republic. In dealing with 
this subject, we deem it necessary to an intelligent understanding 
of the motives and actions of the men of that day, to give, with some 
particularit}^, the story complete, from its inception to its culmina- 



Southwest Virginia, 174G-17S6. 161 

tion, recognizing that a stor\' partly told is misleading, and the 
true merits of a controversy are oftentimes obscured by a mutilated 
statement, or a half-told tale. For ten years preceding the resort 
of the American Colonies to extreme measures, a bitterly contested 
controversy constantly engaged the attention of the British Gov- 
ernment and the American Colonies, and it has been well said by 
one of the fathers of our country, that the "Eevolution was fin- 
ished before the war was commenced.'^ Indeed, it seems to the stu- 
dent of our early history at this distance from the time of the 
occurrences of which we are now ^VTiting, that our early fathers in 
leaving tlieir homes, the highlands of Scotland', the bogs of Ireland, 
the fertile lands of old England, were imbued with exceedingly mi- 
favorable feelings toward the land of their nativity. They were 
devoid of that affection which usually accompanies the wanderer 
from his native home, and it is certain that they lost no opportunity 
to instil their prejudices and dislikes into the minds of their chil- 
dren and neighbors, and to resist the operation and execution of 
the laws enacted by tlie British Parliament and the rules attempted 
to be enforced by the Governors of the Colonies. This spirit was 
evidenced in old Virginia as early as 1666, at the time of Bacon's 
J^ebellion. Tliis spirit, so prevalent among the English colonies in 
America, can be attributed to the fact that a large majority of the 
early emigrants were driven from their homes by the tyranny of 
the English Government, and, after establishing themselves in 
this country, their hatred was accentuated by the arbitrary conduct 
of the English ministry, in pursuing a contracted policy, the natural 
result of which was to abridge the liberties and property rights of 
the colonies. A large majority of the early emigrants to the Amer- 
ican colonies were inspired by that spirit of liberty that has been 
so much cherished in the history of our countiy. They were be- 
lievers in the principles which prevailed at the time of the execu- 
tion of Charles the First. Many of them were the followers of 
Oliver Cromwell, and detested the arbitrary conduct of the King 
and the rulers of England, and it was from this cause that they left 
their native country to seek a home in the wilderness, with the deter- 
mination never to submit to the oppressions of their native land. 

Many of the early emigrants found their homes among the high 
mountains and the pathless deserts of the new continent, the 
Dursery of the spirit of freedom. Among the early emigrants to 



103 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

this new country were numerous ^'Dissenters/' a class of people 
who worshii)pcd (Jod according to their own reason and conscience, 
men who acknowledged no authority but that which had been estab- 
lished by their own sanction and consent, and this applied to their 
religious principles as well as to their ideas of government. They 
did not admit the right of the British government to compel tliem 
either to attend or to support the established church. 

They were principally from the middle classes, and neither ad- 
mitted nor count/onanced any claims to honor or distinction, save 
such as arose from, the exercise of industry, talent, or virtue. Jn 
their native country iliey had been tenants, and did not regard 
tlieniselves superior to the lowest of their fellow citizens; in their 
new homes they were freeholders, and believed themselves equal to 
the best, and, naturally, they soon detested that idea which prevailed 
in the English governnn;nt, in accordance with which individuals 
pretended to be their natural rulers and superiors. 

During the French-Indiana war, the British Ministry proposed a 
union of the Colonies for the purpose of repelling the French en- 
croachments on tlie western waters; and, pui-suant to this proposi- 
tion, the Governor and leading members of the provincial asseu)- 
blies convened at Albany, N. Y., in the year 1754. This Assembly 
was unanimously of the opinion, that the Colonies were able to 
defend themselves from the encroachments of the French without 
assistance from the English Government. They proposed "that a 
Grand Council should be formed of members to be chosen by the 
provincial Assemblies, which Coimcil, together with a governor to 
be ap))oiuled by the ('rowu, sliould be autliorized to make general 
laws, and, also, to raise.; money from all the Colonies for their com- 
mon defence," This proposition was received by the British Min- 
istry with displeasure, and, in answer thereto, the ministry submit- 
ted a counter-pro]>o«ition, which was as follows: "That the Gov- 
ernors of all the Colonies, attended by one or two members of their 
respective Councils, should, from time to time, concert measures for 
the whole of the Colonies, erect posts and raise troops, witli a power 
to draw upon tlie British treasury, in the first instance, for the 
expense, which expense was to be reimbursed by a tax to be laid on 
the Colonies by an act of Parliament." 

It will be well to observe that thus early began the contentions 
between tlie British Parliament and tlie English Colonies; the Brit- 



Southwest Virginia, 174-6-1786. 163 

ish Ministry swking to lodge the taxing power in the hand's of the 
British Parliament, a hody in wliich the American Colonies were 
not permitted to have representation, whereas, the Colonies insisted 
that the taxing power should be vested in their local institutions. 

This proposition upon the part of the British Ministry gave great 
dissatisfaction to the people of the Colonies, as they objected to 
being taxed by a body in which they had no representation, but no 
further action was taken in regard to the matter, until the conclu- 
sion of the war, in 1763. 

Previously to the year 1764, when the British Parliament desired 
a contribution from the American Colonies, the object was accom- 
plished by a simple requisition upon the legislatures of the several 
Colonies for the sum needed and, in every instance, the requisition 
had been honored and the money furnished, with a willing hand. 
But, in tliis year, the British Parliament sought to obtain from 
the American Colonies by a speedier method the taxes desired. 

A measure was proposed in the British Parliament by the Pre- 
mier, George Grenville, in the year 1764, having for its object, "the 
raising of a revenue in America," the entire proceeds of which were 
to go into the exchequer of Great Britain. 

We have before mentioned the dissatisfaction produced by the 
proposition to have the British Parliament levy a tax upon the 
American Colonies, when the entire proceeds of the tax were to be 
used for the development and the protection of the Colonies', and 
the reader can well imagine the alarm and indignation that pre- 
vailed in the American Colonies at the suggestion of the British 
Premier, that the British Parliament should lay a tax upon the 
American Colonies, the entire proceeds of which were to go into the 
exchequer of Great Britain. 

Pursuant to the foregoing proposition, Mr. Grenville, on the 
10th of March, 1764, reported a resolution imposing certain 
"stamp duties" on the colonies, with the request that it should not 
be acted upon till the next session of the Parliament. This gave 
the agents of the colonies in England an opportunity to transmit 
copies of this resolution to the assemblies of the several colonies. 

At the time of the receipt of this information the Virginia 
House of Burgesses was in session, and immediately appointed a 
committee to prepare an address to the King of Great Britain and 
to the two houses of the British Parliament. We here give the 



164 Southwest Virginia, 17J,G-1786. 

several addresses in full as prepared by this committee and re- 
ported to the House of Burgesses "To the King's most excellent 
Majesty.'^ 

"Most gracious Sovereign, 

"We, your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council and 
Burgesses of your ancient Colony and dominion of Virginia, 
now met in General Assembly, beg leave to assure your Majesty of 
our firm and inviolable attachment to your sacred person and gov- 
ernment; and, as your faithful subjects here, have at all times 
been zealous to demonstrate this truth by • a ready coimpliance 
with the royal requisitions during the late war, by which a heavy 
oppressive debt of neal" half a million hath been incurred, so at 
this time they implore permission to approach the throne with 
liunible confidence, and to entreat that your Majesty Avill be gi'a- 
ciously pleased to protect your people of this Colony in the en- 
joyment of their ancient and inestimable right of being gov- 
erned by such laws, respecting their internal polity and taxation, 
as are derived from their own consent, with the approbation of 
their Sovereign or his substitute; a right which, as men, and 
descendants of BEITONS, they have ever quietly possessed, since 
first, by royal: permission and encouragement, they left the mother 
kingdom to extend its commerce and dominion. 

"Your Majesty's dutiful subjects of Virginia most humbly and 
unanimously hope that this invaluable birthright,, descended to 
them from their ancestors, and in which they have been protected 
by your royal predecessors, will not be suffered to receive an injury, 
under the reign of your sacred Majesty, already so illustriously 
distinguished by your gracious attention to the liberties of the 
people. 

"That your Majesty may long live to make nations happy, is 
the ardent prayer of your faithful subjects, the Council and Bur- 
gesses of Virginia." 

The memorial to the House of Lords was as follows : 

"To the right honorable the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, in 
Parliament assembled; the Memorial of the Council and Bur- 
gresses of Virginia, now met in General Assembly humbly rep- 
resents, 

"That your memorialists hope an application to your lordships, 
the fixed and hereditary guardians of British liberty, will not be 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 165 

thought improper at this time, when measures are proposed sub- 
versive, as they conceive, of that freedom which all men, especially 
those who derive their constitution from Britain, have a right to 
enjoy; and they flatter themselves that your lordships will not 
look upon them as objects so unworthy your attention as to regard 
any impropriety in the form or manner of their application for 
your lordship's protection of their just and undoubted right as 
Britons. 

"It cannot be presumption in your memorialists to call tliem- 
selves by this distinguished name, since they are descended from 
Britons who left their native country to extend its territory and 
dominion and who, happily for Briton, and as your memorialists 
once thought, for themselves too, effected this purpose. As our 
ancestors brought with them every right and privilege they could 
with justice claim in their mother kingdom, their descendants may 
conclude they cannot be deprived of those rights without injustice. 

"Your memorialists conceive it to be a fundamental principle 
of the British constitution, without which freedom can no where 
exist, that the people are not subject to any taxes but such as are 
laid on them by their own consent, or by those who are legally 
appointed to represent them; property must become too precarious 
for the genius of a free people, which can be taken from them at 
the will of others who cannot know what taxes such people can 
bear, or the easiest mode of raising them ; and who are not under 
that restraint which is the greatest security against a burthensome 
taxation, when the representatives themselves must be affected by 
every tax imposed on the people. 

"Your memorialists are therefore led into an humble confidence 
that your lordships will not think any reason sufficient to support 
such a power in the British Parliament, whei-e the Colonies can- 
not be^ represented : a power never before constitutionally assumed, 
and which, if they have a right to exercise it on any occasion, must 
necessarily establish this melancholy truth, that the inhabitants of 
the Colonies are the slaves oi Britons, from wliom they are 
descended, and from whom they might expect every indulgence that 
the obligations of interest and affection can entitle them to. 

"Your memorialists have been invested with the right of taxing 
their own people from the first establishment of a regular govern- 
ment in the Colony, and requisitions have been constantly made 



166 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

to them by their sovereigns on all occasions when the assist- 
ance of the Colony was thought necessary to preserve the British 
interest in America; from whence they must conclude, they can- 
not now be deprived of a right they have so long enjoyed and 
which they have never forfeited. 

"The expenses incurred during the last war, in compliance with 
the demands on this Colony by our late and present most gracious 
Sovereigns, have involved us in a debt of near half a million, a 
debt not likely to decrease under the continued expense we are at in 
providing for the security of the people against the incursions of 
our savage neighbors, at a time when the low state of our staple 
commodity, the total want of specie and the late restrictions upon 
the trade of the Colonies, render the circumstances of the people 
extremely distressful; and which, if taxes are accumulated upon 
them by the British Parliament, will make them truly deplorable. 
"Your memorialists cannot suggest to themselves any reason 
why they should not still be trusted with the property of their peo- 
ple, with whose abilities and the least burthensome mode of taxing 
(with great deference to the superior wisdom of Parliament) they 
must be best acquainted. 

Your memorialists hope they shall not be suspected of being 
actuated on this occasion by any principles but those of the purest 
loyalty and affection, as they have always endeavored by their con- 
duct to demonstrate that they considered their connexion with 
Great Britain, the seat of lil^erty, as their greatest happiness. 

"The duty they owe to themselves, and their posterity lays your 
meniorialists under the necessity of endeavoring to establish their 
Constitution upon its proper foundation; and they do most hmn- 
bly pray your lordships to take this sul)ject into your consideration, 
with the attention that is due to' the well being of the Colonies, on 
which the prosperity of Great Britain does, in a great measure, 
depend." 

And the remonstrance to the House of Commons was this : 
"To the honorable Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of Great Brit- 
ain in Parliament assembled : 

"The remonstrance of the Council and Burgesses of Virginia. 
"It appearing by the printed votes of the House of Commons 
of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled, that in a committee 
of the whole House, the 17th day of March last, it was resolved, that 



Southwest Virginia, 11^6-1786. 167 

towards defending, protecting and securing the British Colonies 
and Plantations in America, it may be proper to charge certain 
stamp duties in the said Colonies and Plantations; and it being 
apprehended that tlie same subject, which was then declined, may 
be resumed and further pursiied in a succeeding session, the Coam- 
cil and Burgesses of Virginia, met in the General Assembly, judge 
it their indispensable duty, in a respectful manner, but with decent 
firmness, to remonstrate against such a measure, that at least a 
cession of those rights, which in their opinion must be infringed 
l)y that procedure, may not be inferred from their silence at so 
important a crisis. 

"They conceive it is essential to British liberty, that laws, impos- 
ing taxes on the people, ought not to be made without the consent of 
representatives chosen by themselves; who at the same time that 
they are acquainted with the circumstances of their constituents, 
sustain a portion of the burthen laid on tliem. The privileges 
inherent in the persons who discovered and settled these regions, 
could not be renounced nor forfeited by their removal hither, not 
as vagabonds or fugitives, but licensed and encouraged by their 
Prince and animated with a laudable desire of enlarging the 
British dominion and extending its commerce; on the contrary, it 
was secured to them and their descendants, with all other rights 
and immunities of British subjects, by a Royal Charter which 
hath been invariably recognized and confirmed by his Majesty and 
his predecessors, in their commissions to the several Governors, 
granting a power and prescribing a form of legislation, according to 
which, laws for the administration of justice and the welfare and 
good government of the Colony have been hitherto enacted by the 
Governor, Council and General Assembly, and to them, requisitions 
and applications for supplies have been directed by the Crown. 
As an instance of the opinion which former Sovereigns entertained 
of these rights and privileges, we beg leave to refer to the three 
Acts of the General Assembly passed in the thirty-second year of 
the reign of King Charles II, one of which is entitled 'An Act for 
raising a public revenue for the better support of the government 
of his Majesty's Colony of Virginia,' imposing several duties for 
that purpose, which, being thought absolutely necessary, were pre- 
pared in England and sent over by their then governor, the Lord 
Culpeper, to be passed by the General Assembly, with a full power 



168 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

to give the royal assent thereto, and which were accordingly passed, 
after several amendments were made to them here; thus tender 
was his Majesty of the rights of his American subjects; and the 
remonstrants do not discern by what distinction they can be 
deprived of that sacred birthright and most valuable inheritance 
by their fellow subjects, nor with what propriety they can be taxed 
or affected in their estates, by the Parliament, wherein they are not, 
and indeed cannot, constitutionally be represented. 

"And if it were proposed for the Parliament to impose taxes on 
the Colonies at all, which the remonstrants take leave to think 
would be inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the Con- 
stitution, the exercise of that power, at this time, would be ruinous 
to Virginia, who exerted herself in the late war, it is feared, 
beyond her strength, insomuch that to redeem the money granted 
for that exigency, her people are taxed for several years to come: 
this, with the larger expenses incurred for defending the frontiers 
against the restless Indians who have infested her as much since 
the peace as before, is so grievous, that an increase of the burthen 
would be intolerable; especially as the people are very greatly dis- 
tressed already from the scarcity of circulating cash among- thorn 
and from the little value of their staple at the British markets. 

"And it is presumed that adding to that load which the Colony 
now labors under will not be more oppressive to her j^eople than 
destructive of the interest of Great Britain ; for the Plantation 
trade, confined as it is to the mother country, hath been a princi])al 
means ol multiplying and enriching her inhabitants; and, if not too 
mucii discouraged, may prove an inexhaustible source of treasure 
to the nation. For satisfaction on this point, let the present state 
of the British fleets and trade be compared with M'hat they were 
before the settlement of the Colonies ; and let it be considered, that, 
whilst property in land may be acquired on very easy terms in the 
vast uncultivated territory of North America, the Colonists will 
be mostly, if not wholly, employed in agriculture, whereby the 
exportation of their commodities to Great Britain and the con- 
sumption of manufacturers supplied from thence will be daily 
increasing. But this most desirable connexion between Great 
Britain and her Colonies, supported by such a happy intercourse 
of reciprocal benefits as is continually advancing the prosperity 
of both, must be interrupted, if the people of the latter, reduced 



Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 169 

to extreme poverty, should be compelled to manufacture those arti- 
cles they have been hitherto furnished with from the former. 

"From these considerations, it is hoped that the Honorable House 
of Commons will not prosecute a measure which those who may 
suffer under it cannot but look upon as fitter for exiles driven from 
their native country, after ignominiously forfeiting her favors and 
protection, than for the posterity of Britons, who have at all times 
been forward to demonstrate all due reverence to the mother 
Kingdom and are so instrumental in promoting her glory and 
felicity ; and that British patriots will never consent to the exercise 
of any anti-constitutional power, which, even in this remote cor- 
ner, may. be dangerous in its example to the interior parts of the 
British empire, and will certainly be detrimental to its commerce." 

The several papers above given breathe a spirit of humility and 
dependence that did not correctly voice the sentiyients'of the Vir- 
ginia Colonists, and possibly thereby the British Parliament was 
deceived and led to believe that the American Colonies would not 
assert their opposition to the tax measures proposed, otherwise 
than by protest through their Assemblies. 

Most of the Colonies adopted resolutions protesting against the 
enactment of such a law; some offering a specific sum of money in 
lieu of the proposed tax, provided it was received as a voluntary 
donation. But no one of the Colonies was willing to admit that 
the British Parliament had any right to tax them, while they were 
denied representation therein. 

Mr. Grenville and his friends argued that the Colonies were 
already represented in the same manner as a large proportion of the 
inhabitants of England who had no vote in the election of menir 
bers of Parliament, and this same argument is often indulged in 
by the advocates of a restricted suffrage at the present time. In 
answer to this ridiculous argument, the Colonies contended that 
"the very essence of representation consists in this ; that the 
representative is himself placed in a situation analogous to those 
whom he represents, so that he shall be himself bound by laws which 
he is entrusted to enact and shall be liable to the taxes which ho 
is authorized to impose." 

But the sound reasoning and the humble petitioning of the 
American Colonies did not influence the British Parliament, the 
memorials and petitions were not permitted to be read in the House 



170 Southwest Virginia., 1746-1786. 

of Commons, and in the month of March, 1765, the bill foT laying 
a stamp duty in America was called up in the House of Commons, 
but little opposition was shown to the measure, and few indeed were 
the members who denied the right of Parliament to tax the Colo- 
nies. 

It may be wortliy to note the circumstances attending the 
debate upon this measure in the House of Commons. Mr. Charles 
Townsend, an advocate of this measure, concluded his speech in 
advocacy of the measure in the following words; "And now, will 
these Americans, children planted hy our care, nourished by our 
indulgence, till they are grown to a degree of strength and opulence 
and protected by our arms, will they grudge to contribute their 
mite to' relieve us from the heavy weight of that burden which we 
lie under?'' Colonel Barre, one of the most respectable mem- 
bers of the House of Commons, with strong feelings of indignation 
visible in his countenance and manner, thus eloquently replied ; 
"They planted by your care! No, your oppression planted them 
in America. They fled from tyranny to a then uncultivated and 
inhospitable country, where they exposed themselves to almost all 
the hardships to which human nature is liable, and among others 
to the cruelty of a savage foe, the most subtle, and I will take upon 
me to say, the most formidable of any people upon the face of 
the earth; and yet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, 
they met all hardships with pleasure compared with those they 
suffered in their own country from the hands of those that should 
have been their friends. They nourished by your indulgence! 
They grew up by your neglect of them. As soon as you began to 
care about them, that care was exercised in sending persons to rule 
them in one department and another, who were perhaps the deputies 
of deputies to some members of this House, sent to spy out their 
liberties, to misrepresent their actions and to prey upon them. 
Men whose behaviour, on many occasions, has caused the blood of 
these sons of liberty to recoil within them, men, who were pro- 
moted to tlie highest seats of justice, some who, to my knowledge, 
were glad, by going to a foreign country to escape being brought to 
the bar of a court of justice in their own. They protected by your 
arms! They have nobly taken up arms in your defence, have 
exerted a valour, amidst their constant and laborious industry, for 
the defence of a country whose frontier was drenched in blood. 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 171 

while its interior parts yielded all its little savings to yoiJir 
emolument. And, believe me, remember I this day told yon so, 
that same spirit of freedom which actuated that people at first 
will accompany tliem still; but prudence forbids me to explain 
myself further. God knows I do not at this time speak from any 
motives of party heat. What I deliver are the genuine sentiments 
of my heart. However superior to me in general knowledge and 
experience the respectable body of this House may be, yet, I claim 
to know more of America than most of you, having seen and been 
conversant in that country. The people, I believe, are as truly 
loyal as any subjects the King has, but a people jealous of their 
liberties, and who will vindicate them if ever they should be vio- 
lated. But the subject is too delicate. I will say no more." 

Notwithstanding the opposition made to the passage of this bill, 
it passed the House of Commons, and on the 23d day of March, 
1765, having met with the unanimous approval of the House of 
Lords, it received the royal assent. By the provisions of this bill, 
this law was not to go into effect until the first day of November, 
1765. 

When the intelligence of the passage of this measure reached 
Virginia, the indignation and rage of the people knew no bounds. 
While no violence was offered, the Virginia House of Burgessas, by 
a series of resolutions proposed by Patrick Henry, expressed the 
sentiments of the people in a dignified and explicit manner, the 
resolutions being as follows; 

"Eesolved, That the first adventurers and settlers of this; his 
Majesty's Colony and dominion, brought with them and trans- 
mitted to their posterity and all others his Majesty's subjects 
since inhabiting in this, his Majesty's said Colony, all the privileges, 
franchises and immunities that have been at any time held, enjoyed 
and possessed by the people of Great Britain. 

"Eesolved, That by two Eoyal Charters granted by King James 
the First, the Colonists aforesaid are declared entitled to all the 
privileges, liberties and immunities of denizens and natural born 
subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they had been abiding 
and born within the realm of England. 

"Eesolved, That the taxation of the people by themselves, or 
by persons chosen by themselves to represent them, who can only 
know what taxes the people are able to bear and the easist mode 



172 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

of raising them and are equally affected by such taxes themselves, 
is the distinguishing characteristic of British freedom, and with- 
out which the ancient constitution cannot subsist. 

"Eesolved, That his Majesty's liege people of this most ancient 
Colony have uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being thus gov- 
erned by their own assembly in the article of their taxes and inter- 
nal police, and the same hath never been forfeited, or in any other 
way given up, but hath been constantly recognized by the King and 
people of Great Britain. 

"Eesolved, therefore; That the General Assembly of this Colony 
have the sole right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon 
the inhabitants of this Colony; and that every attempt to vest 
such power in any person or persons whatsoever, other than the 
General Assembly aforesaid, has a manifest tendency to destroy 
British as well as American freedom." 

The foregoing resolutions passed the House of Burgesses in May, 
1765, and formed the first opposition to the Stamp Act and the 
scheme of taxing America by the British Parliament. Heretofore, 
it had been humble petitions, now, we have reached the point 
where the Colonies were defiantly asserting their rights. Patrick 
Henry, at this time, M^as quite a young man, this being the first 
time that he had served his country in the House of Burgesses, and, 
while he was inexperienced, he was inspired by that spirit of liberty 
which was the common heritage of the early settlers of the Amer- 
ican wilderness. When these resolutions were offered in the House 
of Burgesses, many violent debates took place, and, after a great 
deal of oppcKsition, the resolutions were adopted by a majority of, 
possibly, one or two votes. During tlie progress of the debate upon 
these resolutions, Patrick Henry gave utterance to the following 
words ; 

"Caesar," exclaimed the orator, "had his Brutus ; Charles the 
First, his Cromwell, and George the Third may profit by his ex- 
ample." 

The passage of these resolutions gave impetus to tlie cause of 
American liberty and produced an alarming state of affairs among 
the more timid and loyal inhabitants. In Massachusetts the opposi- 
tion took a different form, and, in the city of Boston, the populace 
indulged in every act of violence that could be imagined, in the 
exhibition of their dislike of the law and the law officers. The 



Soulhirest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 173 

^lii|»s ill the liarlior placccl their flags at half mast, the bells 
tliroughout the town were tolling, the ship masters who bought the 
stamps wen; mistreated and insulted and required to deliver the 
stamps to the people, who made a bonfire of them and of the law. 
Meetings were held throughout the colonies, protesting against 
this act of the British Parliainent and asserting the inalienable 
light of tlu! American people. - 

On the second Tuesday in October, 17G5, pursuant to a resolu- 
tion adopted by the Assembly of Massachusetts, the first Conti- 
iiriital Congress assembled at New York, "to consult as to the 
ciicuiiistauct's of ilie Colonies and to consider the most proper 
means of avei'ting the difiieulties under which they labored." 
Twenty-eight deputies, representing the States of Massachusetts, 
liMiodc Island, (!!onnecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, 
Maryland and South Carolina, comi)osed this, the first Continental 
Clongress held on Amorican soil ; Virginia, New York, North Cai'o- 
lina and (icorgia were prevented from sending delegates to this 
Congress by the action of their royal Covernors, by dissolving their 
n'sj)eciive ass('iubli(^s before action could be taken in the premises. 

This Coiigi'css ado])te<l a series. of resolutions stating the griev- 
ances of the Colonies and, in positive terms, asserting the exemp- 
tion of the Colonies from all taxes not imposed by their own Legis- 
latures. 'I'hey also addressed a petition to the House of Lords and 
to the King and Commons, and on the 2r)th of October adjourned. 

'Vho first day of November, 1765, the date fixed for the Stamp 
Act to take effect, arrived, and the day in the city of Boston was 
ushered in by the closing of ))usiness houses and the tolling of church 
bells, and fiovernor Bernard and Justice TTutchinson, the advocates 
of the British Parliament in Massachusetts, were hung in effigy 
on Boston Neck, where the effigies were permitted to remain awhile, 
when they were cut down and torn to pieces, to the great delight 
of the people. Li nuiny places public notice was given to the 
friends of lAherly io attend her funeral, and a large coffin was 
]u-epared, upon which was written the word LIBERTY. This 
cf)ffin was attended to the grave by an immense concourse of people, 
where, after the firing of minute-guns, an oration was pro- 
nounced, and the word REVIVED added to the former inscription, 
amidst the shouts and acclamations of the people. Throughout the 
Colonies the stamp papers were forcibly taken from the stamp 



174 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

officials and destroyed, and the business of the country proceeded 
as if the Stamp law had never been enacted. 

Upon the assembling of Parliament on the 14th day of January, 
1766, upon a motion for an address to the King, William Pitt, one 
of the greatest of English statesmen, offered the following remarks 
upon the state of the country; 

"It is a long time, Mr. Speaker," said he, "since I have attended 
in Parliament. When the resolutions were taken in this House to 
tax America, I was ill in bed. If I could have endured to have 
been carried in my bed, so great was the agitation of my mind for 
the consequences, I would have solicited some kind hand to have 
laid me down on this floor to have borne my testimony against it. 
It is my opinion that this Kingdom has no right to lay a tax upon 
the Colonies. At the same time, I assert the authority of this 
Kingdom to be sovereign and supreme in every circumstance of 
government and legislature whatever. Taxation is no part of the 
governing or legislative power; the taxes are a voluntary gift and 
grant of the Commons aloce. The concurrence of the Peers and of 
the Crown is necessary only as a form of law. This House repre- 
sents the Commons of Great Britain. When in this House we 
give and grant, therefore, we give and grant what is our own, but 
can we give and grant tlie -property of the Commons of America? 
It is an absurdity in terms. There is an idea in some, that the 
Colonies are virtually represented in this House. I would fain 
know by whom?. The idea of virtual representation is the most 
contemptible that ever entered into the head of man; it does not 
deserve a serio-us refutation. The Commons in America, repre- 
sented in their several assembles, have invariably exercised this 
constitutional right of giving and granting their own money; they 
would have been slaves if they had not enjoyed it. At the same 
time this Kingdom has ever professed the power of legislative and 
commercial control. The Colonies acknowledge your authority in 
all things, with the sole exception that you shall not take their 
money out of their pockets without their consent. Here would I 
draw the line; quam ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum." 

This address was replied to by Mr. Grenville in a speech that 
voiced the sentiments of that part of the people of England that 
wished to tax the Colonies, and, in reply, William Pitt submitted 
the following remarks: 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 175 

"Sir, a charge is brmight aginst gentlemen sitting in this House, 
for giving birth to sedition in America. The freedom with which 
I hoy have spoken their sentiments against this unhappy act is 
imputed to them as a crime, but the imputation shall not dis- 
courage me. It is a liberty which I hope no gentleman will be 
afraid to exercise; it is a liberty by which the gentleman who 
calumniates it might have profited.. He ought to have desisted from 
his project. We are told America is obstinate, America is almost 
in open rebellion. Sir, / rejoice that America has resisted; three 
millions of people so dead to all the feelings of liberty as volun- 
tarily to submit to be slaves, would have been fit instruments to 
make slaves of all the rest 

I maintain that Parliment has a right to bind, to restrain America. 
Our legislative power over the Colonies is sovereign and supreme. 
The honorable gentlemen tells us he understands not the difference 
between intonial and external taxation; but surely there is a plain 
distinction betwoim taxation levied for the purpose of raising a 
revenue and duties iniposed for the regulation of commierce. 
'When,' said the honorable gentleman, 'loere the Colonies emanci- 
pated?' At what time, say I, in answer, 'were they made slaves?' 
I speak from accui'ate knowledge when T say, that the profits to 
Great Britain from the trade of the Colonies, through all its 
branches, is two millions per annum. This is the fund which car- 
ried you triumphantly through the war; this is the price 
America pays you for her protection ; and shall a miserable financier 
come with a boast that he can fetch a pepper-corn into the 
Exchequer at the loss of millions to the nation? I know the valour 
of your troops, I know the skill of your officers, I know the force 
of this coimtry; b\it in such a cause your success would be hazard- 
ous. America, if she fell, would fall like the strong man; she would 
emhrnco the jiillnrs of the state and pull down the Constitution with 
her. Ts this your Ixxisted peace? not to sheathe the sword in the 
scabbard, but to sheathe it in the bowels of your countrymen? 
The Americans have been wronged, they have been driven to mad- 
ness by injustice. Will you punish them for the madness you have 
occasioned ? N"o ; let this country be the first to resume its 
prudence and temper. I will pledge myself for the Colonies, that, 
on their part, animosity and resentment will cease. The system 



176 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 

of policy I would earnestly exhort Great Britain to adopt in rela- 
tion to America is happily expressed in the words of a favorite 
poet : 

'Be to her faults a little blind, 

Be to her virtues veiy kind ; 

Let all her ways be unconfin'd, 

And clap your padlock on her mind.' 

Upon the whole, I will beg leave to tell the House in a few 
words what is really my opinion. ' It is, That the Stamp Act be 
repealed, ABSOLUTELY, TOTALLY and IMMEDIATELY." 

On the 23d day of February, 17GG, a bill was introduced in the 
House of Commons having for its purpose the repeal of the Stamp 
Act, which bill was carried by a vote of 275 for, to 177 against, its 
repeal. The joy of the people at the result of this action of the 
House of Comanons was great. The opposition to the repeal of 
the Stamp Act in the House of Peers was much stronger than in 
the House of Commons, and it was not till the 18th day of March, 
1766, that the repeal was carried, and tlicn by a majority of only 
34. On the 19th day of March, 1766, the King appeared in the 
House of Commons and gave his assent, and thereby the war 
between the English Colonies and the Britisli Government was 
averted for the time being. 

In Virginia, this infoTmation was received with great joy by 
all classes of people, and the Virginia House of Burgesses 
voted a statue to the King. The joy that followed the repeal of 
the Stamp Act was of but short duration. The Colonies began to. 
realize that, by the repeal of the Stamp Act, England had virtually 
surrendered nothing, as Parliament still maintained the right to 
tax the Colonists, and, by the fall of the year 1766, discontent again 
pervaded the Colonies. The Virginia House of Burgesses post- 
poned the consideration of the Act providing for a statue for the 
King until some succeeding session. When the new Parliament 
assembled in the year 1767, they received information that the 
Assembly of New York had refused to pass a bill providing for 
the support of his Majesty's troops which had been stationed among 
the people of that Colony. Whereupon Mr. Grenville, the leader 
of the Parliamentary forces favoring the taxatio^n of the American 
colonies, introduced a bill the object of which was to restrain the 
Assembly and Council of l^ew York from passing any act, until 
they had complied with the requisition of the act thus mentioned, 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 177 

which bill was almost immediately passed and became a law. About 
the same time a body of British troops arrived in Boston, and 
Governor Bernard immediately began to provide for their support 
out of the public treasury. Both of the above acts produced a great 
deal of discontent in the Colonies, and in the month of June, 1767, 
a bill was introduced by Charles Townsend in the British Parlia- 
ment, imposing duties on glass, painters' colours, tea and paper, 
imported into the Colonies. Also, another bill authorizing the 
King to appoint a Board of Trade to reside in the Colonies. Also, 
a bill establisliing a Board of Admiralty in the Colonies to be paid 
from the colonial revenue, but to be independent of all colonial 
regulations, and another bill fixing the salaries of the Governors 
and other officials of the American Colonies. These several bills 
passed the House of Commons with but two dissenting votes, and 
received the royal assent on the 2d day of July, 1767. 

It will be observed that the system of taxation proposed by Mr. 
Townsend and adopted by the British Parliament was, beyond 
question, a legal exercise of the right of Parliament to regulate the 
commerce of the Colonies, and this right had oftentimes, thereto- 
fore, been admitted by the American Colonists, but the people of 
New York and of Massachusetts were greatly irritated by the 
presence of the British soldiery in their respective Colonies, and 
acting upon the presumption that this action of the British Parlia- 
ment was nothing more than a forerunner of other oppressive meas- 
ures against the Colonies, numerous petitions and remonstrances 
were addressed to the King and Parliament, but failed to accom- 
plish any good result. The merchants and citizens of nearly all 
the Colonies assembled in their different towns and bound them- 
selves not to purchase goods of any character from the British 
manufacturers, while these obnoxious laws continued in force. 

The Assembly of Massachusetts Colony addressed a circular letter 
to tlie Legislatures of the other Colonies requesting their assistance 
and co-operation, which letter was responded to by all the Colonies, 
expressing tbeir willingness to stand with Massachusetts by what 
had been done and expressing their readiness to co-operate in what 
might further be proposed for the common security and welfare of 
the Colonies. 

Bernard, the Royal Governor of Massachusetts, communicated to 
Lord Hillsborough, the Secretary for the Colonies, the action of ihe 



178 Southwest Virginia, 17JfG-1786. 

Massachusetts Assembly; whereupon, his lordship directed Gover- 
nor Bernard tO' require the Massachusetts Legislature, jin his 
Majesty's name, to rescind their action, upon the penalty of being 
dissolved, which message the Governor immediately communicated 
to the Assembly, whereupon, the Assembly voted not to rescind 
their action, the vote being 17 yeas to 19 nays, and they declared, 
"if the votes of the House are to be controlled by the direction of 
a minister, we have left us but a vain semblance of liberty." The 
Governor, thereupon, dissolved the House according to his threat, 
and the Governors of the otlier Colonies dissolved their respective 
Assemblies upon their refusing to rescind their action endorsing 
the Massachusetts resolves. 

Lord Hillsborough, upon the receipt of this information, wrote 
to General Gage, the British Commander at Boston, that at least 
one regiment of troop would be sent to Boston to assist in preserving 
peace. Upon receipt of this information, a meeting was held by 
the people of Boston, and a committee appointed to wait upon 
the Governor and request him to call the Assembly together. 
This committee waited upon the Governor and presented their 
request, which was denied. Thereupon, it was determined to hold 
a general convention in the city of Boston, on the 33d of September, 
and all the towns in the province of Massachusetts were requested 
to send and did send delegates to this Convention. 

The Convention met at Faneuil Hall, Boston, and adopted sev- 
eral resolutions and adjourned. Soon thereafter, two regiments 
of troops landed in Boston and, by direction of the Governor, were 
quartered in the two public houses of the city, wliich gave great 
umbrage to the people and produced constant difficulties between 
the citizens and the soldiers. 

The Colony of Massachusetts was in open rebellion against the 
British Governor and the Parliament. At a meeting ol the British 
Parliament in the year 1769, a measure was adopted which was 
intended to be a death blow to the liberties of the Colonies. This 
measure directed the Governor of Massachusetts to ascertain the 
names of all persons guilty of treason or misprisions committed 
since the 30th day of December, 1767, and transmit this informa- 
tion to one of the Secretaries of State, in order that his Majesty 
might issue a special commission for inquiring of, hearing and 
determining the said offences within the realm of Great Britain. 



Southwest Virginia, 17 46-17 SG. 179 

Heretofore, the oflFeuding Americans had been tried by a jury of 
their own countrymeu, upon all the charges that were preferred 
by the royal government, and, as a general rule, acquitted, but 
now the British Parliament proposed to have them arrested and 
transported across the seas for trial in England. The Virginia 
House of Burgesses assembled a few days after the receipt of this 
information and adopted a series of resolutions, "declaring their 
exclusive right to tax their constituents and to petition the Sover- 
eign, either separately or conjointly witli the other Colonies, and 
aflfirming that the seizing of any person residing in the said Colony, 
suspected of any crime whatsoever committed therein, and sending 
such persons beyond the seas to be tried was highly derogatory 
to the rights of British subjects." These resolutions were pre- 
sented behind closed doors for the purpose of preventing the royal 
Governor from dissolving the Assembly before their adoption. The 
example of Virginia was followed by the Assemblies of the several 
Colonies. 

In the fall of the year 1769, Lord Hillsborough, the British 
Secretary for the Colonies, addressed a circular letter to the Gov- 
ernors of all the Colonies, informing them that, at the next session 
of Parliament, the duty upon glass, paper and painters' colors 
would be removed. 

The next session of the British Parliament convened on the 9th 
day of January, 1770, and, on the 22d day of February, the 
Marquis of Eockingham introduced the subject of the repeal of 
these onerous duties, in the following manner. He said, "That 
the present unhappy condition of affairs and the universal discon- 
tent of the people did not arise from any immediate temporary 
cause, but had grown upon the nation by degrees from tj^ie moment 
of his Majesty's accession to the throne ; that a total change had 
then taken place in the old system of English government and a 
new maxim adopted fatal to the liberties of the country, viz., that 
the royal prerogative alone was sufficient to support government, 
to whatever hands the administration should be committed." "The 
operation of this principle," said his lordship, "can be ti'aced 
through every act of government during the present reign, in 
which his Majesty's secret advisers could be supposed to have any 
influence. He recommended, therefore, strongly to their lordships 
to fix an early day for taking into consideration the state of the 



180 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1186. 

country in all its relations and dependencies, foreign, provincial 
and domestick, for we had been injured in them all. That 
consideration, he trusted, would lead their Lordships to advise the 
Crown, not only how to correct past errors, but how to establish 
a system of government more wise, more permanent, better suited 
to the genius of the people and consistent with the spirit of the 
Constitution." 

Before a vote was reached upon this motion, the Duke of Grafton 
resigned the office of first Lord Commissioner of the Treasury and 
was succeeded l)y Lord North, who remained at the head of the 
administration until the close of the American Eevolution. 

Among the first acts of Lord North's administration was one 
for the repeal of the port duties fixed by the act of 1767, with one 
exception, that being the duty on tea, "which the British Ministry 
desired to remain in force, as an evidence of the supremacy of the 
Parliament." It was argued by the friends of the repeal of the 
port duties, that to retain the duty on tea would simply continue 
the agitation and increase the disturbance in the Colonies without 
accomplishing any good results. To such arguments, Lord ISTortli 
answered, "Has the repeal of the Stamp Act taught the Americans 
obedience? Has our lenity inspired them with moderation? 
Can it be proper, while they deny our legal power to 
tax them, to acquiesce in the argument of illegality and, by tlie 
repeal of the whole law, to give up that power ? No ! the proper 
time to exert our right to taxation is when the right is refused. 
To temporize is to yield, and the authority of the mother country, 
if it is now unsupported, will in reality be relinquished for ever. 

"A total repeal'' he continued, '^ cannot he thought of till America 
is PRO STB ATE AT OUR FEET." 

It seems peculiar that the Englisli ministry should have been so 
short sighted as to thus insult the American Colonies, at the same 
time that they were making to them great concessions with the 
avowed purpose of restoring the Colonies to peace and quietude. 
While the British Government lost the benefit of the import duties 
by the repeal of the act of 17G7, still, by the retention of the duty 
on tea, the cause of the discontent in the Colonies remained. The 
insult offered to the Colonists by Lord North in his speech, and the 
presence of the King's troops in the province of Massachusetts and 
New York, kept up the agitation in the Colonies, producing mob- 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 181 

violence at many places. In the city of Boston a difficulty occurred 
between one of the King's soldiers and a citizen of the town, which 
resulted in the defeat of the soldier. He obtaining the assistance 
O'f a few of his comrades, the contest between the citizens and the 
soldiers became general, and the citizens, assembling in great 
numbers, compelled Governor Hutchinson to remove the soldiers 
immediately from the town. Similar difficulties occurred in Few 
York and in Rhode Island. Thus matters continued until the 
12th of March, 1773, when Dabney Carr, a member of the House 
of Burgesses oi Virginia, introduced the following resolutions in 
the House of Burgesses; which resolutions were adopted without a 
dissenting voice. 

"Whereas the minds of his Majesty's faithful subjects in this 
Colony have been much disturbed by various rumours and reports 
of proceedings, tending to deprive them of their ancient legal and 
constitutional rights ; 

'^'^And whereas the affairs of this Colony are frequently con- 
nected with those of Great Britain, as well as the neighboring 
Colonies, which renders a communication of sentiment necessary. 
In order, therefore, to remove the uneasiness and to quiet the 
minds of the people, as well as for- the other good purposes above 
mentioned, 

"Be it resolved, that a standing committee of correspondence 
and inquiry be appointed, to consist of eleven persons, to-wit : 
the honorable Peyton Randolph, esquire, Robert C. Nicholas, 
Richard Bland, Richard H. Lee, Benjamin Harrison, Edmund 
Pendleton, Patrick Henry, Dudley Digges, Dabney Carr, Archibald 
Cary and Thomas Jefferson, esquires, any six of whom to be a 
committee, whose business it shall be to obtain the most early and 
authentic intelligence of all such acts and resolutions of the British 
Parliament or proceedings of administration as may relate to, or 
affect the British Colonies in America; and to keep up and main- 
tain a correspondence and communication with our sister Colonies, 
respecting these important considerations; and the result of such 
their proceedings, from time to time to lay before this House. 

"Resolved, That it be an instruction to the said committee that 
they do, without delay, inform themselves particularly of the 
principles and authority on which was constituted a court of 
enquiry, said to have been lately held in Rhode Island, with 



183 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

powers to transport persons accused of offences committed in 
America to places beyond the seas to be tried. 

"Eesolvcd, That the Speaker of this House do transmit to the 
Speakers of the different Assemblies of the British Colonies on the 
Continent, copies of the said resolutions, and desire that they will 
lay them before their respective Assemblies, and request them to 
appoint some person" or persons of their respective bodies to^ com- 
municate, from time to time, with the said committee." 

The retention of the duty on tea and the action of the different 
Colonies in entering into an agreement neither to buy nor to sell, 
nor pay any duty upon teas imported into the Colonies, had been 
so rigidly observed that the East India Company suffered great 
inconvenience from the accumulation of their stock and the refusal 
of the American Colonists to purchase; and, to remedy this state 
of affairs, this company proposed to the British Parliament to pay 
double the amount of the import duties on tea if the Parliament 
would repeal the duties, but the object of the Parliament not being 
the collection O'f a revenue, but the subjection of the American 
Colonies, the offer of the East India Company remained unac- 
cepted, and the oppression of the American Colonies continued 
until it was evident that the American people had determined to be 
free. After some time an acf was passed by the British Parliament 
allowing the East India Company to export their teas to America 
free of duty, after which, large quantities of tea were shipped by 
the company to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston. 

As soon as the Anjericans heard of the repeal of the duty on tea 
and the shipments made by the East Indian Company, they deter- 
mined that the tea should never be disposed of in America. When 
the ships bearing this tea arrived at the American ports, they were 
compelled to return immediately without unloading their cargo. 

In the city of Boston a scene of great disorder prevailed. The 
captain of the vessel carrying the tea made an application to the 
Governor for the papers necessary to enable him to return to 
England without unloading, which request the Governor positively 
refused to comply with. Of this action the people were informed, 
and, thereupon, a number, disguising themselves as Mohawk 
Indians, boarded the ship, took out three hundred and forty-two 
chests of tea, and emptied their contents into the water. It was 
thought that this occurrence would precipitate the war between the 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 183 

Colonies and England, but such was not the case. Upon the receipt 
of the news of the destruction of the tea, Lord North introduced 
a bill for the closing of the port of Boston. The Constitution and 
Charter of the province of Massachusetts were taken ont of the 
hands of the people and placed in the hands of the king, and all 
the officers of the Colony were made dependent upon the king. 
A bill was also passed levying a fine upon the city of Boston to 
compensate the East India Company for the tea destroyed, and 
another law was enacted providing that any of the king's officers, 
charged with the commission of murder in the execution of their 
duties in the Colonies, should be brought to England for trial. All 
of the foregoing bills had been passed and received the royal assent 
by the 20th day of May, 1774. 

The consideration of these measures by the House of Commons 
produced a long and heated debate, during which Colonel Barre, 
who had on a previous occasion ably defended the Colonies, con- 
eluded an al)le and patriotic speech in opposition to these measures 
in these words : "You have changed your ground. You are becom- 
ing the aggressors, and offering the last of human outrages to the 
])eople of America, by subjecting them, in effect, to military execu- 
tion. Instead of sending them the olive branch, you have sent them 
the naked sword. By the olive branch I mean a repeal of all the 
late laws, fruitless to you and oppressive to them. Ask their aid 
in a constitutional manner, and they will give it to the utmost of 
their ability. They never yet refused it, when properly required. 
Your journals bear the recorded acknowledgments of the zeal with 
which they have contributed to the general necessities of the State. 
What madness is it that prompts you to attempt obtaining that hy 
force, which you may more cei'tainly procure by requisition. They 
may he flattered into anything, but they are too much liTce your- 
selves to he driven. Have some indulgence for your own likeness, 
respect their sturdy English virtue, retract your odious exertions 
of authority, and remember that the first step towards making them 
contribute to your wants is to reconcile them to your government." 

At the same time William Pitt., now Lord Chatham, gave the 
House of Lords his views upon the bills proposed and the condition 
of American affairs, in the following words : 

"If, my Lords, we take a transient view of those motives which 
induced the ancestors of our fellow subjects in America to leave 



184 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

their native country, to encounter the innumerable difficulties of the 
unexplored regions of the western world, ovir astonishment at the 
present conduct of their descendants will naturally subside. There 
was no corner of the globe to which they would not have fled, rather 
tiian submit to the slavish and tyrannical spirit which prevailed 
at that ])eriod in their native country; and viewing them in their 
original forlorn and now flourishing state, they may be cited as 
illustrious instances to instruct the world what great exertions man- 
kind will naturally make, when left to the free exercise of their 
own powers. Notwithstanding my intention to give my hearty 
negative to the question now before you, I condemn, my Lords, in 
the severest manner, the turbulent and unwarrantable conduct of 
of the Aniericans, in some instances, particularly in the late riots 
at Boston, but, my Lords, the mode which has been pursued to 
bring them back to a sense of their duty is so diametrically oppo- 
site to every principle of sound policy, as to excite my utmost 
astonishment. You have involved the guilty and the innocent in 
one common punishment, and avenge the crime of a few lawless 
depredators upon the whole body of the inhabitants. My Lords, 
the different provinces of America, in the excess of their gratitude 
for the repeal of the Stamp Act, seemed to vie with each other in 
the expressions of loyalty and duty; but the moment they per- 
ceived that your intention to tax them was renewed, under a pre- 
tense of serving the East India Company, their resentment got the 
ascendant of their moderation and hurried them into actions which 
their cool reason would abhor. But, my Lords, from the whole 
complexion of the late proceedings, T cannot but incline to think, 
that the administration has purposely irritated them into these 
violent acts, in order to gratify their own malice and revenge. 
What else could induce them to dress Taxation, the Father of 
American Sedition, in the robes of an East India Director, but to 
break in upon that mutual peace and harmony which then so hap- 
pily subsisted between the Colonies and the mother county. My 
Lords, it has always been my fixed and unalterable opinion, and I 
will carry it with me to the grave, that this country had no right 
under heaven to tax America. It is contrary to. all the principles 
of justice and civil policy; it is contrary to that essential, unalter- 
able right in nature, ingrafted into the British Constitution as a 
fundamental law, that what a man has honestly acquired is abso- 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 185 

lutely Ills own, which he may freely give, but which cannot be 
taken away from him without his consent. Pass then, my Lords, 
instead of these harsli and severe edicts, an amnesty over their 
orrours; by measures of lenity and affection allure them to their 
duty ; act the part of a generous, forgiving parent. A period may 
arrive, when tliis parent may stand in need of every assistance she 
can receive from a grateful and affectionate offspring. The welfare 
of this country, my Lords, has ever been my greatest joy, and, 
under all the vicissitudes of my life, has afforded me the most 
pleasing consolation. Should the all-disposing hand of Providence 
prevent me from contributing my poor and feeble aid in the day 
of her distress, my prayers shall be ever for her prosperity ; "Leng-th 
of days be in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor ! 
May her ways be ways of pleasantness, and all her paths be peace !" 

The Legislature of Virginia was in session when the Boston 
Port Bill arrived, and their sense of it was immediately expressed 
by the following order : "This House, being deeply impressed with 
apprehension of the great dangers to be derived tO' British America 
from the hostile invasion of the city of Boston, in our sister Colony 
of Massachusetts Bay, whose commerce and harbour are, on the 
1st day of June next, to be stopped by an armed force, deem it 
highly necessary that the said 1st day of June next be set apart by 
the members of this House as a day of fasting, humiliation and 
prayer, devoutly to implore the divine interposition for averting the 
heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil rights and 
the evils of civil war; to give us one heart and one mind, firmly to 
oppose, by all just and proper means, every injury to American 
rights; and that the minds of his Majesty and Parliament may be 
inspired from above with wisdom, moderation and justice, to 
remove from the loyal people of America all cause of danger, from 
a continued pursuit of measures pregnant with their ruin. 

^^Ordered, therefore. That the members of this House do attend 
at their places at the hour of ten in the forenoon, on the said 1st day 
of June next, in order to proceed with the Speaker and the Mace, to 
the church in this city, for the purposes aforesaid; and that the 
reverend Mr. Price be appointed to read prayers and to preach a 
sermon suitable to the occasion." 

Lord Dunmore, the Governor of the Virginia Colony at that 
time, immediately upon the receipt of the information as to the 



186 South wesl Virginia, 17 1^6-17 86. 

action taken by the Virginia House of Burgesses, dissolved the 
House. But the patriotic Virginians were not to be thus deprived 
of their right to speak their sentiments; for on the following day, 
eighty-nine members formed an association and adopted the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

"We, his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the late repre- 
sentatives of the good people of this Colony, having been deprived, 
by the sudden interpasition of the executive part of this government, 
from giving our countrymen the advice we wished to convey to 
them in a legislative capacity, find ourselves under the hard neces- 
sity of adopting this, the only method we have left, of pointing out 
to our countrymen, such measures as, in our opinion, are best 
fitted to secure our dear rights and liberty from destruction by the 
heavy hand of power now lifted against North America. With 
much grief we find that our dutiful applications to Great Britain 
for the security of our just, ancient and constitutional rights, have 
not only been disregarded, but that a determined system is formed 
and pursued for reducing the inhabitants of British America to 
slavery, by subjecting them to the payment of taxes imposed with- 
out the consent of the people or their representatives ; and that, 
in pursuit of this system, we find an Act of the British Parliament, 
lately passed, for stopping the liarbour and the commerce of the 
town of Boston, in our sister Colony of Massacliusetts Bay, until 
the people there submit to the payment of such unconstitutional 
taxes; and which Act most violently and arbitrarily deprives them 
of their property, in wharves erected by private persons, at their 
own great and proper expense, which Act is, in our opinion, a most 
dangerous attempt to destroy the constitutional liberty and rights 
of all North America. It is further our opinion, that as tea, on its 
importation to America, is charged with a duty imposed by Par- 
liament for the purpose of raising a revenue without the consent 
of the people, it ought not to be used by any person who wishes well 
to the constitutional rights and liberties of British America. And 
whereas, the India Company have ungenerously attempted to ruin 
America, by sending many ships loaded with tea into the Colonies, 
thereby intending to fix a precedent in favour of arbitrary taxation, 
we deem it highly proper, and do accordingly recommend it strongly 
to our countrymen, not to purchase ot use any kind of East India 
commodity whatsoever, except salt-petre and spices, until the griev- 



Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-1 7 86. 187 

ances of America are redressed. We are further clearly of opinion, 
that an attack made upon one of our sister Colonies, to. compel 
submission to arbitrary taxes, is an attack made on all British 
America, and threatents ruin to the rights of all, unless the united 
wisdom of the whole be applied. And for this purpose it is recom- 
mended to the committee of correspondence, that they communi- 
cate with their several corresponding committees, on the expedi- 
ency of appointing deputies from the several Colonies of British 
America, to meet in General Congress, at such a place annually as 
shall be thouglit most convenient; there to deliberate on those gen- 
eral measures which the united interest of America may, from time 
to time, require. 

"A tender regard for the interest of our fellow-subjects, the 
merchants and manufacturers of Great Britain, prevents us from 
going further at tliis time; most earnestly hoping that the un- 
constitutional principle of taxing the Colonies without their con- 
sent will not be persisted in, thereby to compel us against our will, 
to avoid all commercial intercourse with Great Britain. Wishing 
them and our people free and happy, we are their affectionate 
friends, the late representatives of Virginia." 

This association was formed on the 27th day of May, 1774, and 
Stephen Trigg and William Christian, the representatives of Fin- 
castle county, in the A^irginia House of Burgesses, were members 
of this association. 

Virginia had not suffered from the acts of the British Parlia- 
ment as had the colonies of New York, Massachusetts, and Ehode 
Island, but her statesmen of those days were actuated by princi- 
ples that they loved and cherished, and, with a political wisdom 
Avhich should bo the admiration of all tlie citizens of Virginia, 
they were always ready and willing to resist any encroachnient 
upon those principles, whether the encroachments were made in 
their own Ik^iho or in the sister colonies. 

The 1st day of June, 1774, was observed in most of the colo- 
nies as a day of fasting and prayer, and in Virginia all business 
was suspended, and the citizens bore a dejected aspect, but were 
contcm]ilnting a l)rig1itor day, when their sorrow would be turned 
to joy. 

On the 17tli day of June, 1774, the Legislature of the Massa- 
chusetts Colony adopted a resolution calling a Congress ol the rep- 



188 Soutlnvest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

resentatives of the colonies at Philadelphia on the 5th day of 
September, 1774. The royal Governor of Massachusetts imme- 
diately dissolved the Legislature as a punishment. 

In Virginia the representatives of the several counties met at 
Williamsburg on August 1, 1774, and adopted the following reso- 
lutions, which fitly expressed the sentiments of the people of Vir- 
ginia : 

"The unhappy disputes between Great Britain and her Ameri- 
can colonies, which began about the third year of the reign of his 
present Majesty and since continually increasing, have proceeded 
to lengths so dangerous and alarming as to excite just apprehen- 
sions in the minds of his Majesty's faithful subjects of the Colony 
that they are in danger of being deprived of their natural, an- 
cient constitutional and chartered rights, and have dompelled 
them to take the same into their most serious consideration; and 
being deprived of their usual and accustomed mode of making 
known their grievances, have appointed us, their represen- 
tatives, to consider what is proper to be done in this dangerous 
crisis of American affairs. It being our opinion, that the united 
wisdom of North y^merica should be collected in a general Con- 
gress of all the Colonies, we have appointed the following gen- 
tlemen as deputies to represent this Colony in the said Congress, 
to be held at Philadelphia, on the first Monday in September 
next, viz., Peyton Eandolph, Eichard Henry Lee, George Wash- 
ington, Patrick Henry, Eichard Bland, Benjamin Harrison and 
Edmund Pendleton. — and that they may be the better informed 
of our sentiments touching the conduct we wish them to observe 
on this important occasion, we desire that they will express, in the 
first place, onr faith and our allegiance to his Majesty King George 
the third, our lawful and rightful sovereign; and that we are de- 
termined, with our lives and fortunes, to support him in the le- 
gal exercise of all his just rights and prerogatives. And, however, 
misrepresented, we sincerely approve of a constitutional connexion 
with Great Britain, and wish most ardently a return of that inter- 
course of affection and commercial connexion that formerly united 
both countries; which can only be effected by a removal of those 
causes of discontent which have of late unhappily divided us. 

"It cannot admit of a doubt that British subjects in America 
are entitled to the same rights and privileges as their fellow sub- 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 189 

jects possess in Britain, and therefore that the power as- 
sumed by tlie British Parliament to bind America by their statutes, 
in all cases whatsoever, is unconstitutional and the source of these 
unhappy differences. 

"The end of government would bo defeated by the British Par- 
liament exercising a power over the lives, the property and the 
liberty of American subjects, who are not and, from their local 
circumstances, cannot be, there represented. Of this nature we 
consider the several Acts of Parliament for raising a revenue in 
America, for extending the jurisdiction of tJie courts of Admiralty, 
for seizing American subjects and transporting them to Britain 
to be tried for crimes committed in America, and the several late 
oppressive Acts respecting the town of Boston and Province of 
Massachusetts Bay. 

"The original constitution of the American Colonies possessing 
their assemblies with the sole right of directing their internal 
policy, it is absolutely destructive to the end of their institution 
that their legislatures should be suspended, or prevented by hasty 
dissolutions, from exercising their legislative powers. 

Wanting the protection of Britain, we have long acquiesced in 
their Acts of navigation, restrictive of our commerce, which we 
consider as an ample recompense for such protection, but as those 
Acts derive their efficacy from that foundation alone, we have 
[reason to expect they will be restrained, so as to produce the rea- 
onable purposes of Britain and not be injurious to us. 

"To obtain redress of these grievances, without which the peo- 
ple of America can neither be safe, free, nor happy, they are wili- 
ng to undergo the great inconvenience that will be derived to them 
Tom stopping all imports whatsoever from Great Britain after 
he first day of November next, and also to cease exporting 
ny commodity whatsoever to the same place, after the 10th day 
f August, 1775. The earnest desire we have to make as quick and 
nil payment as possible of our debts to Great Britain, and to avoid 
he heavy injury that would arise to this country from an earlier 
doption of the non-importation plan, after the people have al- 
ady applied so much of their labor to the perfecting of the pres- 
nt crop, by which means they have been prevented from pursuing 
ther methods of clothing and supporting their families, has ren- 
ered it necessary to restrain you in this article of non-exporta- 



190 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

tion; but it is our desire that you cordially co-operate with our 
sister Colonies in general Congress, in such other just and proper 
methods, as they, or the majority, shall deem necessary for the 
accomplishment of these valuable ends. 

"The proclamation issued by General Gage, in tlie government of 
the Province of Massachusetts Bay, declaring it treason for the 
inhabitants of that Province to assemble themselves to consider of 
their grievances and to form associations for their common conduct 
on tlie occasion, and requiring the civil magistrates and officers to 
apprehend all such persons to be tried for their supposed offences, 
is the most alarming process that ever appeared in a British Gov- 
ernment; the said General Gage has thereby assumed and taken 
upon himself powers denied by the constitution to our legal Sover- 
eign. He not having condescended to disclose by what authoTity 
he exercises such extensive and unheard of powers, we are at a 
loss to determine whether he intends to justify himself as the rep- 
representative of the King, or as the Commander in Chief of his 
Majesty's forces in America. If he considers himself as acting 
in the character of his Majesty's representative, we would remind 
him that the statute 20th, Edward III., has expressed and defined 
all treasonable offences, and that the Legislature of Great Britain 
hath declared that no offence shall be construed to be treason but 
such as is pointed out by that statute; and that this was done to 
take out of the hands of tyrannical Kings, and of weak and wicked 
Ministers, that deadly weapon which constructive treason had 
furnished them with, and which had drawn the blood of the best 
and honestest men in the kingdom, and that the King of Great 
Britain hath no right by his proclaniation to subject his people to 
imprisonment, pains, and penalties. 

"That if the said General Gage conceives he is empowered to 
act in this manner, as the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's 
forces in America, this odious and illegal proclamation must be 
considered as a plain and full declaration that this despotick Vice- 
roy will be bound by no law, nor regard the constitutional rights 
of his Majesty's subjects, wherever they interfere with the plans 
he has formed for oppressing the good people of the Massachusetts 
Bay; and therefore that the executing, or attempting to execute 
such proclamation, will justify resistance and reprisal." 

All of the American colonies, with the exception of Georgia, 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-178G. 191 

joined iu the eoinmon cause and sent delegates to the Philadel- 
phia Congress. 

The second Continental Congref?s of the American colonies as- 
sembled in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774, fifty-two dele- 
gates from twelve colonies present. This Congress was organized 
by the election of the following officers : 

President, Peyton Eandolph, of Virginia. 

Secretary, Charles Thompson, of Pennsylvania. 

Patrick Henry, of Virginia, was the first member of this Con- 
gress to address the chair upon the issues which had brought them 
together. This Congress of able men and noble patriots occupied 
more than a month's time in serious deliberation before anything 
ot" importance was done. On the 8th of October, 1774 (two days 
before tlie battle at Point Pleasant) they adopted the following 
resolutions : 

"Resolved, That this Congress do approve of the opposition 
MADE BY THE inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay to the exe- 
cution of the late Acts of Parliament; and if the same shall be at- 
tempted to be carried into execution by force, in such case all 
America ought to support them in- their opposition. 

"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this body, that the removal 
of the people of Boston into the country would be not only ex- 
tremely difficult in the execution, but so important in its conse- 
quences as to require tlie utmost deliberation before it is adopted. 
But in case the provincial meeting O'f that Colony shall judge it 
absolutely necessary, it is the opinion of this Congress, that all 
America ouglit to contribute towards recompensing them for the 
injui'v they may thereby sustain, nnd it will be recommended ac- 
cordingly. 

"Resolved, That tliis Congress do recommend to the inliabitants 
Df the Colony of ]\Iassachusetts Bay to submit to a suspension of 
'he administration of justice, when it cannot be procured in a le- 

i];al and peaceable manner, under the rules of the Charter and the 
aws founded thereon, nntil the effects of our application for a re- 
peal of the Acts, by which their Charter rights are infringed, are 
mown. 

"Resolved, unanimously, That every person or persons whoso- 
•ver, who shall take, accept, or act under any commission or au- 
hority in any wise derived from the Act passed in the late ses- 



192 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-n86. 

sion of Parliament, changing the form of Government and vio- 
lating the charter of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, ought to 
be held in detestation and abhorrence by all good men and con- 
sidered as the wicked tools of that despotism which is preparing to 
destroy those rights which God, nature and compact have given 
to America." 

On the 14th, Congress agreed upon the following preamble and 
resolutions : 

"Whereas, since the close of the last war, the British Parlia- 
ment, claiming a power of right to bind the people of America by 
statute, in all cases whatsoever, hath in some Acts expressly im- 
posed taxes on them, and on other various pretences, but in fact for 
the purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed rates and duties 
payable in these Colonies, established a board of commissioners 
with unconstitutional powers and extended the jurisdiction of 
Courts of Admiralty, not only for collecting the said duties, but 
for the trial of causes merely arising within the body of a county. 
And whereas, in consequence of other statutes, judges, who before 
held only estates at will in their offices, have been made dependent 
on the Cro^vn alone for their salaries, and standing armies kept in 
time of peace. And it has lately been resolved in Parliament, that 
by force of a statute made in the 35th Henry VIII, colonists may 
be transported to England and tried there upon accusations for 
treasons and misprisions, or concealment of treasons, committed in 
the Colonies; and, by a late statute, such trials have been directed 
in cases therein mentioned. 

"And whereas, in the late session of Parliament, three statutes 
were made, one entitled 'an Act to discontinue in such manner 
and for such time as are therein mentioned, the landing and dis- 
charging, lading or shipping of goods, wares and merchandise, at 
the town and within the harbour of Boston, in the Province of 
Massachusetts Bay, in North America,' another entitled 'an Act 
for the better regulating the government of the Province of Massa- 
chusetts Bay, in New England,' and another entitled 'an Act for 
the impartial administration of justice, in the cases of persons 
questioned for any act done by them in the execution of the law, 
or for the suppression of riots and tumults, in the Province of 
Massachusetts Bay, in New England,' and another statute was 
then made 'for making more effectual provision for the govern- 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 193 

irient of the Province of Quebec, &c./ all of which statutes are 
impolitick, unjust and cruel as well as unconstitutional, and most 
dangerous and destructive of American rights. 

"And whereas, Assemblies have been frequently dissolved, con- 
trary to the rights of the poo})le, when they attempted to deliberate 
on grievances, and their dutiful, humble, loyal, and reasonable pe- 
titions to the crown for redress have been repeatedly treated with 
contempt by his Majesty's Ministers of State. 

"The good people of the several colonies of New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts Bay, Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, 
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Castle, 
Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, North 
Carolina and South Carolina, justly alarmed at these arbitrary 
proceedings of Parliament and the Administration, have severally 
elected, constituted and ajjpointed deputies, to meet and sit in 
general Congress in the City of Philadelphia, in order to obtain 
such establishment as that their religion, laws and liberties may 
not be subverted : Whereupon, the deputies so appointed being now 
assembled in a full and free representation of these Colonies, tak- 
ing into their most serious consideration the best means of attain- 
ing the ends aforesaid, do in the first place, as Englishmen, their 
ancestors, in like cases have usually done, for asserting and vindi- 
cating their rights and liberties, DECLAEE ; 

"That the inhabitants of the English Colonies in North America, 
by the immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English 
Constitution and tlie several charters of compacts, have the follow- 
ing RIGHTS. 

"Resolved, nemine contradicenie, 1st. That they are entitled to 
life, liberty and property; and they have never ceded to any 
foreign power whatever, a right to dispose of either without their 
consent. 

"Resolved, n. c. 2nd. That our ancestors, who first settled these 
Colonies, were at tlie time of tlieir emigration from the mother 
country, entitled to all the rights, liberties and immunities of free 
and natural born subjects within the realms of England. 

"Resolved, n. c. 3rd. That by such emigration they by no means 
forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they 
were, and their descendants now are, entitled to tlie exercise and 



194 Souihivest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circum- 
stances enable them to exercise and enjoy. 

"Resolved, w. c. 4. That the foundation of English liberty and 
all free government is a right in the people to participate in their 
legislative council; and as the English Colonists are not repre- 
sented, and from their local and other circumstances cannot pro- 
perly be represented in the British Parliament, they are ejititled 
to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several Pro- 
vincial Ijegislatures, where their right of representation alone can 
be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal policy, subject 
only to the negative of their Sovereign, in sucli manner as has 
heretofore been accustomed; but from the necessity of the case 
and a regard to the mutual interests of both countries, we cheer- 
fully consent to the operation of such acts of the British Parlia- 
ment as are bona fide, restrained to the regulation of our external 
commerce, for the purpose of securing the commercial advantages 
of the whole empire to the mother country, and the commercial 
benefits of its respective members, excluding every idea of taxation, 
internal or external, for raising a revenue on the subjects in 
America, without their consent. 

"Resolved, n. c. 5. That the respective Colonies are entitled to 
the common law of England, and more especially to the great and 
inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage 
according to the course of that law. 

"Resolved, n. c. 6. That they are entitled to the benefit of such 
of the English statutes as existed at the time of their colonization, 
and which they have, by experience, respectively found to be appli- 
cable to their several local and other circumstances. 

"Resolved, n. c. 7. That tliese, his Majesty's Colonies, are like- 
wise entitled to all the immunities and privileges granted and con- 
firmed to them by royal charters, or secured by their several codes 
of Provincial laws. 

"Resolved, w. c. 8. That they have a right peacably to assemble, 
consider of their grievances, and petition the King; and that all 
prosecutions, prohibitory proclamations, and commitments for the 
same are illegal. 

"Resolved, n. c. 9. That the keeping a standing army in any 
of these Colonies in times of peace, without the consent of the 



Southwest Tirginia, 17JfO-17S6. 195 

Legis]at\ire of tlcit Colony in wliicli siicli army is kept, is against 
the law. 

"Eesolved, n. c. 10. It is indispensaljly necessary to good gov- 
ernment, and rendered essential by the English constitution, that 
the constituent branches of the Legislature be independent of each 
other; that, therefore, the exercise of legislative power in several 
Colonies by a Council appointed, during pleasure, by the Crown 
is unconstitutional, dangerous and destructive of the freedom of 
American legislation. 

All and each of which the aforesaid deputies in behalf of them- 
selves and their constituents do claim, demand, and insist upon, 
as their indul)itable rights and liberties ; which cannot be legally 
taken from them, altered or abridged by any power whatsoever, 
without tlieir own consent, by their representatives in their several 
Provincial Legislatures.'' 

And upon the '^Oth day of Octobei', 1774, tliey agreed upon the fol- 
lowing articles of association, to which each member present sub- 
scribed his name. 

"First, That from and after the first day of December next, 
w(> will not import into British America from Great Britain and 
Ii'eland, any goods, wares, or merchandize whatsoever, or from any 
other place, any such goods, wares or marchandise, as shall have 
been ex])orted from Great Britain or Ireland, nor will we, after that 
day iniport any East India tea from any part of the world; nor any 
molasses, syrups, paneles, cofl'ee or pimento, from the British 
plantations, or fnun Dominica; nor wines from Madeira, or the 
Western Islands ; nor foreign indigo. 

'"Second, That we will neither import, nor purchase any slave 
imported after the first day of December next; after which time 
ive will wholly discontinue the slave trade, and will neither be cO'n- 
cerned in it ourselves nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our com- 
modities or manufactures to those who are concerned in it. 

"Third, As a non-consum])tion agreement strictly adhered to 
will be an effectual security for the observation of non-importa- 
tion, we, as above, solemnly agree and associate, that, from this 
day, we will not purchase or use any tea imported on account of 
the East India Company, or any on which a duty hath been or 
shall be paid, and from and after the first day of March next, we 
will not purchase or use any East India tea whatever, nor will we. 



196 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

nor shall any person for or under us, purchase or use, any of those 
goods, wares or merchandize we have agreed not to import, which 
we shall Icnow or have cause to suspect, were imported after the 
first day of December, except such as come under the rules and 
directions of the tenth article hereinafter mentioned. 

"Fourth, The earnest desire we have not to injure our fellow- 
subjects in Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, induces us 
to suspend non-exportation, until the tenth day of September 
1775, at which time, if the said Acts and parts of Acts of the 
British Parliament, hereinafter mentioned, are not repealed, we 
will not, directly or indirectly, export any merchandize or com- 
modity whatsoever, to Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, 
except via Europe. 

"Fifth, Such as are merchants and use the British and Irish 
ti'ado, will give orders, as soon as possible, to their factors, agents 
and correspondents in Great Britain and Ireland, not to ship any 
goods to them, on any pretence whatever, as they cannot be received 
in America; and if any merchant residing in Great Britain or 
Ireland shall, directly or indirectly, ship any goods, wares or mer- 
cliandize, for America, in order to break the said non-importation 
agreement, or in any manner contravene the same, on such 
unworthy conduct being well attested, it ought to be made publick ; 
and on the same being so done, we will not from thenceforth have 
any commercial connexion witli such merchant. 

"Sixth, That such as are owners of vessels will give positive 
orders to their captains, or masters, not to receive on board their 
\'essels any goods prohibited by the said non-importation agree- 
ment, on pain of immediate dismission from their service. 

"Seventh, We will use our utmost endeavors to improve the 
breed of sheep and increase their number to the greatest extent; 
and to that end we will kill them as sparingly as may be, especially 
those of the most profitable kind ; nor will we export any to the 
West Indies or elsewhere; and those of us who are or may become 
overstocked with, or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose 
of them to our neighbors, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate 
terms. 

"Eighth, That we will in our several stations encourage fru- 
gality, economy and industry, and promote agriculture, arts and 
the manufactures of this country, especially that of wool, and will 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 197 

discountenance and discourage every species of extravagance and 
dissipation, especially all horse-racing, and all kinds of gaming, 
cock-fighting, exhibitions of shows, plays and other expensive diver- 
sions and entertainments. And on the death of any relation oi 
friend, none of us, or any of our families, will go into any 
further mourning dress than a black crape or ribbon on the arm 
or hat for the gentleman, and a black ribbon or necklace for the 
ladies, and we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarfs at 
funerals. 

"Ninth, That such as are vendors of goods or merchandize will 
not take advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned 
by this association, but will sell the same at the rates we have 
been respectively accustomed to do, for twelve months last past. 
And if any vendor of goods or merchandize shall sell such goods 
on higher terms, or shall in any manner, or by any device what- 
soever, vio'late or depart from this agreement, no person ought, nor 
will any of us deal with any such person, or his, or her factor or 
agent at any time thereafter for any commodity whatever. 

"Tenth, Tn case any merchant, trader, or other persons shall 
import any goods or merchandize, after the first day of December, 
and before the first day of February next, the same ought, forth- 
with, at the election of the owner, to be either reshipped or deliv- 
ered up to the committee of the county or town wherein they shall 
be imported, to be stored at the risk of the importer, imtil the non- 
importation agreement shall cease, or be sold under direction of 
the committee aforesaid ; and in the last mentioned case, the owner 
or owners of such goods shall be reimbursed out of the sales the 
first cost and charges, the profit, if any, to be applied towards th^^ 
relieving and employing such poor inhabitants of the town of 
Boston as are immediately sufferers by the Boston Port Bill ; and 
a particular account of all goods so returned, stored, or sold, to be 
inserted in the publick papers; and if any goods or merchandizes 
shall be imported after the said first day of February, the same ought 
forthwith, to be sent back again, without breaking any of the 
packages thereof. 

"Eleventh, That a committee be chosen in every county, city, 
and town, by those who are qualified to vote for representatives in 
Legislature, whose business it shall be, attentively to observe the 
conduct of all persoTis touching the association ; and when it shall 



11)8 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-17S6. 

bo made to appear to the satisfaction of a majority of such coni- 
mittee, that any person within the limits of their appointment 
has viohited this association, that such majority do forthwith cause 
the truth of the case to l)e published in the Gazette, to the end that 
all such foes to the rights of British America may be publicklv 
known and universally contemned as the enemies of American 
liberty; and thenceforth we will respectively break off all dealings 
with him or her. 

"Twelfth, That tlio CV)mmittee of (Vu-i-es])ondence in the respec- 
tive Colonies do frequently inspect the entries of their custom 
houses, and inform each other from time to time, of the true state 
thereof, and of every other material cii'cumstance that may occur 
relative to this association. 

"Thirteenth, That all manufactures of tliis country l)e sold ;it 
reasonable prices, so that no undue advantages be taken of a future 
scarcity of goods. 

"Fourteenth, And we do further agree and resohe, that we will 
have no trade, commerce, dealings or intercourse whatever with 
any Colony or Province in North America, whicli shall not accede 
to, or which shall hereafter violate this association, but will hold 
them as unworthy of the rights of freemen and as inimical to the 
liberties of their country. 

"And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents, under 
the ties aforesaid, to adhere to this association until such parts 
of the several Acts of Parliament passed since the close of the last 
war as imposed or continue duties on tea, wine, molasses, syrups, 
panales, coffee, sugar, pimento, indigo, foreign paper, glass and 
painters' colors imported into America, and extend the powers 
of the Admiraltv courts beyond their ancient limits, deprive the 
American subjects of trial by jury, authorize the judge's certificate 
to indemnify the prosecutor from damages, that he might other- 
wise be liable to, from a trial by his peers, recpiire oppressive secu- 
rity from a claimant of ships or goods seized before he shall be 
allowed to defend his property, are repealed. And until that part 
of the Act of the 13 Geo. 3, ch. 24. entitled 'an Act for the better 
securing his Majesty's dock-yards, magazines, ships, ammunition 
and stores,' by which any persons charged with committing any 
of the offences therein described, in America, may be tried in any 
shire or county within the realm, is repealed-^and until the four 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 199 

Acts 2)assed in the last session of Parliament, yiz., that for stopping 
the port and l)locking np the harbonr of Boston — that for alter- 
ing the Charter and Government of the Massachusetts Bay — and 
tliat which is entitled, "An Act for the better administration of 
justice, (K'c." — and that for "extending the limits of Quebec, &c.," 
are repealed. And we rcx;omniend it to the Provincial Conven- 
tions, and to tlie coiiunittee in the respective Colonies, to establish 
such further regidations as they iiui\' think proper, for carrying into 
execution this association." 

After the ado])tion of the foregoing resolutions and articles of 
association, the Congress drew up a petition to the king, a memo- 
rial to the people of England and an address to the people of the 
Colonies, and another to the French Colonists of Quebec, Georgia 
and Nova Scotia. This Congress adjourned on the 26th day of 
October, 177-1, after having decided to hold another Congress at the 
saiue place on the 10th day of May, 1775, if their present grievances 
continued. The proceedings of this Congress have enlisted the 
admiration of the world for more than one hundred and twenty- 
five years, and the work of the fifty-twO' men composing this Con- 
gress will live while a liepublican form of Government and free 
institutions exist. 

After the adjournment of this Congress, the Colonies were in 
that condition which precedes the coming of a storm. The people 
were willing to forgive and forget, provided their petitions were 
listened to and their wrongs corrected; otherwise they were ready 
to give their fives and property in defence of their liberty. 

It was now time for the English stat-esmen to recognize, in the 
resistance of the Colonies, that spirit of freedom which has ever 
marked the actions of the Anglo-Saxon race. 

At a meeting of the British Parliament on the 20th day of 
January, 1775, I^ord Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the Colo- 
nies, laid before the House of Peers all the papers relative to the 
American Colonies. . As soon as all papers were read, William Pitt, 
tlu' undying friend of the American Colonies, arose and moved that 
an addi'ess be ])resented to the King, requesting him to direct Gen- 
eral Gage to move his Majesty's forces from the to^vn of Boston. 
He said : "America could not be reconciled, she ought not to be 
reconciled to this coimtry, till the troops of Britain are removed 
from the Continent. Resistance to your acts was necessary, and 



200 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

therefore just; and your vain declarations of the omnipotence of 
Parliament, and your imperious doctrines of the necessity of sub- 
mission, will be equally impotent to convince or enslave America. 
You may, no doubt, destroy their cities, you may cut them off 
from the superfluities, perhaps the conveniences, of life; but 
my Lords, they will still despise your power, for they have yet 
]-emaining their woods and their liberty. He said that the spirit 
which now animates America was the same that led to the revolu- 
tion in England, and that the friends of liberty on both sides of 
the Atlantic had but one common cause. "In this great cause," 
he continued, "they are immovably allied ; it is the alliance of 
God and Nature, immutable, eternal, fixed as the firmament of 
iieaven." His Lordship admitted the right of Parliament to con- 
trol the complicated machinery of commerce and navigation, but 
denied its authority over the property of the people of the Colonies ; 
"property is private, individual, absolute, the touch of another 
annihilates it." He besought the House to rest upon that distinc- 
tion, to allow the Americans to maintain their principles of taxa- 
tion, and to confine the exercise of parliamentary authority to the 
regulation of commerce. Of the Continental Congress the noble 
Earl spoke in a strain of the highest eulogy. "History, my Lords," 
said he, "has been my favorite study, and in the celebrated writings 
of antiquity have I often admired the patriotism of Greece and 
Rome ; but, my Lords, I must declare and avow, that in the master- 
states of the world, I know not the people or the Senate, who in 
such a complication of difficult circumstances can stdnd in prefer- 
ence to the Delegates of America, assembled in General Congress 
at Philadelphia. I trust it is obvious to your Tjordships, that all 
attempts to impose servitude upon such men, to establish despotism 
over such a mighty continental nation, must he vain, must he futile." 
The speaker went on to say, that ministerial manoeuvres 
would never be able to resist such a union as that of America, that 
the hour of danger was not to be averted by the ti'icks of office, that 
matters had now gone so far that even repealing the obnoxious 
Acts would not restore the lost confidenee of America, unless 
his Majesty's armed force was withdrawn froin the Continent. 
The Noble Lord pledged himself, that they would one day find 
themselves compelled to undo all their oppressive acts. He advised 
them, therefore, to enter at once into that course, of their own 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 201 

accord, which they must be ultimately forced to adopt. "To con- 
clude, my Ix)rds," said lie, "if the Ministers thus persevere in mis- 
advising and misleading the King, I will not say that they can 
alienate the affections of his subjects from the Crown; but, / 
<iflirm, they ivill make the Croivn not worth his wearing, I will 
not say that the King is betrayed, but I will pronounce that the 
Kingdom, is undone." 

The motion of Tjord Chatham was rejected by a large majority, 
and the British Ministry declared their purpose never to abandon 
a single right until the American Colonies were whipped into 
obedience. The same day that William Pitt delivered the pre- 
ceding address in the House of Lords, the backwoodsmen of Fin- 
castle county met, pursuant to the resolves of the Continental Con- 
gress, at the Lead Mines, their county seat, and took action in the 
premises; of which the following is a correct account: 

"In obedience to the resolves of the Continental Congress, a 
incoting of the Freeliohlers of Fincastle County, in Virginia, was 
held on tlie 20th day of January, 1775, who, after approving of the 
Association framed by that august body in behalf of all the Colo- 
nies, and subscribing thereto, proceeded to the election of a Com- 
mittee, to see the same carried punctually into execution, when the 
following gentlemen were nominated: the Eeverend Charles Cum- 
mings, Cohmel WiUiam Preston, Colonel William Christian, Cap- 
tain Stephen Trigg. ]\Iajor Arthur Campbell, Major William, Inglis, 
Captain Walter Crorl-ett. Captain John Montgomery, Captain 
James McGavocl-. Captain WiUiam Campbell, Captain Thomas 
Madison. Captain Daniel SniiiJi. Captain Williaru Russell. Captain 
I^Jvan Shelby and Lieutenant William Edmondson.. After the elec- 
tion the committee made choice of Colonel William Christian 
for their chairman, and appointed Mr. David CampbelHo be clerk." 

The following address was then unanimously agreed to by the 
people of the county, and is as follows : 

To the Honorable PF.YTON" EANDOLPH, Esquire, RICH- 
ARD HENEY LEE, GEOEGE WASHINGTON, PATEICK 
HENEY, Junior. EICHAED BLAND, BENJAMIN HAEEI- 
SON, and EDMUND PENDLETON, Esquires, the Delegates 
from this Colony, who attended the Continental Congress held at 
PHILADELPHIA : 

Gentlemen, — Had it not been for our remote situation and 



\ 



202 Southwest Virginia. 1746-17S6. 

the Indian War wliicli we were lately engaged in to cliai^tise those 
cruel and savage people for the many ninrders and depredations 
they have committed amongst us, now happily terminated under 
the auspices of our present worthy Governor, His Excellency the 
Right Honorable the Eaid of Dunmore, we should before this time 
have made known to you our thankfulness for the very important 
services you have rendered to your country, in conjunction with 
the worthy Delegates from the other Provinces. Your noble efforts 
for reconciling tlie mother country and the Colonies, on rational 
and constitutional princi})les and your pacifick, steady and uniform 
conduct in that arduous work entitle you to the esteem of all 
British America, and will immortalize you in the annals of your 
country. We heartily concur in your resolutions, and shall, in 
every instance, strictly and invarial)ly adhere thereto. 

We assure you, gentlemen, and all our countrymen, that we are 
a people whose hearts overflow with love and duty to our lawful 
Sovereign, George the Third, whose illustrious House for several 
successive reigns have been the guardians of the civil and religious 
rights and liberties of British subjects, as settled at the glorious 
Revolution ; that we are willing to risk our lives in the service of his 
Majesty for the support of the Protestant religion and the rights and 
liberties of his subjects, as they have been established by compact, 
law and ancient charters. We • are heartily grieved at the dif- 
ferences which now subsist between the parent state and the Colo- 
nies, and most ardently wish to see harmony restored on an equi- 
table basis and by the most lenient measures that can he devised 
by the heart of man. Many of us and our forefathers left our 
native land, considering it as a kingdom subjected to inordinate 
power and greatly aliridged of its liberties; we crossed the Atlantic, 
and exjdored this then uncultivated wilderness bordering on many 
nations of savages and suiTounded by mountains almost inacces- 
sible to any but those very savages, who have incessantly been com- 
mitting ])arbarities and depredations on us since our first seating 
the country. These fatigues and dangers we patiently encoun- 
tered, supported by the pleasing hope of enjoying those rights and 
liberties which had been granted to Virginians, and were denied 
us in our native country, and of transmitting them inviolate to 
our posterity ; liut even to these remote regions the hand of unlim- 
ited and unconstitutional power hath pursued us, to strip us of 



Souihwesi Vir</iiila. nJfii-llSG. 203 

tli.it lihcrty ;iii(l pi'opcity willi wliicli (lod. iiiiturc mid the rights 
of liii inanity liave vested us. We are ready and willing to contri- 
bute all in our power for the support of his Majesty's government, 
if applied to constitutionally, and when the grants are made by oair 
own Representatives, but cannot think of submitting our liberty 
or ]>i'o]>(>rty to the power oF a venal British Parliament, or to the 
will of a corrupt Ministry. We by no means desire to shake off our 
duty or alb'giaiice lo ouj; lawful sovereign, but, on the contrary, 
sliall ever glory in being the loyal subjects of a Protestant prince, 
descended from such illustrious progenitors, sO' long as we can 
enjoy the fret> exercise of our religion as Protestants, and our 
liberties and ]u-operti(^s as lirUisk !<vhjecis. 

l>ut if no |)aci(ick measures shall be projtoscvl or a(lo})ted by (Ircat 
Brihiln . and our enemies will attempt to dragoon us (uit of those 
inestimable privileges, which we are entitled to as subjects, and 
to reduce us to a state of slavery, we declare that we are deliberately 
and resolutely determined never to surrender them to any power 
upon earth but at the ex])ense of our lives. 

These are our real, though unpolished, sentiments of liberty and 
loyalty, and in them we are resolved to live and die. 

A\'e ai'c. g(>nil('meii, with tlii' most jierfect esteem and regard, 
your most obedient servants. • 

The meeting of the freeholders of Fincastle county, on the 2()ih 
of January. K^.'), in answer to the resolves of the Continental Con- 
gress was not the first meeting held for this jmrpose in the Colony, 
I)ut it was, as far as we have any recoj'd, tlu; tirst meeting in which 
'the freeholders declai-od that they were deliberately and resolutely 
letermineil never to surrendei' their inestimahle privileges to any 
(power upon earth but at the expense of their \\\c<. The senti- 
ments of this meeting wei'e delinitely stated by the Coinmittee of 
Safety when they declared that the freeholdei-s of Fincastle county 
did not desire to shake oil their allegiance to their lawful sovereign 
as long as they could enjoy the free exercise of their religion as 
Protestants and their liberties and ])roperties as British subjects. 
The Committee of Safety, ap])ointed by the freeholders of Fin- 
castk' county, was composed of fifteen men, any one of whom, by 
reason of his intelligence and pat i-iotism. was competent to draft 
the address before given. 

The members of that committee living at that time on lands 



204 ^Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 

afterwards within the limits of tlie county of Washington, were 
seven in niimher, as follows: 

Iveverend (Jharles Cummings, Major Arthur Campbell, 

Captain William Campbell, Captain Daniel tSmith, 

Captain William Eussell, Captain Evan Shelby, 

Lieutenant William Edmiston. 

Early in the year 1775, the British Parliament passed a Mil 
restraining the trade of Virginia and that of a number of the other 
colonies. 

Several efforts were made by members of this Parliament to 
have measures adopted that would have a tendency to bring the 
Colonies and Great Britain together, but all to no purpose. In 
the Virginia House of Burgesses, Patrick Henry introduced a num- 
ber of resolutions for arming and disciplining the militia of the 
Colonies, and the delegates to the former Congress held in Phil- 
adelphia were re-elected, along with Thomas Jefferson, tO' serve 
in the next Congress which met at Philadelphia in May, 1775. 

In the month of April, hostilities began between General Gage, 
commanding the British forces at Boston, and the troops of the 
Massachusetts Colony, and the first blood oi the Revolution was 
shed at Lexington, Massachusetts, on the 17th day of April, 1775. 
In a few days this news spread, and the entire Colony was in arms. 
The first l)low had been struck by the King's troops, and now the 
Colonies took up their arms in self-defence. 

In Virginia, Governor Dunmore, upon a plea that an insurrec- 
tion existed in a neighboring county, removed the powder stored in 
the public magazine at Williamsburg, and placed it on board of a 
ship by a small body of marines, on the 9th of April, 1775. This 
action of the Governor provoked a great deal of discontent, and, 
in answer to a request from the oflficials of the city of Williamsburg, 
he promised to restore the powder whenever wanted, but declined 
to do so at that time, for the reason that he had heard thnt the 
people were armed, and that he did not think it prudent to ])ut. 
powder in their hands. 

This promise of the Governor did not satisfy the people, and, 
arming themselves, they began to assemble and march through the 
streets of Williamsburg, whereupon, Governor Dunmore sent them 
a message in which he stated that if they interfered with any of 
the King's officers he would declare freedom to their slaves and 



Southivest Virginia, 171^6-1780. 205 

lay Williamsburg in ashes. This information being communicated 
to tlie surrounding country and the news from Massachusetts hav- 
ing readied Mrginia, the people flew to arms in all directions. 
Pati-ick Heni'v placed no confidence- in the promise of the Governor 
and resolved upon making an effort to recover the powder. 

He organized a company in his own county, and, with this com- 
pany, began his march to Williamsburg. Patrick Henry was very 
popular with the people of the Colony and upon their hearing of his 
determination, fully five thousand men tendered him their services. 
The Governor was greatly alarmed by this occurrence and fled from 
the capitol and boarded a man-of-war. Apprehending the conse- 
( I nonces of this act of Patrick Henry's, he directed the Eeceiver- 
<Jt'noi-al of the Colony to meet Mr. Henry and pay him in full for 
the powder that had been carried off, which he did. Thereupon, 
Henry and his followers dispersed to their homes. Two days after 
tliis occurrence, the Governor proclaimed Patrick Henry an out- 
law. Upon the 15th day of July, 1775, the Committee of Safety 
for Fincastle county assembled at the Lead Mines, and adopted the 
following resolutions in ajiprobation of the course pureued by Pat- 
rick Henry. . ' ' I "'!' | 

At a committee held for Fincastle County, July 15th, 1775, 
William Christian, chairman. The committee, taking into their 
consideration the clandestine removal of the gunpowder from the 
magazine of this Colony by order of our Governor, are clearly and 
unanimously of opinion that his Lordship's conduct reflects much 
dishonor on himself, and he very justly deserves the censure so 
universally bestowed upon him. 

Resolved, That the spirited and meritorious conduct O'f Pat- 
rick Henry, Esq., and the rest of the gentlemen volunteers at- 
tending him on the occasion of the removal of the gunpowder 
out of the magazine in Williamsburg, very justly merits the very 
hearty approbation of this committee, for which we return them 
our thanks, with an assurance that we will, at the risk of our own 
lives and fortunes, support and justify them with regard to the 
reprisal they made.* 

Resolved, That the council of this Colony in advising and 
co-operating with Lord Dunmore in issuing the proclamation of 
the 3d of May last, charging the people of this Colony with an 



•Amer. Arch., Vol. II., pp. 16-20, 16-21. 



206 Southivest Virginia, 17JfG-1786. 

inig()verna])le spirit and licentious practices, is contrary to many 
known matters of fact, and l)nt too justly shows to us that those 
who ought to bo mediators and guardians of our lil)erties are 
become tlio al)ject tools of a detested administration. 

Resolved, Tliat it is the 'Ojiinion of this committee that the 
late sanguinai'v attempt and preparations of the King's troops, in 
the Colony of Narragansett Bay, are truly alarming and irritating, 
and loudly call upon all, even the most distant and interiour parts 
of the Colonies, to prepare and be ready for the extreme event, by 
a fixed resolution and a firm and uianly resolve to avert ministerial 
cruelty, in defence of our reasonable rights and liberties. 

A perusal of these resolutions clearly show the spirit that ani- 
mated the peo])]e of Fincastle county. The third C^ontinental Con- 
gress assembled at Philadelphia on the. 10th day of May, 1775, and 
elected the following officers : 

President, Peyton Pandolpli, Virginia; 

Secretary, Charles Thompson, of Pennsylvania. 

Among the first measures proposed and adopted by this Con- 
gress was one looking to the placing of the Colonies in a defensive 
position and, on the 7th day of June, 1775, the Congress passed 
a resolution fixing the 20th day of July, 1775, as a day to be 
observed by the twelve Colonies in humiliation, fasting and prayer. 
About this time, General Gage, commander of the British forces 
at Boston, issued a proclamation in the King's name, offering a 
]mrdon to all of the people who would lay down their arms, except 
John Hancock and Samuel iVdams. 

At this time, Peyton Kandolph, President of the Continental 
Congress, resigned his position as President of the Congress, and 
thereu])on John Hancock was elected president — this election 
being in answer to General Gage's proclamation. On the 15th of 
June, 1775, tlie Continental Congress, by a unanimous vote, elected 
as Commander-in-Chief of all the continental forces George 
Washington, of A-^irginia, and elected the following Major-Gen- 
erals: Artemus Ward, Philip Schuyler and Cliarles Tjee, and Ho- 
ratio Gates, as Adjutant-General. 

On the 17th of June, 1775, the battle of Breed's Hill was 
fought, in which battle the British suffered a loss of eleven hundred 
men, of whom two hundred and twenty-six were killed, eighty-nine 
of the nuinl)er officers. The American loss was four hundred and 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 207 

fifty-three killed, wounded and inist^ing. The Continental Con- 
i^ress, in this month, ordered twelve rifle companies to be raised 
in Virginia, ]\Iarvland and Pennsylvania, and directed the issuing 
of two million dolhirs in continental currency, for the redemption 
of which they i)ledged the i)roperty of the twelve Colonies. Gen- 
eral Washington, immediately uj)on the receipt of his commission, 
proceeded to Massachusetts, where he took charge of the continental 
troops, and, by the middle of August, the rifle companies ordered 
to be raised in Virginia, reached Caml)ridge, Massachusetts, in 
time to take ])art in the capture of Boston. 

While we have no documentary evidence of the fact, there can 
l)e n(j doubt that a number of the riflemen from Fincastle county 
accompanied the troops from Virginia. In the meantime, on the 
Gth day of July, 1775, the Congress of the United Colonies adopted 
a memorial setting forth the causes thflt led to, and the necessity 
of, their taking up arms. 

On the 21th (hiy of .hdy, ]775, the Colonial Convention of Vir- 
ginia nu't at Williamsburg and appointed a Committee of Safety, 
and passed an act for the raising of two regiments to be placed 
under the comuiand of Patrick Henry, who was made commander 
of all the fo]-ces raised and to be raised in defence of the CV)lony. 
The two regiments were speedil}^ raised, and assembled at Wil- 
liamsburg. 

The Committee of Safety for Fincastle county, in answer to the 
resolutions of the AMrginia Convention, immediately dispatched a 
company of choice riflemen from Fincastle county, under the com- 
mand of Captain William Campbell, this company being auiong the 
flrst to arrive at Williamsburg. 

On the 3d day of September of this year, a British ship-of-war 
was driven ashore near Hampton, Virginia, during a storm, and, 
on the morning of the 4th, the people set fire to and destroyed it. 
The captain of the ship threatened to burn the town and actually 
tried to do so, but the Virginia Committee of Safety dispatched 
Colonel Woodford, with three companies of riflemen, to the assist- 
ance of the people of Ham])ton. Of the three companies thus dis- 
patched, one was the comjiany of Fincastle troops imder Captain 
William Campbell.* 

When the British captain began his attack upon the town he 



■^Amer. Arch., Vol. — , p. 296. 



208 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

was so warmly received by Colonel Woodford and his men, that he 
took to flight after the loss of a number of men. Thus it will 
be seen that troops from Fincastle county took part in the first 
engagement of the Eevolntionary war, on Virginia soil, in Mdiicli 
blood was shed. Upon the receipt of this information. Lord Dun- 
more issued a proclamation, proclaiming freedom to all the slaves 
who would join his standard. He thus gathered a considerable 
number of volunteers, of whom four hundred were slaves. Colonel 
Woodford and his company returned to Williamsburg. Lord Dun- 
more with his forces began a series of depredations upon the people 
living along the sea-coast, and the Virginia Committee of Safety 
again dispatched Colonel Woodford at the head of eight hundred 
men to drive him from his position at the Great Bridge. Colonel 
Woodford had not been long in the vicinity of the Great Bridge, 
when Lord Dunmore dispatched Captain Leslie, with the regular 
troops and slaves, to attack the troops under Colonel Woodford, 
and, as the result of this attempt, every man of the Britisli 
troops was killed, wounded or captured ; whereupon, Governor Dun- 
more and his troops went aboard their ships, leaving Colonel Wood- 
ford and the Colonial troops in complete control of the position 
formerly occupied by the Governor. 

The Colonial troops that assembled at Williamsburg formed 
two battalions, and the first battalion, to which the troops from 
Fincastle were attached, was officered as followed: 

Colonel, Patrick Henry. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, William Christian, of Fincastle county. 

Major, Frank Eppes. 

Lord Dunmore, after his defeat at the Great Bridge, placed all 
his white followers on board the ships and left his negro allies 
to shift for themselves. After some time his provisions began to 
grow scarce, when he sent a request to the citizens of Norfolk for 
supplies, which request was denied, and on the 1st day of January, 
1776, he began to bombard the town of Norfolk, with four ships, 
and, imder cover of the fire from these ships, a company of sailors 
landed and set fire to the town, which soon, was a heap of ashes; 
an uncalled for act upon the part of the British forces. 

The British Parliament at its session in 1776, passed an act pro- 
hibiting all trade and intercourse with the thirteen American 
Colonies, and, about the same time, the King of England nego- 



Southicest Virginia, 17Jt6-17S6. 209 

tiated treaties witJi some of the petty princes of Germany for the 
use of a number of Hessian troops in the campaign against the 
American Colonies. When information of this act of the British 
l^arliameut reached General Washing-ton, he decided to drive 
the British from Boston and proceeded to do so on the 2d of March, 
and, on the 4th day of March, General Thomas, with a detachment 
of the American troops, took charge of Dorchester Heights over- 
looking Boston harbor. In a few days thereafter, General Howe, 
with nine thousand British troops, evacuated Boston without a 
fight, and General Washing-ton, at the head of the continental army, 
took possession on the 17th day of March, 1776. 

On the 6th day of May, 1776, the first constitutional conven- 
tion assembled in Virginia, at Williamsburg, pursuant to the direc- 
tions of the Committee of Safety, under an ordinance of the con- 
vention of 1775, which directed that, in view of the fact that the 
usual meeting of the General Asseml^ly in a constitutional way had 
been altogether obstructed, it had become indispensably necessary 
for the oppressed people of this country, at a crisis so alarming, 
to adopt such other mode of consulting and providing for the gen- 
eral safety as may seem most conducive to that great end. The 
members of this convention were elected in the same manner in 
which the members of the House of Burgesses had been previously 
elected, and the representatiA'es in this convention from Fincastle 
county, were: 

Arthur Campbell, 
William Eussell, 

both citizens of that part of Fincastle county afterwards included 
in the subsequently formed county of Washington. 

It is hard to understand, except upon the idea that the people 
living upon the waters of the Holston and Clinch exceeded in 
number the people living on the wate rs of the Xew r iver in Fin- 
castle county, how both members of this Convention should have 
been residents of the western part of F^incastle county. 

Some may say that this was done by consent, but such was not 
the fact, for the elections in those days were as hotly contested 
as any held in more recent times. It is worthy to be remembered, 
that in these early days every freeholder was required to vote under 
the penalty of two hundred pounds of tobacco for a failure, and 
every freeholder was required to attend and vote on the day 



210 Souihwesi Virginia, 17J,G-17SG. 

appointed, at the Lead Mines, the county seat of Fincastle county. 

The Virginia convention of 177G was one of the most important 
conventions ever liehl in llie State, whether we consider the char- 
acter of the memhers,. or the work done by them. The Virginia 
Colony at this time M^as in open revolt, and Lord Dunmore, the 
Oovei'uor, was an exile from the State. 

The King by liis proclamation had declared the citizens of the 
Colony rebels and enemies, and now the people Ijy their representa- 
tives proceeded in an orderly manner to establish a government 
for themselves. 

The constitution and bill of rights adopted by this convention 
clearly defined the fundamental principles of all free government, 
and tbio Declaration of Independence, enimciated at this time, was, 
beyond question, the forerunner of the Great Declaration of Inde- 
pendence adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 177G. 
The Bill of Eights ado])ted by this convention, is as follows : 

"1st. Whereas, George the Third, King of Great Britain 
and Ireland and Elector of Hanover, heretofore intrusted with the 
exercise of the kingly office in this government, hath endeavored 
to pervert the same into a detestal)le and insup])ortal)le tyranny, 
by putting his negative on laws the most wholesome and necessary 
for the ])ublick good ; 

By denying his governours permission to pass laws of imme- 
diate and ])ressing importance, unless suspended in their operation 
for his assent, and, when so suspended, neglecting to attend to 
them for many years; 

By refusing to pass certain other laws, unless the persons to be 
benefitted by them would relinf[uish the inestimable right of repre- 
sentation in the legislatures; 

By dissolving legislative assemblies repeatedly and continually, 
foT opposing with manly firmness his invasions of the rights of 
the people; 

When dissolved, by refusing to call others for a long space of 
time, thereby leaving the jiolitical svstem without any legislative 
head ; 

By endeavoring to prevent the population of our country, and, 
for that purpose, obstructing the laws for the naturalization of 
foreigners ; 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 211 

By keeping among us in times of peace, standing armies and 
ships of war; 

By affecting to render the military independent of, and superior 
to the civil power ; 

By combining with othei-s to subject us to a foreign jurisdiction, 
giving his assent to their pretended acts of legislation; 
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us ; 
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; 
For imposing taxes on us without our consent; 
For depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury; 

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended of- 
ferees ; 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves 
invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever; 

By plundering our seas, ravaging our coasts, burning our towns, 
and destroying the lives of our people; 

By inciting insurrections of our fellow-subjects, with the al- 
lurements of forfeiture and confiscation; 

By prompting our negroes to rise in arms among us, those very 
negroes, whom, by an inhuman use of his negative, he hath refused 
us permission to exclude by law ; • 

By endeavoring to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the 
merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an un- 
distinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions of exist- 
ence; 

By transporting, at this time, a large army of foreign mer- 
cenaries, to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny al- 
ready begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy unworthy 
':he head of a civilized nation; 

j By answering our re]5eated petitions for redress with a repeti- 
ion of injuries ; 

And, finally, by abandoning tlie helm of government, and de- 
laring us out of his allegiance and protection. 

V>y which several acts of misrule, the government of this coun- 
y, as formerly exei-cised imdcr the Crown of Great Britain, is 
'OTALLY DISSOLVED.* 

rhe result of this action by tJie Convention was the formation 



*9Heu.Stat., page 112. 



212 Southwest Virginia, 17J,G-178G. 

of a stable and efficient government for the State, and the organi- 
zation of the militia of the commonwealth. 

This Constitution was proclaimed on the 29th day of June, 177G, 
on which day the Committee of Safety, designated by the con- 
vention of 1775, relinquished their aiithorit}^, and Patrick Henry 
was elected the first Governor of the Commonwealth. At the same 
time the Privy Council, Treasurer, Attorney General, and the 
other state officers were elected by the convention. This conven- 
tion, by a resolution, adopted a design for a seal for the new com- 
monwealth. The design adopted was as follows: 

"To be engraved on the Great Seal, Virtus, the genius of the 
Commonwealth, dressed like an Amazon, resting on a spear with 
one hand and holding a sword with the other hand and treading 
on Tyranny, represented by a man prostrate, a crown fallen from 
his head, a broken chain in his left hand and a scourge in his 
right. In the exergon the word "Virginia" over the head of Vir- 
tus, and underneath the words, "Sic semper tyrannis." On the 
reverse a groupe, Libertas, with her wand and pileus. On the other 
side of her Ceres, with the cornucopia in one hand and an ear of 
wheat in the other. On the other side Eternitas, with globe and 
phoenix. In the exergon these words : Deus Nobis Haec Otia Fecit." 

This declaration of the A^irginia convention is said to have been 
the first declaration of independence recorded in the world's his- 
tory. The American people, until this time, had not seriously con- 
templated a complete separation from England, but now that the 
British Parliament had refused to listen to their petition and was 
waging an active war against them, Richard Henry Lee, a repre- 
sentative from Virginia in the Continental Congress at Phila- 
delphia, in the month of May, gave notice that on a day named 
he would move the Congress to adopt a Declaration of Independ- 
ence. 

Early in this same month the Continental Congress had adopted 
a resolution for the purpose of ascertaining the sentiment of the 
American colonies on the subject of the independence of America. 
The motion of Mr. Lee was postponed from day to day, until the 
first day of July, two days after the adoption of the Virginia Con- 
stitution and Bill of Rights, when the Continental Congress re- 
solved itself into a committee of the whole, and began the con- 
sideration of the report of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benja- 



i 



Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-n86. 313 

lain Franklin, Eoger Sherman, and E. E. Livingston, the com- 
mittee who had been appointed on the 11th of June to prepare 
a Declaration of Independence. 

It is worthy of note that this committee, when appointed, 
agreed that each member should draw up a Declaration of Inde- 
pendence according to his own ideas, with the understanding that 
the one that best conformed to the wishes of the committee as a 
whole should be adopted as the report of the committee. It is 
stated that Mr. Jefferson's Declaration, being the first read, was 
imanimously adopted by the committee without debate, the other 
members refusing to submit their papers for consideration. 

The Continental Congress, after three days of heated discussion, 
adopted the report of the committee, which report has since been 
known as the Declaration of Independence, and is as follows : 

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for 
one peo])le to dissolve the political bands which have connected 
them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth 
the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and 
nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of man- 
kind requires that they should declare the causes which impel 
them to such separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created 
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain un- 
alienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pur- 
suit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are 
instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent 
of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes 
destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or 
abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its founda- 
tion on such principles and organizing its power in such form as 
to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. 
Prudence, indeed, woidd dictate that governments long established 
should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accord- 
ingly all exj^erience hath shown that mankind are more disposed 
to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by 
abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed; but when a 
long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same 
object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism. 



214 Southwest Virginia, nJ^G-llSe. 

it is their right, it is their duty to throw off such government, and 
to provide new guards for their future security. 

Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies, and such 
is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former 
systems of government. The history of the present King of Great 
Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all hav- 
ing in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over 
these States. To prove this let facts be submitted to a candid 
world. 

He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and neces- 
sary for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and 
pressing importance, unless suspended in their operations till his 
assent should be obtained ; and when so suspended he has utterly 
neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of 
large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the 
rights of representation in the legislature — a right inestimable to 
them and formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, un- 
comfortable and distant from the depository of their public 
records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance 
with his measures. 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing, 
with manly firmness, his invasion of the rights of the people. 

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to 
cause others to be elected, whereby the legislative powers, incapa- 
ble of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their 
exercise, the State remaining in the meantime exposed to all the 
dangers of invasion from without and convulsions within. 

He has endeavored t-o prevent the population of these States; 
for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreign- 
ers, refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, 
and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands. 

He has obstructed the administration of justice by refusing his 
assent to laws for establishing jadiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure 
of their offices and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 215 

swarms of officers, to harrass our people and eat out their sub- 
stance. 

He lias kept among us in times of peace standing armies with- 
out the consent of our legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military independent of and su- 
perior to the civil power. 

He has combined with otliers to subject us to a jurisdiction 
foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws, 
giving his assent to their pretended acts of legislation. 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us, 

For protecting them by a mock trial, from punishment, for any 
murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these 
States, 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world, 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent. 

For depriving us in many cases of the benefit of trial by jury. 

For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pretended 
offences. 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring 
Province, establisliing therein an arbitrary government and enlarg- 
ing its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit 
instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these 
Colonies, 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws 
and altering fundamentally the powers of our governments. 

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves 
invested with power to legislature for us in all cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his 
protection and waging war against us. 

He has phmdered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, 
and destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mer- 
cenaries, to complete the work of death, desolation and tyranny, 
already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely 
paralleled in the most barbarous ages and totally unworthy the 
head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the 
high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the execu- 



216 Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

tioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their 
hands. 

He has excited domestick insurrections amongst us, and has 
endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merci- 
less Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistin- 
guished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress 
in the most humble terms; our repeated petitions have been 
answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is 
thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant is unfit to be 
the ruler of a free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. 
We have warned them from time to time, of attempts, made by their 
Legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us; we 
have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and 
settlement here; we have appealed to their native justice and mag- 
nanimity; and we have conjured them, by the ties of our common 
kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably 
interrupt our connections and correspondence. They, too, have 
been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity. We must there- 
fore acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, 
and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, 
in peace friends. 

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of 
America in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme 
Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the 
name and by the authority of the good people of these Colonies, 
solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and 
of right ought to be, free and independent States; that they 
are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown; and that 
all political connections between them and the State of Great 
Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved ; and that, as free and 
independent States, they have full power to le\7 war, conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce and to do all other acts 
and things which independent States may of right do. And for 
the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protec- 
tion of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our 
lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. 

It has been said that this Declaration of Independence was the 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1186. 317 

most sublime exhibition that man has ever made to man. The 
members composing the Congress were, in their intelligence and 
patriotism, the giants of our race, and the object of that Congress 
was the protection of our race. 

This Declaration of Independence was proclaimed at Philadel- 
phia on the 8th day of July, 1776, and on the 9th it was read 
to each brigade of the Continental army. This declaration was 
received by the people at all points with the greatest enthusiasm. 

A part of the policy adopted by the British Ministry for the 
reduction of the American Colonies was the enlisting of the' 
Indians in the service of the British Government. We have now 
reached that point where the history of Southwest Virginia is 
closely connected with the operations of the Indians in behalf of 
the British Government. Numerous agents of the Royal Govern- 
ment were sent to the different Indian tribes living along the 
waters of the western frontiers, and they were so faT successful in 
their efforts to incite the Indian tribes to war, that, by the spring 
of 1776, the Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws and Chickasaws were 
induced to take up arms in behalf of their British allies. The 
Cherokee Indians, who were the nearest and most accessible tribe 
to the white settlers, were more numerous than most of the other 
Indian tribes, and they were the first to take up arms at the instance 
of the British agents. 

If the British government had any friends among the back- 
woodsmen of Fincastle county, this action was of such a character 
as to alienate the affection and respect of every respectable man. 
In speaking of the success of the British agents in this matter, 
a distinguished author has said : "Their success and the constant 
ravages of the Indians maddened the American frontiersmen upon 
whom the blow fell, and changed their resentment against the 
British king into a deadly and lasting hatred, which their sons and 
grandsons inherited. 

Indian warfare was of such peculiar atrocity that the employ- 
ment of Indians as allies forbade any further hope of reconciliation. 
They saw their homes destroyed, their wives outraged, their chil- 
dren captured, their friends butchered and tortured wholesale by 
Indians aruied with British weapons, bribed by British gold and 
obeying the orders of British agents and commanders."* 



^Winning of the West, Part II., p. 76. 



218 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

About this time Colonel Arthur Campbell, of Pincastle county, 
in writing of this action of the British Government, in arming the 
Indian tribes, expressed himself as follows : "This infernal malig- 
nity of a professed Christian prince was reserved to be exhibited to 
the world in the reign of George III." 

Alexander Cameron, the British agent among the Cherokee 
Indians, lost no time in calling together the chiefs and warriors of 
this tribe of Indians, to inform them of the wishes of his govern- 
ment. When Cameron disclosed to the Indians his plans, they 
were greatly astonished, and would not, for some time, believe the 
statement of Cameron, that one part of the white people wished to 
wage war against their brothers, for a civil war was unknown 
between Indians speaking the same language, but he finally suc- 
ceeded in enlisting the Indians by promising them presents in 
clothing and by telling them that they could plunder and rob the 
settlers, and by inducing them to believe that all the lands on the 
western waters would be reserved to them by the British govern- 
ment as their hunting grounds. This tribe of Indians had been 
acting for some time in a manner that clearly indicated that they 
were determined upon hostilities. 

In the spring of 1775, Andrew Greer, had gone to the Cherokee 
towns to purchase furs. While there, he had observed the conduct 
of two white traders, and was convinced that they intended to do 
him some injury, if possible. When he started from the Indian 
towns for his home, he left the main trading path and came up the 
N'olichucky trace and escaped injury, but, at the same time, two 
men by the name of Boyd and Doggett, who had been sent to the 
Indian tovms by the Virginia authorities, were met on the trace 
that Greer had left, at Boyd's creek, by Indians, and were killed 
by them and their bodies hidden. The Virginia settlement had 
long been at peace with the Indians, but they were sufficiently 
acquainted with their character to know, that, having once tasted 
blood, their disjxisition Avas to indulge to excess, and now they knew 
they must prepare for a long and bloody war with a tribe of Indians 
that exceeded them in numbers. T'hey at once proceeded to put 
their frontier settlements in a defensive attitude. A fort was built 
at AVata,uga, to which was given the name of Fort Lee, the old fort* 
at Long Island was repaired and called Foi-t Patrick Henry. 



*Fort Robinson, 



Southwest Virginia, nJ^G-nSG. 219 

Another fort was erected about seven miles east from Long Island, 
at Amos Eaton's, on the trace leading to Fort Chiswell. A fort was 
erected shortly before this time at Eye Cove, about fifty miles from 
the North Fork of Clinch, by a man by the name of Isaac Crismen, 
who was, afterwards, with two members of liis family, murdered by 
the Indians. 

Information of the invasion intended by the Indians was for- 
warded to the Committee of Safety of Fincastle county by Isaac 
Thomas, an Indian trader, at the instance of Nancy Ward, a noted 
Indian woman and a relative of several of the principal chiefs. 
The frontier settlement, at this day, was in Carter's Valley, the 
settlers obtaining their supplies from the settlement at Wolf Hill 
( now Abingdon ) . 

The action of the Virginia Committee of Safety, requiring a 
test oath of all the citizens of the Commonwealth, had driven many 
sympathizers of the British Government to this settlement in Car- 
ter's Valley, where they hoped to escape the consequences of their 
refusal to subscribe to the oath, but information of their presence 
was obtained by John Carter, a Virginian, who communicated the 
information he had obtained to the settlers near Wolf Hill. These 
settlers were great Whigs, and, upon receiving this information, a 
number of tliem assembled and went to Brown's settlement in Car- 
ter's Valley, and after having assembled the people, John Coulter, 
a member of the county court of this county, administered to them 
an oath to be faithful to the common cause. Early in May, the 
settlers in Carter's Valley and all the families below the North 
Fork of the Holston, in view of the threatened Indian invasion, 
left their homes and returned to the settlements. To add to the 
alarm of the frontier settlers, a letter was delivered at the house 
of Charles Robertson, on the 18th day of May, 1776, under circum- 
stances that were exceedingly suspicious; which letter accompanied 

by the affidavit of Nathan Reed, was as follows : "Wattaga 

This day, Nathan Reed came before me, one of the justices of Wat- 
taga, and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, 
that a stranger came up to Charles Robertson's gate yesterday even- 
ing — who he was l^e did not know — and delivered a letter of which 
this is a true copy. Sworn before me the 19th of May, 1776. 
Attest, James Smith. John Carter." 

"Gentlemen: — Some time ago, Mr. Cameron and myself wrote 



220 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

you a letter by Mr. Thomas, and enclosed a talk we had with the 
Indians respecting the purchase which is reported you lately nwh- 
of them on the rivers Wattaga, JSTolichucky. We are since informed 
that you are under great apprenhension of the Indians doing -mis- 
er ief immediately. But it is not the desire of his Majesty to set 
his friends and allies, the Indians, on his liege subjects: therefore 
whoever you are, that are willing to join his Majesty's forces as 
soon as they arrive at the Cherokee nation, by repairing to the 
King's standard, shall find protection for themselves and their 
families and be free from all danger whatever; yet, that his 
Majesty's officers may be certain which of you are willing to' take 
up arms in his Majesty's just right, I have thought fit to recom- 
mend it to you and every one that is desirous of preventing in- 
evitable ruin to themselves and families, immediately to subscribe 
a written paper acknowledging their allegiance to his Majesty 
King George, and that they are ready and willing, whenever called 
on, to appear in arms in defence of the British right in America ; 
which paper, as soon as it is signed and sent to me safe by hand, 
should any of the inhabitants be desirous of knowing how they are 
to be free from every kind of insult and danger, inform them that 
his Majesty will immediately land an army in West Florida, march 
them through] the Creek to the Chickasaw nation, where five hun- 
dred warriors from each nation are to join them, and then come? 
by C!hota, who have promised their assistance, and then to take pos- 
session of the frontiers of ISTorth Carolina and Virginia, at the 
same time that his Majesty's forces make a diversion on the sea 
coast of those Provinces. If any of the inhabitants have any beef, 
cattle, flour, pork or horses to spare, they shall have a good price 
for them by applying to us, as soon as his Majesty's troops are em- 
bodied. I am yours, &c., 

"Heney Stuakt.'" 

Henry Stuart was the Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
for the British Government, and in this capacity he wrote this let- 
ter. This letter did not accomplish its purpose, and only had the 
effect of exciting the settlers to more vigorous efforts to resist the 
plans of the agents of the British crown. On the 8th of June Jar- 
fett Williams, an Indian trader, returned to the Virginia settle- 
ment from the Cherokee towns and gave further information as to 
the intention of the Indians, which information was embodied in 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 221 

iin affidavit given before Anthony Bledsoe, a justice of the peace of 
Pincastle county. The affidavit was as follows : 

"Fincastle, ss. — The deposition of Jarret Williams taken before 
me, Antljony Bledsoe, a justice of the peace for the county afore- 
said, being first sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, 
deposeth and saith : That he left the Cherokee nation o^n Monday 
night, the 8th inst. (July) ; 

"That the part of the nation called the Over-Hills were then 
preparing to go to war against the frontiers of Virginia, having 
purchased to the amount of 1,000 skins or thereabouts, for mocka- 
sons. They were also beating flour for a march, and making other 
warlike preparations. Their number, from calculation made by 
the Raven Warrior, amounts to about six hundred warriors; and, 
according to the deponent's idea, he thinks we may expect a gen- 
eral attack any hour. They propose to take away negroes and 
horses, and to kill all kinds of sheep, cattle, &c. ; also to de- 
stroy all corn, burn houses, &c. And he also heard that the 
Valley towns were, a part of them, set off; but that they had 
sent a runner to stop them till all were ready to start. He 
further relates that Alexander Cameron informed them that he 
had concluded to send Captain Nathaniel Guist, William Faulin, 
Isaac Williams and the deponent with the Indians, till they 
came near to Nolichucky, then the Indians were to stop and Guest 
and the other whites above mentioned were to go to see if there 
were any King's men among the inhabitants; and if they found 
any they were to take them off to the Indians or have a white sig- 
nal in their hands, or otherwise to distinguish them. When this 
was done they were to fall on the inhabitants and kill and drive 
all they possibly could. 

"That on Saturday, the 6th inst., in the night, he heard two 
prisoners were brought in about midnight, but the deponent saw 
only one. That the within Williams saw only one scalp brought 
by a party of Indians, with a prisoner ; but, from accounts, they 
had five scalps. He also says he heard the prisoner examined by 
Cameron, thought he gave a very imperfect account, being very 
much cast down. He further says that the Cherokees had received 
the war-belt from, the Shawnese, Mingo, Taawah and Delaware 
nations, to strike the white people. That fifteen of the said na- 
tions were in the Cherokee towns, and that few of the Cherokees 



222 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

went in company with the Shawnese, &c. That they all intended 
to strike the settlers in Kentucky; and that the Cherokees gave 
the Shawnese four scalps of white men, which they had carried 
away with them. The said Shawnese and Mingoes informed the 
Cherokees that they were then at peace with every other nation; 
that the French were to supply them with ammunition, and that 
they wanted the Cherokees to join them to strike the white peo- 
ple on the frontiers, which the Cherokees have agreed to. 

"And the deponent further saith that, before he left the nation, 
a number of the Cherokees of the Lower Towns were gone to fall 
on the frontiers of South Carolina and Georgia ; and further saith 
not. Jarrett Williams/' 

Signed before Anthony Bledsoe. 

The settlers on the waters of the Holston and Clinch were greatly 
aroused by the information received, and the militia was or- 
ganized and armed for the purpose of resisting the contemplated 
expedition planned by Cameron, the British agent. The reader 
must remember that all the settlements as low down as Carter's 
Valley, and including the settlement at Watauga, were governed 
by Virginia laws at this time, and expected and received protec- 
tion from the authorities of Fincastle county in Virginia. 

Upon the receipt of this information the Watauga committee 
sent an express to Colonel William Preston, the county lieutenant 
of Fincastle county, detailing to him their situation and requesting 
the assistance of the authorities and supplies of lead and powder. 
Colonel Preston replied to this letter on June 3d as follows: 

"Gentlemen,— Your letter of the 30th ult. with the deposition of 
Mr. Bryan, came to hand this evening by your messenger. The 
news is really alarming, with regard to the disposition of the In- 
dians, who are doubtless advised to break with the white people, 
by the enemies to American liberty who reside among them. But 
I cannot conceive that you have anything to fear from the pre- 
tended invasion by British troops, by the route they mention. 
This must, in my opinion, be a scheme purposely calculated to in- 
timidate the inhabitants, either to abandon their plantations or 
turn enemies to their country, neither of which I hope it will be 
able to effect. 

"Our Convention, on the 14th of May, ordered 500 pounds of gun- 
powder to each of the counties of Fincastle, Botetourt, Augusta, and 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 223 

West Augusta, , and double that quantity of 

lead They likewise ordered 100 men to be forthwith 

raised in Fincastle, to be stationed where our committee directs for 

the protection of the frontier I sent the several letters 

and depositions you furnished me, from which it is reasonable to 
believe that when all these shall have been examined vigorous meas- 
ures will be adopted for our protection. 

"I have already advertised our committee to meet at Fort Chis- 
well on Tuesday the 11th instant, and have directed the candidates 
for commissions in the new companies to exert themselves in engag- 
ing the number of men required until then. I much expect we shall 
have further news from Williamsburg by the time the committee 
meets. I have written tO' Colonel Calloway the second time for 200 
pounds of lead, which I hope he will deliver the bearer. Tliis re- 
ply will, I hope, be some relief to your distressed settlement, and, as 
I said before, should more be wanted I am convinced you may be 
supplied. I am fully convinced that the expense will be repaid 
you by the Convention of Virginia or North Carolina on a fair rep- 
resentation of the case being laid before them, whichsoever of them 
takes your settlement under protection, as there is not tlie least 
reason that any one part of the colony should be at any extraor- 
dinary expense in the defence of the whole, and you may be as- 
sured you cannot be overstocked with that necessary article, for 
should it please Providence that the impending storm should blow 
over, and there \vould be no occasion to use the ammunition in the 
general defense, then it might be sold out to individuals, and the 
expense of the whole be reimbursed to those who so generously con- 
tributed towards the purchase. 

"I am, with the most sincere wishes for the safety of your settle- 
in (nit, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

"Wm. Peeston." 

Tlie information brought by Thomas to the settlement was to the 
("tl'oct tliat seven hundred warriors were to attack the white settle- 
ments in two divisions of three hundred and fifty each, led by 
Dragging Canoe and Oconostota. The one commanded by Ocono- 
stota was to attack the Watauga settlements, while the other, com- 
manded by Dragging Canoe, was to attack and break up the settle- 
ments bet^veen the North and South fork of the Holston river. 



324 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

Battle of Long Island Flats. 

Upon the receipt of this news a few of the militia hastily as- 
sembled and proceeded to Amos Eaton's, the frontier house, abont 
fifteen miles in advance of the settlement, and began to build a 
kind of stockade fort with fence-rails, and after some time a 
breast- work was completed suflicient to repel a considerable number. 
Thereupon expresses were sent to Thompson's Fort, now on the 
Huff farm, in the upper end of this county; to Edmiston's Fort, 
now near Lodi, Virginia; to Cocke's Fort, on Spring Creek; to 
Shelby's Fort, on Holston river, and to the settlements near Wolf 
Hills, and on the following morning about one hundred and seventy 
men reported at Eaton's Fort under the command of : 

J^mes Thompson, James Shelby, 

V William Buchanan, John Campbell, 

William Cocke, Thomas Madison. 

On the 19th day of July, 1776, the scouts returned to Eaton's 
Fort and reported that a great number of Indians were making 
into the settlements. 

Upon the receipt of this information it was debated as to the 
prudent course to pursue, to await the coming of the Indians in 
the fort or to march out and meet them in the woods and fight them 
wherever they could be found. Capt. William Cocke argued that 
tlie Indians would not attack them in the fort, but would pass 
by and assail the settlements, killing and butchering and carrying 
off the property, and proposed to march out and meet the enemy. 
The proposition made by Captain Cocke prevailed, and the entire 
company, consisting of one hundred and seventy men, marched 
from the fort in the direction of Long Island, which was about 
seven miles distant. This company marched in two divisions, with 
flankers on each side and scouts before, and had proceeded not more 
than five miles when they discovered about twenty Indians meet- 
ing them, upon whom they fired. The Indians returned the fire, 
whereupon the white men ruslied upon them and put them to flight. 
Ten bundles and a good deal of pkmder were captured by the white 
men, and it was thought that some of the Indians were wounded. 
The ground where this skiruiish took place was not very advantage- 
ous for a pursuit, and the men were with great difficulty restrained 
from pursuing the Indians. A council was held, and it was decided 



SoutJiwesl Virginia, l7Jf6-1780. 235 

to return, as the officers had good reason to believe that a large 
party of Indians were not a great way off. They accordingly re- 
tin-ned, and had not marched more than a mile when they heard a 
noise like distant thunder, and looking around they saw the whole 
Jndian force running upon them at full speed, whereupon they 
made a hasty retreat to an eminence, where they rallied, and Cap- 
tain Thompson, the officer in command, ordered that the right line 
form for battle to the right and the left line to the left, and to face 
the enemy. 

In attempting to obey the orders of Captain Thompson, the head 
of the right line bore too much along the road leading in the direc- 
tion of the station, and Lieutenant Robert Davis, perceiving that 
the Indians were trying to outflank them, took a part of the line 
and foi-med them as quickly as possible on the right, across the flat 
to the ridge, preventing the Indians from accomplishing their pur- 
])Ose. The officers and many of the men exhibited in this Ijattle a 
heroism almost unexampled. When the Indians began their attack, 
it was with great fury, those in front halloing, "The Unacas are run- 
ning. Come on and scalp them." The Indian attack was made 
upon the centre and the left flank of the whites at the same time, 
and as a result the troops were thrown into great confusion, and it 
was found almost impossible to form the troops in the face of the 
Indian att<acks. Whereupon Capt. James Shelby, stepping to the 
front, ordered the several companies to go to the rear and reform 
their ranks, while he, accompanied by Lieut. Wm. Moore, Eobert 
Edmiston, John Morrison and John Findlay, kept the Indians at 
bay. 

Gilmore, in his ''Eear (luard of the Revolution," makes the state- 
ment that Edmiston, in a hand-to-hand fight, slew three or four 
Indians, Morrison as many more, and that Moore became engaged 
in a desperate struggle with a herculean Indian chieftain, and, as 
if by general consent, the Indians paused to await its issue. This 
delay, no doubt, saved much loss of life among the one hundred and 
seventy. It lasted for some minutes, but ended by Moore sinking 
his tomahawk into the brain of the Indian. The whites, in the 
meantime, had formed their line of battle about a quarter of a mile 
long and began to pour a destructive fire into the Cherokees from 
cover whenever possible. The Indians, having witnessed the end 
of the conflict between Moore and their chieftain, made a rapid 



226 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

advance upon Shelby and his companions, who, about this time, 
began to fall back to their line. Whereupon the Indians made a 
furious asssault upon Robert Edmiston, who held a position in the 
centre of the line, during which assault it was afterwards charged 
that Edmiston used profane language, upon which charge he was 
tried by the Ebbing Spring Presbyterian congregation. The en- 
gagement lasted from one-half to three-quarters of an hour, when 
the Indians disappeared as if by magic, leaving the white men 
masters of the situation. Thirteen dead Indians were found on the 
ground, and many more might have been found if search had been 
made for them, for many trails of blood were seen where the dead 
had been carried off or the wounded escaped. It is wonderful to 
record the fact that no white man was killed in this battle and only 
four slightly wounded. The names of the white men wounded in 
tills battle are, so far as I can ascertain, Joshua Jones and John 
Findlay. 

We here give a report of this engagement made by the captains in 
command to Col. William Preston, the county lieutenant of Fin- 
castle coimty: 

"On the 19th our scouts returned and informed us that they had 
discO'Vered where a great number of Indians were making into the 
settlements, upon which alarm the few men stationed at Eaton's 
completed a breast-work sufficiently strong, with the assistance of 
what men were there, to have repelled a considerable number ; sent 
expresses to the different stations and collected all the forces in 
one body, and the morning after about one hundred and seventy 
turned out in search of the enemy. We marched in two divisions, 
with flankers on each side and scouts before. Our scouts discov- 
ered upwards of twenty meeting us, and fired on them. They re- 
turned the fire, but our men rushed on them with such violence that 
they were obliged to make a precipitate retreat. We took ten bundles 
and a good deal of plunder, and had great reason to think some of 
them were wounded. This small skirmish happened on ground 
very disadvantageous for our men to pursue, though it was with 
the greatest difficulty our officers could restrain their men. A coun- 
cil was held, and it was thought advisable to return, as we imagined 
there was a large party not far off. We accordingly returned, and 
had not marched more than a mile when a number, not inferior to 
ours, attacked us in the rear. Our men sustained the attack with 



Southwest Virginia, 17JtG-17SG. 337 

great bravery and intrepidit}', immediately forming a line The 
Indians endeavored to surround us, but were prevented by the un- 
common fortitude and vigilance of Capt. James Slielby, who took 
possession of an eminence that prevented their design. Our line of 
battle extended about a quarter of a mile. We killed about thir- 
teen on the spot, whom we found, and we liave the greatest reason 
to believe that we could have found a great many more had we had 
tim.e to search for them. There were streams of blood every way 
and It was generally thonght there was never so much execution 
done in so short a time on the frontiers. Never did troops fip-ht with 
greater calmness than ours did. The Indians attacked us with the 
greatest fury imaginable, and made the most vigorous efforts to sur- 
round us. Our spies really deserve the greatest applause. We took 
a great deal of plunder and many guns, and had only four men 
greatly wounded. The rest of the troops are in high spirits and 
eager lor anotlier engagement. We have the greatest reason to be- 
lieve they are pouring in great numbers on us, and beg the assistance 
ol our friends. 

"James Thompson, "John Campbell, 

';James Shelby, "William Cocke, 

■ '^^'illiam Buchanan, • "Thomas Madison." 

Several incidents are related as having taken place before and 
during tbis battle that we here give as thev bavo l.een preserved - 
without vouching for the truth thereof. B.n,aMMu Sharp, in al 
letter published in the American Pioneer, gives an incident a^-^c- 
curnng during the battle. He says : -An.Alexander Moore, a strong, 
atliletic, active man, by some means, got into close contact with an^ 
Indian of nearly Ids own size and strength. My brother-in-law Wil- 
liam King, seeing Moore's situation, ran up to his relief, biit the 
Indian adroitly kei)t Moore in such a position that King could not 
shoot liim without hurting Moore. The Indian had a large knifo 
suspended at liis belt, for the possession of which they both struggled, 
but at length Moore succeeded and plunged it into the Indian's 
bowels. He then broke his h.dd and sprang off of Moore, and King 
shot him through the head." 

Several historians make the statement that William Cocke, one 
of the captains upon this expedition, was charged with cowardice 
by a number of the militia immediately after a council of the 



238 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

officers, had decided to return to Fort Eaton instead of pursuing the 
twenty Indians first discovered, and that Captain Cocke, soon after 
the return march had begun for Eaton's Fort, halted the line and 
delivered a speech in defence of his reputation. We cannot imagine 
the reason why the charge should have been made, but from an ex- 
amination of the records of the Virginia Privy Council it appears 
that on December 9, 1776, the following order was entered : 

"It appearing from the deposition of Thomas Madison, Esq., 
that there are grounds to suspect Capt. William Cocke of cowardice 
in a late action with the Indians, it is therefore ordered that the 
said Captain Cocke be forthwith suspended; that the Governor be 
requested to write to the county lieutenant of Fincastle directing 
him to hold a court of inquiry touching the conduct of said Captain 
Cocke, and to transmit to this board a copy of the same." 

I cannot ascertain what disposition was made of this charge 
against Captain Cocke, but I am compelled to believe that he was 
acquitted, for he was afterwards elected to the General Assembly of 
A'irginia from Washington county, and in a few years thereafter 
became one of the first United States senators from the State of 
Tennessee, 

The result of this victory was not only the destruction of a num- 
ber of the Indian warriors and the wounding of tlieir savage chief, 
Dragging Canoe, but it inspired the settlers with confidence in them- 
selves and a contempt of danger from the Indians. It is said that 
ever afterwards the inquiry among the white settlers when in search 
of the Indians was not "how many of them are there," but "where 
are they to be found ?" On the same day that the battle was fought 
at the Long Island Flats another body of Indians attacked Fort 
Lee at W^atauga, in which fort were Capt. James Eobertson and 
forty others. But the Indians were repulsed with some loss by the 
fire from the fort, but for three weeks skulked around the fort, 
during which time a man and a boy, who had ventured to leave the 
fort, were assailed by the Indians and captured, and the man scalped 
on the spot. The boy, who was a brother of Lieut. Wm, Moore, 
was reserved for a worse fate, he being afterwards burned at the 
stake by the Indians, Mrs, Wm. Bean, who lived on Boone's creek, 
was captured by the Indians, but was subsequently released tlirough 
the influence of Nancy Ward, 

Colonel Russell, who was located at Fort Patrick Henry, was 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 239 

ordered to go, with five companies of militia, to the relief of Fort 
Lee, but he was so slow that Col. Evan Shelby raised a company of 
about one hundred men in the vicinity of Wolf Hills and proceeded 
to Watauga, where he found the inhabitants in their fort and the 
Indians gone. 

After the battle at Long Island Flats the Virginia militia re- 
turned to the fort and the men dispersed to their several homes to 
take care of their families and property. In the meantime all the 
frontier settlements were breaking up and the settlers fleeing from 
every quarter. The main road or trace was crowded with people 
moving with the greatest haste to escape the invading Indians. At 
the farm of Capt. Joseph Black, where Abingdon now stands, be- 
tween four and five hundred people collected together to build a 
fort. 

The erection of Black's Fort was begun on the 20th day of July, 
1776, the same day that the battle of Long Island Flats was fought, 
and the news of the victory of the settlers in that battle was received 
the next day. Upon the receipt of this news all business was sus- 
pended, while the Rev. Charles Cummings offered up a prayer 
of thanksgiving, in which all the people heartily joined. The defeat 
of the Indians at the Long Island- did not end the trouble of the 
settlers on the Holston. About the time that the battle was fought 
a party of Indians came up the Clinch river burning all the prop- 
erty and killing and scalping all the settlers that they could find. 
Dividing themselves into small bodies, they invaded the settlements 
from the lower end of what is now the present county of Sullivan, 
in Tennessee, to the Seven Mile Ford, in Virginia. About the 24th 
of July, 1776, Capt. James Montgomery, who had settled on the 
south fork of Holston river, about eight miles from Black's Fort, 
came to the fort, he and two other families having decided to defend 
their own homes. He came in quest of intelligence, and was 
earnestly besought by the people of the fort to bring in the families, 
to which he agreed, and men and horses were sent to assist him. 
This company soon returned toi the fort with the families and some 
of their property, and went back to bring in the rest of the prop- 
erty when, to their surprise, they found the houses plundered and in 
flames. The company thereupon hastily retreated to the fort, and 
spies were sent out to locate the Indians if possible, but no dis- 
coveries were made for some days, when at length the spies came in 



230 Southivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

one night and reported that they liad discovered a fire on the bank 
of the river above Montgomery's which they supposed to be the 
Indian camp.* 

Upon receipt of tliis information an express was sent to Bryan's 
Fort requesting their men to meet the men from Black's Fort at a 
certain place that night. The two companies met according to 
agreement, and the spies conducted them to the spot where they 
had seen the fire, when the Indians were surrounded from the river 
below to the river abo^ve them, with strict injunctions to the men to 
preserve a profound silence till the report of the captain's gun 
should give the signal for a general discharge; and in this position 
they waited for daylight. At the dawn of day, when the Indians 
arose and began to stir about the camp, the crack of the captain's 
rifle was followed by a" well-directed fire from every quarter. The 
Indians fled across the river, exposed all the way to the fire of the 
whites. Eleven Indians lay dead at and around the camp, and the 
number that fell and sank in the river is not known. The men 
crossed the river and found numerous trails of blood, one of which 
they followed to where an Indian had crept into a hollow log, whom 
they drew out by his feet, and, according to his request, shot him in 
the head. As a result of this slaughter of Indians the settlers at 
Black's Fort were greatly rejoiced, and the eleven Indian scalps 
were attached to a long pole and fixed as a trophy over the fort 
gates. f Several days tliereafter tliree companies prepared to go out 
from the fort to visit their plantations and on other missions. The 
first company to leave the fort was composed of John Sharp, his t\ro 
sons, and two sons-in-law. They went early ancTwere unmolested. 
The second company to leave the fort on that day was com})Of;ed of 
Arthur Blackburn, Wil\iam Casey and his sister Nancy, who was 
about sixteen years of age, Robert Harold and several others, and 
about the same time a third comi)any left the fort tO' visit the lio'.'.-e 
of Rev. Charles Cummings to bring his books and some of his prop- 
erty into the fort. Both! of these parties were attacked by the 
Indians at the same time within hearing of the fort, where an inde- 
scribable scene of disorder took place, the women and children 
screaming, wives clinging to their husbands, mothers to their sons 



*This eamp was on the Mahaffey farm. 

fBenj. Sharp letter, published in American Pioneer. He was an occupant 
of the fort at the time. 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 331 

and sisters to their brothers, to prevent them from going out of the 
fort. 

However, a number of them left tlie fort and ran to the rescue 
of the companies as fast as possible, but before they arrived upon 
the scene the Indians had done their work and gone. Of the second 
company to leave the fort Arthur Blackburn was shot, tomahawked, 
and scalped, but was found alive, brought in, and recovered from 
his wounds. Along with this same company was William Casey 
and his sister Nancy, a beaxitiful little girl about sixteen years of 
age. As Casey was running for his life to the fort lie discovered 
the Indians in hot pursuit of his sister, and seeing Kobert. Harold, 
another young man, close by, he called to him to come and help him 
save Nancy. Harold obeyed, and, although there were from four 
to seven Indians in pursuit, these young men rushed between them 
and the girl, and by dexterously managing to fire alternately, still 
keeping one gun loaded when tJie other was discharged, they kept 
the -Indians at bay till they gave up the pursuit and the girl was 
brought in safe. The author of this account says, "Such acts of gen- 
erous bravery ought at all times be held as examples to our youth." 

'^^riic tliird company was composed of the Eev. Charles Cum- 
mings, his servant Job, William Creswell, the driver, James Piper 
and one other; and when they had reached a point called Piper's 
Hill, tliey were attacked by a band of Indians, and at the first fire 
William Creswell, who had taken part in the battle of Long Island 
Flats, was killed and two of tJie other men were wounded, James 
Piper having his finger shot off, but the Eev. Charles Cummings, 
with the remaining man, and his servant Job, held the Indians 
at bay until he obtained help from Black's Fort, when he brought 
off the wounded men in safety. William Creswell was buried near 
the Presbyterian church, now Sinking Spring Cemetery, where his 
grave may be seen at tliis day marked by a rude tombstone. An 
exact reproduction of the inscription thereon is here given : 

William Creswell 

entered this place 

July, 177G. 

It has been stated that this is the oldest known grave in this sec- 
tion, but such is not the fact. Poston's graveyard is situated on a 
high knob in close proximity to the falls of the north fork of Holston 



334 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

James Alcorn, William Kiclu^y, 

George Hutchinson Jose])h Kyles, 

(Botetourt parish), Samuel McClure, 

v\\e\. Adam Sm3'th, pastor, Patrick Ijocivhart, 

William Astin, John Mills, 

William Leatherdale, Henry Smith, 

Kobert Woods, James Gaimt, 

Edward Guilford, Joseph Carrol, 

Joseph Bryant, John Jones, 

William McFarrin, Henry Walker, 

Jacob Kimberland, John Burks, 

Eobert Birdswell, Thomas Arbuckle, 

Thomas Howell, David Lawrence, 

Samuel Blair, Patrick Lawrence, 

David Harbinson, John Frager, 

Jonathan Wood, William Eoss. 
Joseph Titus, 

This expedition accomplished nothing of value. This muster 
roll is given as a matter of information to the many descendants 
of these men who are now living in this county. 

In the year 1776, at the time of the battle of Ix)ng Island Flats, 
a man by the name of Lewis, with his wife and seven children, 
lived in the bounds of the present county of Scott. He was 
informed by Captain John Eedd, tliat the Indians had declared war 
and were on the warpath, and was advised to move into the settle- 
ments, but he swore that he was in no danger, the Indians would 
never find him, but, soon thereafter, the Indians visited his homo 
and killed and scalped Lewis, his Mafe and seven children. Among 
the extreme settlers who left their homes and returned to the set- 
tlements, was a man by the name of Ambrose Fletcher, whose fam- 
ily consisted of himself, his wife and two children. Fletcher had 
settled at Martin's Fort in Powell's Valley, and fled from that 
point to Blackmore's Fort, on Cove creek, now in Scott county, 
Virginia. He and his family remained in Blackmore's Fort for 
a few i\i\y^, \\\\on, the fort becoming very much crowded, Fletcher 
built a small cabin, about thirty ot forty yards back of the fort, 
and moved into it. Shortly afterwards, Fletcher left his home to 
go to a canebrake to get his horse, and, on returning, he found his 
wife and two children tomahawked and scalped. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 235 

At ill is time the following forts wore to be foiuid on the waters 
of the Holston and (/linch, so far as T can ascertain: 

'riidiiipson's Fort, located on the farm, now owned by Huff Bros. 

Ivlmiston's Fort, located on Snodgrass's farm at Lodi, Va. 

Uryan's Fort, located at Kendrick's Mill. 

Black's Fort, located at Abingdon, Virginia. 

Cocke's Fort, located on (^lyce Farm on Spring creek. 

Bledsoe's Fort, located . 

Shelby's Fort, located Bi-istol. 

Eaton's Fort, located seven miles east of Long Island. 

Fort Patrick Henry, located at Ijong Island. 

Fort I^-e, located, at Watauga. 

r!ill<^s])ie's Fort, located . 

Womack's Fort, located, near Bluff City, Tennessee. 

Martin's Fort, located in Powell's Valley. 

Priest's Fort, located in Powell's A^alley. 

Mumps' Fort, located in Powell's Valley. 

Eye Cove Fort, located . 

Blackmore's Fort, located Cove creek. 

Glade Hollow Fort, located in Eussell county. 

Hamlin's Fort, located near Castle's Woods. 

Elk Garden Fort, located Eussell county. 

Fort Bowen, located at Maiden Spring. 

Wynne's Fort, located Tazewell county, Wynne's branch. 

Crab Orchard Fort, located Tazewell county. 

At the same time that the Virginia settlements were suffering 
from the invasion of the Indians, ISTortli Carolina, South Carolina 
and Georgia, wore exp(M-ioncing like invasions. These four fron- 
tier colonies decided to invade the Indian country and bring 
them to their senses, by destroying their towns and chastising their 
warriors. The Cherokee Indians occupied that vast coimtry north 
of the U]iper settlements in Georgia and west of the settlements in 
Xorth and South Carolina and Southwest Virginia. Their coun- 
try was divided into three sections, and the numl)er of the warriors 
in each was as follows : 

Middle Settlements and Valleys 878 

In Ijower Towns 356 

In Over-Hill Towns 757 

Total 1,991 



334 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

James Aleom, William Eichey, 

George Hutchinson Joseph Kyles, 

/Botetourt parish), ►Samuel McClure, 

V Rev. Adam Smyth;, pastor, Patrick Lockhart, 

William Astin, John Mills, 

William Leatherdale, Henry Smith, 

Robert Woods, James Gaunt, 

Edward Guilford, Joseph Carrol, 

Joseph Bryant, John Jones, 

William McFarrin, Henry Walker, 

Jacob Kimberland, John Burks, 

Robert Birdswell, Thomas Arl)iK'kk', 

Thomas Howell, David Lawrence, 

Samuel Blair, Patrick Lawrence, 

David Harbinson, John Frager, 

Jonathan Wood, William Ross. 
Joseph Titus, 

This expedition accomplished nothing of value. This muster 
roll is given as a matter of information to the many descendants 
of these men who are now living in this county. 

In the year 1776, at the time of the battle of Long Island Flats, 
a man by the name of Lewis, with his wife and seven children, 
lived in the bounds of the present county of Scott. He was 
informed by Captain John Redd, that the Indians had declared war 
and were on the warpath, and was advised to move into the settle- 
ments, but he swore that he was in no danger, the Indians would 
never iind him, but, soon thereafter, the Indians visited his home 
and killed and scalped Lewis, his wife and seven children. Among 
the extreme settlers who left their homes and returned to the set- 
tlements, was a man by the name of Ambrose Fletcher, whose fam- 
ily consisted of himself, his wife and two children. Fletcher had 
settled at Martin's Fort in Powell's Valley, and fled from that 
])oint to Blaclvmore's Fort, on Cove creek, now in Scott county, 
Virginia. He and his family remained in Blackmore's Fort for 
a few days, when, the fort becoming very much crowded, Fletcher 
built a small cabin, about thirty or forty yards back of the fort, 
and moved into it. Shortly afterwards, Fletcher left his home to 
go to a canebrake to get his horse, and, on returning, he found his 
wife and two children tomahawked and scalped. 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 235 

At this time the following forts were to be found on the waters 
of the Holston and Clinch, so far as I can ascertain : 

Thompson's Fort, located on the farm now owned by Huff Bros. 

Edmiston's Fort, located on Snodgrass's farm at Lodi, Va. 

Bryan's Fort, located at Kend rick's Mill. 

Black's Fort, located at Abingdon, Virginia. 

Cocke's Fort, located on Clyce Farm on Spring creek. 

Bledsoe's Fort, located . 

Shelby's Fort, located Bristol, 

Eaton's Fort, located seven miles east of Long Island. 

Fort Patrick Henry, located at .Long Island. 

Fort Lee, located, at Watauga. 

Gillespie's Fort, located . 

Womack's Fort, located, near Bluff City, Tennessee. 

Martin's Fort, located in Powell's Valley. 

Priest's Fort, located in Powell's Valley. 

Mumps' Fort, located in Powell's Valley. 

Eye Cove Fort, located . 

Blackmore's Fort, located Cove creek. 

Glade Hollow Fort, located in Eussell county. 

Hamlin's Fort, located near Castle's Woods. 

Elk Garden Fort, located Eussell county. 

Fort Bowen, located at Maiden Spring. 

Wynne's Fort, located Tazewell county, Wynne's branch. 

Crab Orchard Fort, located Tazewell county. 

At tlie same time that the Virginia settlements were suffering 
from the invasion of the Indians, North Carolina, South Carolina 
and Georgia, were experiencing like invasions. These four fron- 
tier colonies decided to invade the Indian country and bring 
them to their senses, by destroying their towns and chastising their 
warriors. The Cherokee Indians occupied that vast country north 
of the upper settlements in Georgia and west of the settlements in 
North and South Carolina and Southwest Virginia. Their coun- 
try was divided into three sections, and the number of the warriors 
in each was as follows: 

iliddle Settlements and Valleys 878 

In Ijower Towns 356 

In Over-Hill Towns 757 

Total 1,991 



238 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



..^William Hicks, 
David Getgood, 
Samuel Gay, 
Isaac Eiddle, 
David Smith, 
Edward Eoss, 
Gideon Farris, 
Jesse Womack, 
John Furnliam, 
William Frogg, 
William Milum, 
Lance Woodward, 
Francis Katherine, 
Daniel Henderson, 
Amos Eaton, 
David Ronnceval, 
Samuel Douglas, wounded; 

Duncan, killed ; 

George Berry, wounded ; 
John Eeburn, 
Abraham Crabtree, 
David McKenzie, 
Christopher Irwin, 
John Cochran, 
James Young, 
William Meade, 
David Wallace, 

Stephen Holston, 

Patrick Murphy, 

Isbon Talbert, 

James Campbell, 

Matthew Scott, 

Thomas Logwood, 

Robert Preston, 

Eobert Campbell, 

Jacob Cogor, 

Daniel Kidd, 

John Goff, 

Cuthbert Jones, 



Samuel Campbell, 
William Markland, 
Joseph McCormick, 
James McCockle, 
Joseph Eussell, 
Jonathan Martin, 
Gideon Morris, 
William Ingram, 
Eobert Stewart, 
James Berry, 
Daniel Smith, 
William Haynes, 
John McClanahan, 
John Phelps, 
Abraham McClanahan, 
James Arnold, 
Hanrist Carlock, 
Andrew Little, 
Thomas Berry, 
John Latham, 
William Eamsay, ' 
James Bradley, 

Ijambert Lame, 

John Eice, 

Joab Springer, 

Onsbey Carney, 

John Crane, 

Benjamin Drake, 

Benjamin Eice, 

David Irwin, 

George Miller, 

Thomas Eamsay, 

Thomas Fowler, 

Thomas Smith, 

George Coon, 

William Eice, 

Isaac Eounceval, 

James M'Farland, 

William Eoss, 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



239 



Philip Love, 
David English, 
James Tiittle, 
Meredy Eeins, 
Michael Gleaves, 
Christian Shiiltz, 
Samuel Ingram, 
James Newell, 
William Bennett, 
Tiittleton Brooks, 
Michael Rowland, 
William Mitchell, 
William Eice, 
Philip Williams, 
-lames Harris, 
Arthur Onsbey, 
William Netties, 
John Harris, Jr., 
William Lane, 
David Hunter, 
Michael Ohair, 
John Walker, 
Ebenezer Meads, 
Sanniel Campbell, 
Francis Hamilton,/ 
-lames Dangherty, 
Frederick Fraily, 
William Kdmiston, 
David Carson, 
-lames M Cain, ^ 
-Tames Steel, 
h'ohert Cambell, 
Daniel MX^orniack, 
-Jonathan Jennings,' 
rieorge Parker, 
William Peoples, 
\'alentine Little, 
Samuel Fair, 
Alexander Butler, 



William Brown, 
Tjeonard Helm, 
-James Greer, 
Samuel Ewiu, 
Hichard Thomas, 
Pobert Stephenson, 
Pobert M'Elheney, 
Isaac Thomas, 
-John Craig, 
Adam Brausteter, 
Michael Dougherty, 
-Tames M'Carthy, 
William Henson, 
Charles Eice, 
-lessee lionson, 
-loiiathan Mulhey, 
Moses Winters, 
-lolni Harris, Sr., 
-hiines i^eets, 
-Tohn M'Farland, 
Nicholas Edwards, 
-Tames Kelley, 
-Tames Eichardson, 
-Taim^ Hamilton, 
Oeo!-ge Newland, 
-lames Williams, 
Henry Whitner, 
Henry Eichardson, 
-Tohn Mu Id rough, 
Michael Francisco, 
-lames Mason, 
Solomon Kendrick, 
Williaui White, 
Charles Cocke, 
John Craig, 
Eobert McNutt, 
Jacob Stearns, 
-Tohn SimpsO'ii, 
Thomas Price, 



238 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



^-William Hicks, 
David Getgood, 
Sanmel Gay, 
Isaac Eiddle, 
David Smith, 
Edward Eoss, 
Gideon Farris, 
Jesse Womack, 
John Furnham, 
William Frogg,, 
William Milum, 
Lance Woodward, 
Francis Katherine, 
Daniel Henderson, 
Amos Eaton, 
David Ro'unceval, 
Samuel Douglas, woimded; 

Duncan, killed ; 

George Berry, wounded ; 
John Reburn, 
Abraham Crabtree, 
David McKenzie, 
Christopher Irwin, 
John Cochran, 
James Young, 
William Meade, 
David Wallace, 
Stephen Holston, 
Patrick Murphy, 
Isbon Talbert, 
James Campbell, 
Matthew Scott, 
Thomas Logwood, 
Robert Preston, 
Robert Campbell, 
Jacob Cogor, 
Daniel Kidd, 
John Goff, 
Cuthbert Jones, 



Samuel Campbell, 
William Markland, 
Joseph McCormick, 
James McCockle, 
Joseph Russell, 
Jonathan Martin, 
Gideon Morris, 
William Ingram, 
Robert Stewart, 
James Berry, 
Daniel Smith, ^ 
William Haynes, 
John McClanahan, 
John Phelps, 
Abraham McClanahan, 
James Arnold, 
Hanrist Carlock, 
Andrew Little, 
Thomas Berry, 
John Latham, 
William Ramsay, ' 
James Bradley, 
Lambert Lane, 
John Rice, 
Joab Springer, 
Onsbey Carney, 
John Crane, 
Benjamin Drake, 
Benjamin Rice, 
David Irwin, 
George Miller, 
Thomas Ramsay, 
Thomas Fowler, 
Thomas Smith, 
George Coon, 
William Rice, 
Isaac Rounceval, 
James M'Farland, 
William Ross, 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



239 



Philip Love, 
David English, 
James Tuttle, 
JMeredy Eeins, 
Michael Gleaves, 
Christian Shultz, 
Samuel Ingram, 
James Newell, 
William Bennett, 
Tittleton Brooks, 
]\Iichael Rowland, 
William Mitchell, 
William Rice, 
Philip Williams, 
James Harris, 
Artliiir Onsbey, 
William Nettles, 
John Harris, Jr., 
William Lane, 
David Hunter, 
Michael Ohair, 
John Walker, 
Ebenezer Meads, 
Samuel Campbell, 
Francis Hamilton,/ 
James Daugberty, 
Frederick Fraily, 
William Edmiston, 
David Carson, 
James M'Cain, ^ 
James Steel, 
Robert Gambell, 
Daniel M'Cormack, 
Jonathan Jennings, ' 
George Parker, 
William Peoples, 
Valentine Little, 
Samuel Fair, 
Alexander Butler, 



William Brown, 
Tjeonard Helm, 
James Greer, 
Samuel Ewin, 
Richard Thomas, 
Robert Stephenson, 
Robert M'Elheney, 
Isaac Thomas, 
John Craig, 
Adam Brausteter, 
Michael Dougherty, 
James M'Carthy, 
William Henson, 
Charles Rice, 
Jesse Henson, 
Jonathan Mulhey, 
Moses Winters, 
John Harris, Sr., 
James Beets, 
John M'Farland, 
Nicholas Edwards, 
James Kelley, 
James Richardson, 
James Hamilton, 
George Newland, 
James Williams, 
Henry Whitner, 
Henry Richardson, 
John Muldrough, 
Michael Francisco, 
James Mason, 
Solomon Kendrick, 
William White, 
Charles Cocke, 
John Craig, 
Robert McNutt, 
Jacob Stearns, 
John Simpson, 
Thomas Price, 



240 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



Peter Haff, 
Henry Rice, 
William Lane, 
Philip Miilhey, Sr., 
Lewis Crane, 
Isaac Lindsay, 
Samuel Martin, 
James M'Clern, 
James Smith, 
Lewis Whitner, 
William Calvert, 
Samuel Eason, 
James M'Donald, 
Samuel Montgomery, 
William Carr, 
John Gibson, 
James Walker, 
Philip Mulhey, Jr., 
Andrew Cowan, 
John Adair, 
James Cameron, 



\ 



George Scott, 
Joseph Perrin 
Nicholas Edwards, 
John Hounshel, 
Adam Brausteter, 
James Doran, 
George Caldwell, 
Jeremiah Rush, 
Robert Hardwicke, 
Joseph M'Reynolds, 
Benjamin Logan, 
Robert Cowden, 
Andrew Irwin, 
John Gordon, 
Thomas Goldsby, 
Peter Turney, 
Anthony Bledsoe, 
John Walker, 
Evan Williams, 
Edward_Piggett, 
Jacob Vance. 



On the 26th day of July, 1776, the Honorable Cornelius Har- 
nett, president of the Council of Safety of North Carolina, informed 
the Virginia Council that the Cherokees entertained the design of 
cutting off the persons employed at the Lead Mines, whereupon, the 
Council ordered William Preston, the county lieutenant of Fincastlo 
county, to raise, at once, a stockade fort for the defence of said 
mines and to garrison the same with a foTce of twenty-five men. 

On the first day of August, 1776, the Virginia Council gave the 
following instructions to William Christian, commander-in-chief, 
and Colonel Charles Lewis, in command of the second battalion, 
of the forces in the expedition against the Cherokees. 

"When your battalion and the battalion under Colonel Charles 
Lewis are completed, you are to march with them and the forces 
under the command of Colonel Russell, and such others as may JoIti 
you from Carolina, into the Cherokee country, if these forces shall 
be judged sufficient for the purpose of severely chastising that crue) 
and perfidious nation, which you are to do in a manner most likely 
to put a stop to future insults and ravages and that may redound 



Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 241 

most to the honor of American arms. If the Indians should be 
reduced to the necessity of suing for peace, you must take care to 
demand of them a sufficient number of their chiefs and warriors as 
hostages, for the performance of the conditions you may require of 
them. You must insist on their delivering up all prisoners who 
may choose to leave them and on their giving up to justice all per- 
sons amongst them who have been concerned in bringing on the 
present war, particularly Stuart, Cameron and Gist, aaid all others 
who' have committed murder or robberies on our frontiers. You 
may require any other terms which the situation of affairs may 
point out and you may judge necessary for the safety and honor of 
the Commonwealth. You must endeavor to communicate with the 
commanding officer of the Carolina forces and cooperate with him, 
making the attack as near the time of his as may be. 

You are from time to time to write His Excellency the Governor, 
giving him a full account of your operations, and requiring his 
further instructions. Instructions to Colonel Charles Lewis of the 
second battalion of minute men: You are to order the captains 
under your command to march their companies to their respective 
counties, then to discharge such of their men as are not properly 
qualified to serve on an expedition against the Indians, and to raise 
with all possible dispatch in their stead the best recruits that can 
be found for the service, and, having so completed their companies, 
to repair to the Big Island on Holston river in Fincastle county, the 
place of general rendezvous." 

And, on the Gth day of August, 1776, the Virginia Council 
directed the keeper of the magazine to forward to Colonel William 
Christian 1,000 pounds of powder, two flints to be used on this 
expedition. 

It required some time to organize and equip the forces intended 
to proceed against tlie Cherokee Indians, which work was carried 
on with the greatest possible expedition, until the first week in Sep- 
tember. 

FINCASTLE COUNTY OEGANIZED UNDER THE STATE 
CONSTITUTION. 

The first county court of Fincastle county, imder the Constitution 
of the Commonwealth of Virginia, assembled at the Lead Mines, 
(now in W}i;he county), on September 3, 1776, at which time the 



242 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

following members of the county conrt and officers of Fincastle 
county qualified by taking the oath prescribed by an ordinance of 
the Virginia Convention, which oath was administered by James 
McGavock and Arthur Campbell. 

MEMBEES OF THE COUNTY COUET : 

William Preston, Arthur Campbell, 

James McGavock, John Montgomery, 

James McCorkle. 

Sheriff, William Preston, appointed by the court. 

Deputy Sheriff, William Sayers, 

Deputy Clerk, Stephen Trigg, 

County-Lieutenant, William Preston. 

Attorney-at-Law, Harry Innes. 

But little business of importance was transacted at this term of 
the court, so far as the records that have been preserved show. 

Thus began the first organized government under the Constitu- 
tion of Virginia, in Fincastle county. 

In the month of September, 1776, that portion of the troops under 
the command of Colonel William Eussell began their march to the 
Great Island of the Holston, at which time Anthony Bledsoe entered 
two wagons in the public service, to convey the baggage and pro- 
visio'U of the trooj)S. This circumstance is mentioned, for the rea- 
son that this was the first time, as far as can be ascertained, that 
a wagon was taken by the white man, as low down as the Long 
Island in Holston. 

When Colonel Eussell reached the Long Island, he thought it 
necessary to erect a fort in a field on the land of John Latham, on 
Long Island, which fort was speedily erected and every preparation 
made for the coming of the troops under command of Colonel Chris- 
tian. A company of militia was enrolled at Black's Fort (now 
Abingdon), and taken into the pay of the government, to guard 
the new fort, called Fort Patrick Henry, at Long Island, and to 
guard the provision and baggage wagons going to and returning 
from that fort. By the first day of October, Colonel Christian, with 
his entire army of 2,000 men, including about 400 men from North 
Carolina under command of Colonel Joseph Williams, Colonel Love 
and Major Winston, arrived at Long Island. When the army had 
proceeded about six miles beyond Long Island, Colonel Christian 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 343 

halted his army and offered a reward of one hundred pounds to 
any person or persons who would proceed to the Cherokee towns and 
\)v'm<r liiiii a prisoner, in order to obtain intelligence of the motions 
of the enemy ; whereupon, Samuel Ewing, John Blankenship and 
James ]\le('all undertook the business, and in a few days entered 
tlie town of Toquo, after crossing the Tennessee river, where they 
met an Indian man on horseback, whom they permitted to escape, 
lest it miglit occasion a discovery. They next visited the house of a 
king's man by the name of Lowry, where they were refused admit- 
tance. Tliey tlien proceeded to the house of one Davis, from whom 
tliey ol:»tained intelligence of the designs of the enemy, when they 
returned to the army and gave a true account of the situation of 
affairs in the Indian country, according to their information, and 
tliey were ]iaid by the General Assembly of Virginia the on.e hun- 
(lied pounds. ])ursuant to the agreement of Colonel Christian. 

U])on the receipt of this information, Colonel Christian and his 
army proceeded, in a very cautious manner, on their march to the 
Tennessee, always encamping, at night, behind breastworks, to pre- 
vent a surprise. 

Colonel John Sevier commanded, upon this expedition, a com- 
pany of horse, the rest of the army being infantry. Sixteen spies 
were sent in advance of the army to the crossing of the French 
Broad river, a point where the Indians said the white men should 
never crov^s. After being several days out, Alexander Harlin came 
into camp and told Colonel Christian that 3,000 Indian warriors 
were awaiting his arrival at the crossing of the French Broad. Col- 
onel Christian permitted him to go through the camp and to observe 
the strength of his army, when he was dismissed by Colonel Chris- 
•tiam, with direction tO' inform the Indians of his determination to 
cross, not only the French Broad, but the Tennessee river, before he 
returned. The army continued its march through the wilderness, 
under direction of Isaac Thomas, the noted Indian trader and friend 
of Nancy Ward, as pilot. When they approached the crossing of 
the French Broad river, a king's man by the name of Fallin 
approached the camp with a flag of truce, to which Colonel Christian 
paid no attention, ])ermitting Fallin to pass through the camp unmo- 
lested, that he might observe the strength of Christian's army. It is 
said that the Indians had gathered on the opposite side of this cross- 
ing determined to defend its passage to the last extremity, when a 



244 Soutlnvest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

white man by the name of Starr, in the absence of Fallin, persuaded 
the Indians that it was folly to resist the invasion of the whites. 
In an earnest harangue, he told them it was folly to contend with 
the white man. That the Great Spirit intended he should over- 
run and occupy all the low lands which should be cultivated. To 
the red man he had given the hills and forests, where he might sub- 
sist on game without tilling the soil, which was work fit only for 
women. To stniggle with the white man was, therefore, to fight 
with destiny. The only safety for the Indians lay in a speedy retreat 
to their mountain fastnesses."* 

From some cause the Indians disbanded and dispersed without 
ofl'ering any resistance to the white men. Colonel Chi'istian and 
his army crossed the river and pressed rapidly forward to the Chero- 
kee towns along the Little Tennessee and Telico, every one of whicl; 
was destroyed, except Chota, the home of Nancy Ward, the beloved 
woman of the Indian tribe and the friend of the white man; and 
C'olonel Christian destroyed all grain, cattle and other provisions 
found in the nation. When Colonel Christian had destroyed the 
towns and property of the Indians and had chastised them as far 
as it was possible to do so, he sent out a number of men with flags 
of truce, and requested a talk with the Chiefs. A number of them 
came in immediately and proposed peace. Colonel Christian told 
them he was willing to grant them peace, but not until the tribe was 
fully represented, and, thereupon, Colonel Christian fixed a day for 
the concluding of peace in the following May, at Long Island in 
Holston river, and, in the meantime, hostilities were to cease except 
as to two towns on the Tennessee river, where young Moore, who 
had been captured at Watauga, had been burned at the stake; which 
proposition was accepted. Colonel John Sevier, thereupon, visited 
the towns in question and left the same in ashes. 

Colonel Christian finding nothing further to engage his attention, 
returned with his army to the I;ong Island in Holston river. This 
campaign lasted three months, and but a single white man was 
killed. This was a man whose name was Duncan, a soldier under 
Captain Jacob Womack. He was killed in an engagement with the 
Indians. This man left a wife (she was a cripple), and five small 
children, to whom the General Assembly of Virginia, on June Ifi, 
1777, allowed the sum of twenty pounds for their present relief and 

•Rear Guard of the Revolution, p. 126. 



Southwest Virginia, 17Ji-6-1786. 345 

the further sum of five pounds per annum, for the period of five 
3'ears, with directions to Anthony Bledsoe and William Cocke, to lay 
out and expend the same for the support and maintenance of Eliza- 
beth Duncan and her children. Several white men were slightly 
wounded by the Indians and by accident, upon this expedition, 
among the number being Samuel Douglas, Thoanas Berry and 
George Berry, Jr. 

Upon the return of the army to the Long Island of the Holston, 
Colonel Christian reorganized the same, and, for the protection of 
the frontiers, left six hundred men at the island under the command 
of Colonel Evan Shelby and Major Anthony Bledsoe. 

The General Assembly of Virginia directed the Governor and 
Council to take such measures for the preservation and disposition 
of the horses and provision belonging to the government and in use 
upon this expedition as should appear to be most proper and con- 
ducive to the interest of the country. And, by the same act, the 
(Jovernor and Council were directed to give instructions to the com- 
manding officer of the army destined against the Cherokees, to 
lake such steps, at the end of the campaign, as were thought neces- 
sary for the future safety and protection of the southwestern fron- 
tier of this State. Whereupon the Governor and Council of Virginia 
directed Captain Thomas Madison to. take the necessary steps to col- 
lect all the cattle and horses on hand upon the return of the army 
from this expedition, and to take care of them, whereupon Captain 
JMadison employed: 

\Villiam Carmack, John Delaney, 

Stephen Eichards, Matthew Dean, 

- John Fulkerson, Cornelius Carmack, 

Andrew Greer, ^.^^oseph Greer, 

John Nash, - Samuel Looney,' " 
Peter Looney, ""~ William McBroom, 

John Cox, John Carmack, 

Jonathan Drake, Ezekiel Smith, 

Henry Hickey, Isaac Drake, 

Hugh Blair, Benjamin Drake, 

to herd and take care of the country cattle, from the 13th day of 
November, 1776, to the 11th day of June, 1777. And Colonel 
Christian, pursuant to the directions of the Governor and Council, 
stationed the six hundred men as above detailed at Long Island, 



246 Southwest Virginia, 17JfG-17S6. 

and directed Captain Joscpli Martin to proceed to the Eye Cove 
Fort, about fifty miles from Nortli Fork of the Clinch river, with 
eighty men. The rest of the army were mustered out of service. 
Captain Martin immediately began the march to the Rye Cove. 
Upon this march he had to pass through a very dangerous gap, 
called Little Moccasin, where the trail went through a very nar- 
row and deep gorge of the mountain and where the Indians had 
killed a great many white people. When Captain Martin began 
the march through the gap, he had his men in fine order and 
strung out in single file. Just as the head of the column 
emerged from the narrow defile, the whole column was fired upon 
by Indians from the top of the ridge, where they were strung out 
in a line as long as Captain Martin's. As soon as the Indians 
fired, they ran off, having failed to kill any of Martin's men 
But one man, James Bunch, a member of Martin's company, 
had five balls shot through his flesh, whereby he was rendered 
incapable of getting a livelihood by labor, and was allowed by 
the General Assembly of Virginia thirty pounds for his pres- 
ent relief and half pay as a soldier for three years. 

The Indians having all fled, Captain Martin proceeded to Eye 
Cove, where he remained until the first of May, 1777, when he 
was ordered back to the Long Island, where he remained until 
the treaty of peace was concluded between the Indians and the 
whites on July the first. 

In Deceml)er of the year 1776, the commanding officer at 
Fort Patrick Henry dispatched Samuel Kewell and another per- 
son tO' the Cherokee town for the Indian chief, the Eaven of 
Chote. Upon their return trip they were accompanied by the 
Indian chief. 

A short time thereafter, jn the mon+h pf January, 1777, 
Samuel Newell was again ordered to the Indian town, Chote, 
witli letters in regard to a family that had been murdered near 
Fort Patrick Henry. AVhile on his way to the town of Toquo, 
he was tomahawked by the Indians and scalped, and soon there- 
after died in the town of Chote. His horse, gun, saddle and 
bridle, saddle-bags and clothes were carried off by the Indians, 
who murdered him. 

A number of the citizens of Fincastlo county petitioned the 
General Assembly of Virginia for compensation for pasturage 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 247 

taken and the provisions used by Colonel Oliristian upon this 
expedition, among the number so petitioning being 

Amos Eaton, John Latham, 

James Kincannon Evan Shelby, 

David Getgood, Abel Eichardson, 

John Beatie, James McGavock, 

AVilliam Sayers, James Aylett, 

Ephraim Dunlop, Robert Barnett, 
William Cocke, 

The General Assembly of Virginia at its fall session in 1776, 
allowed Isaac Thomas, the faithful friend of the white settlers, 
one hundred pounds as a reward for the services he had rendered 
the settlers by giving them information of the intended incur- 
sions of the Indians, and paid him for the stock and property 
lost at the time of the outbreak of tlu' Indian war. 

The Governor and Council of Virginia directed that for the 
purpose of concluding a treaty (tf peace between the Indians and 
the Commonwealth of Virginia a convention should be held at 
the Long Island of Holston, in the month of May, 1777, and 
appointed Colonel William Christian, Colonel William' Preston 
and Major Evan Shelljy to act as the Virginia commissioners at 
said convention. '^^I'he Governor and Council of North Carolina 
appointed Waiglitstill Avery, Joseph Winston and Eobert 
Lanier, commissioners upon the part of North Carolina at said 
convention. The commissioners of the two States met the Indian 
chiefs, Avho had been assembled through the efforts of Nathaniel 
Gist, at the Long Island in May, 1777, and drafted a treaty, 
which treaty was submitted to the Go^vernor and Oouncil of 
Virginia on May 28, 1777, at wliicli tinu^ the Council entered 
the following orders : 

"Having referred to the Governor of this board to direct a 
treaty begun with tlie ("lierokee Indians in such manner as they 
tliink best. 

"Resolved, That the Governor be desired to confer with the 
Cherokee cliiefs and warriors, from time to time during their 
said meeting, on the subject of all disputes now su)>sisting 
between them and this State, and in regard to the treaty of peace 
now under consideration, and if he receive any proposals to 



248 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

make a good and proper answer to them, preparatory to com- 
pletion, the conference to be held at the Great Island on twO' 
days next month, and this board will attend at such conference 
as may be appointed, and that Dr. Walker and Colonel Christian 
be desired to provide from the public store, or, in tlieir place, 
proper presents to be made to the Indians now here and consider 
what is necessary to provide for the Indians at the next meeting 
at tlie Great Island. 

"Adjourned at 10 o'clock. 

"John Page, Tho. Walker, 

"Dudley Diggs, ISTathaniel Harrison, y 

"John Blair, David Jamison, ^^...^^''^^^ 

"Bartho Dandridge. 
"Colonel William Christian, one of the commissioners ap- 
pointed on behalf of this State to form a treaty of peace with 
the Cherokee Indians, having attended this board with the pro- 
ceedings of himself and the other commissioners at a treaty held 
at the Great Island, in consequ*ence of their former instructions, 
upon considering the same the board entirely approved thereof, 
and think it necessary that the same should be laid before the 
General Assembly, which the Go'vernor is desired to do, and Col- 
onel William Christian having also informed the board that 
several of the chiefs and warriors of said nation of Indians will 
accompany him to Williamsburg, resolved that they be received 
and treated in the most friendly manner and furnished with, all 
necessaries until the General x\ssemb]y shall give further direc- 
tions in the matter." 

This treaty was not concluded until the first day of July, 1777. 
By this treaty a new boundary line was established between the 
settlers and tlie Indians. The boundaries as fixed by this treaty 
extended as far down as the mouth of Cloud's creek. This treaty 
was signed by all the Indian chiefs except Dragging Canoe, who 
was woimded at the battle of Long Island Flats. He said "that he 
would hold fast to the talks of Cameron the British agent and 
continue the war as before." While the treaty was being nego- 
tiated two men were murdered on the Clinch river by Dragging 
Canoe and some of his men, and -conduct of this character was 
continued for many years on the part of Dragging Canoe and the 
Chickamauga Indians. 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 249 

While this treaty was being negotiated a great many Indians, 
with their squaws and children, had collected and were quartered 
in the island, surrounded by a guard to prevent improper inter- 
course with the whites, but, notwithstanding this precant^ion, 
some abandoned fellow shot across the river and killed an Indian. 
This produced great confusion; the Indians thought they were 
betrayed and prepared to fly, and it was with much exertion that 
the ofhcers and commissioners pacified and convinced them that 
such was not the fact. Afterwards, when the Council met, the 
Raven opened the conference on the part of his people by a speech 
in which he reverted to the case of the murdered Indian. He 
said, "lest that unhappy affair should disturb the harmony and 
sincerity that ought to exist at that time between the white and 
red brethren, each party ought to view it as having happened so 
long ago, that if, when the Indian was buried, an acorn had 1)een 
thrown into his grave, it would have sprouted and grown and 
become a lofty spreading oak, suflRciently large for them to sit 
under its shade and hold their talk. 

This speech was thought by many to be equal to anything in 
the celebrated speech of Logan. 

From the fall of 1775 to the close of the Eevolutionary war, 
the settlers in this part of Virginia were compelled to occupy 
their forts from early spring until late in the fall, as their settle- 
ments were constantly visited by bands of Cherokee and Shaw- 
nese Indians sent upon them by the British agents, but the settle- 
ments enjoyed perfect freedom from the Indians from the first 
appearance of winter until the return of spring. During this 
interval of time the Indians were deterred from making raids 
into the settlements, by the great danger of detection in conse- 
quence of the nakedness of the trees, by the danger nf being 
traced by their tracks in the snow, and by the suffering pro- 
duced by exposure to cold while traveling and lying in wait. The 
settlers took advantage of this immunity from attacks by the 
Indians, cleared their lands, built their houses and made everv 
possible preparation for their crops during the coming season. 

During the summer of 1776, elections were hekl throughout 
the Commonwealth for members of the House of Delegates and 
the Senate under the new Constitution. At this election the fol- 
lowing persons were elected members of the House of Delegates 



350 Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-17S6. 

IVoni Fiiicastle eoiintv : Arthur Campbell and AVilliam Eiissell. 
And the member of the Senate from Botetourt and Fincastle, 
that being the Tenth SenatoTial District, was Colonel William 
Christian. 

By an ordinance of the convention of 1775, adopted July 15, 
1775, the Western District of Virginia, of which Fincastle county 
was a part, was required to furnish sixty-eight expert riflemen 
for the regular service. 

And by an Act of the Assembly of Virginia adoptt-d in Octo- 
ber, 177(), a requisitioai of seventy-four men was made upon the 
authorities of Fincastle county to Ije othcered l^y a captain ap- 
pointed by the Governor. 

A First Lieutenant, 

A Second Lieutenant, 

and an Ensign. 

The officers of the company oi'ganized in Fincastle county for 
the continental service in the year 1770 cannot be ascertained, 
save in one instance. 

John Buchanan Avas lieutenant of this company at its organ- 
ization, and was a lieutenant in the Seventh Regiment in the fall 
of the same year, and remained in the service until killed in the 
year 1777. 

At a meeting of the General Assembly of Virginia, in the fall 
of the year 177(5, a petition from the inhabitants of the western 
parts of Fincastle county was presented to the House and read ; 
setting forth that they became adventurers in that part of the 
connty in tlie year 1774, and were obliged by the incursions of 
the Indians to abandon their settlements, after having discovered 
and explored the conntry ; that others afterwards became adven- 
turers and claimed the lands l)y warrants from Lord Dunmore, 
under the royal proclamation of 17(53, and a company of men 
from NoTth Carolina purchased, or pretended to purchase, from 
the Cherokee Indians, all the lands from the southernmost waters 
of Cumberland river to the banks of the Louisa river, including 
the lands in Powell's Valley, by virtue of which purchase they 
styled themselves the absolute proprietors of the new independent 
Transylvania; that officers, both civil and military, are appointed, 
writs of election issued, assemblies convened, a land office opened, 
and lands sold at an exorbitant price, and a system of policy 



Southwest rirginia, 17J/6-17S6. 251 

introduced, not agreeing witli that latel}^ adopted by the late 
United Colonies, and that they have the greatest reason tO' ques- 
tion the validity of the purchase aforesaid ; that they consider 
themselves and the said lands to be in the State of Virginia, 
whose legislature they acknowledge, and to which State they con- 
ceive they justly l)elong ; that having assembled together after 
due notice, they elected two members to represent them in this 
House, and hope tliey may be received as their delegates ; that 
they are ready and willing, to the utmost of their abilities, to 
assist in the support of the present laudable cause, by contribut- 
ing their quota of men and moneys, and that in order to pre- 
serve good order, they had, as was done in West Augusta., elected 
a committee consisting of twenty-one members, and cheerfully 
submitted the case to the House. This petition of the inhabi- 
tants of that part of Fincastle county, now included within the 
State of Kentucky, was accompanied by petitions from nearly 
all the settlers on the Holston and Clinch rivers, and was pre- 
sented to the General Asseml)ly on the eighth day of October, 
1776, and the General Assembly on Friday, October 11, 1776, 
adopted the following resolutions: 

"Resolved, That the inhal)itants of the western part of Fincas- 
tle county not being allowed l)y the law a distinct representation 
in the General Assembly, the delegates chosen to represent them 
in this House cannot be admitted. At the same time the com- 
mittee are of opinion, that the said inhabitants ought to be 
formed into a distinct county, in order to entitle them to such 
representation and other benefits oi government." 

The petition for the division of Fincastle county was referred 
to a committee of which Carter Braxton was chairman, which 
committee, through its chairman, on Tuesday, October 15, 1776, 
presented a bill for the division of the county of Fincastle into 
two distinct counties, which bill was read the first time and 
ordered to be read the second time. On Wednesday, October 16, 
1776, this bill was read a second time and was committed to 
Thomas Jefferson and the members from Augusta and Botetourt 
counties, and on Octolier 17, 1776, Mr. JefPerson, from the com- 
mittee to whom the bill for dividing the county of Fincastle into 
two distinct coimties was committed, reported that the com- 
mittee had gone throuQ-h the bill and made several amendments 



252 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1186. 

thereto, which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered in 
at the clerk's table, where the same was again twice read and 
agreed to and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time. 
And, on Wednesday, October 30, 177G, this bill was ordered to be 
committed to Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Simms, Mr. Bullitt and the 
members from Fincastle, Augusta and Botetourt counties, and on 
Kovember 19, 177G, Mr. Mason and the members from Frederick, 
Hampshire and Bedford counties were added to the committee, 
to whom the bill for dividing the county of Fincastle into two 
distinct counties was committed. x\nd on Monday, November 
36, 1776, the bill for dividing the county of Fincastle into three 
distinct counties was read a third time, and it was: 

"Resolved, That the said bill do pass, and that the title be, an 
Act for dividing the county of Fincastle into two distinct coun- 
ties, and the parish of Botetourt intO' four distinct parishes, and 
Mr. Arthur Campbell was appointed to carry the same to the 
Senate for their concurrence. 

In the Senate, several amendments were proposed to the bill 
passed by the House, which amendments, being communicated 
to the House, were disagreed tO', whereupon, the Senate com- 
municated with the House, through Mr. Ellzey, as follows : 
"Mr. Speaker: 

"The Senate do insist on the amendments by them proposed 
to the bill entitled, An Act for Dividing the County of Fincastle 
intr) three distinct coiunties, and the parish of Botetourt into four 
distinct parishes. And upon the amendments being again read, 
it was, by the House of Delegates, 

"Resolved, That this House rlo recede from their disagree- 
ment to the said amendments proposed by the Senate, whicb 
action of the House having been communicated to the Senate, the 
Senate insisted on the amendments proposed to the bill by them, 
whereupon, the Virginia House of Delegates, on December 6, 
1776, 

"Resolved, That this House do insist on the disagreement to 
said amendments, and that Mr. Campbell do acquaint the Sen- 
ate therewith." 

Which resolution being communicated to the Senate, the Act 
for the dividing of the county of . Fincastle into three distinct 
counties, and the parish of Botetourt into four distinct parishes. 



Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 253 

was adopted, the Senate having receded from the amendments 
proposed by them. 

This act provided tliat from and after the 31st day of Decem- 
ber, 177G, the coimty of Fincastle shall be divided into three 
distinct counties, to be known by the names o-f Montgomery, 
Washington and Kentucky. 

Thus ends tlie history of Fincastle county, in so far as the 
history of that county forms a part of the history of Wasliing- 
ton county. 



254 Sonthwest Virginia, 1740-17SG. 



CHAPTEK VII. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, 1777-1786. 

Tlie Act of the General Assembly of Virginia dividing the 
county of Fincastle into three distinct counties, to-wit: Mont- 
gomery, Washington, and Kentucky, was adopted by the General 
Assembly of Virginia on the Gth day of December, 1770, and pro- 
vided that from and after the last day of December, 1776,. the 
said county of Fincastle should be divided into three countie'^. 
And this Act defines the bounds ol Washington county as follows, 
viz. : "That all that part of said county of Fincastle included in 
the lines beginning at the Cumberland mountains where the line 
of Kentucky county intersects the North Carolina (now Tennes- 
see) line; thence east along the said Carolina line to the top of 
Iron mountain; thence along the same easterly to the source of 
the South Foi'k of the Holston river ; thence northwardly alonr 
the highest pai^t of the highlands, ridges and mountains that di- 
vide the waters of the Tennessee from those of the Great Ka- 
nawha to the most easterly source of Clinch river; thence west- 
wardly along the top of the mountain that divides the waters of the 
Clinch river from those of the Great Kanawha and Sandy Creek 
to the line of Kentucky county, and thence along the same 
to the beginning, shall be one other distinct county and called and 
known by the name of Wasliington.* 

"The eastern boundary of Wasliington county as thus defined was 
altered by Act of the General Assembly of Virginia at its session 
in tbe month of May, 1777, as follows: Beginning at a ford on 
Holston river, next above Ca]itain John Campl)ell's, at the Eoyal 
Oak, and rimning from thence a due south course to the dividing 
line between the States of Virginia and North Carolina; and 
from the ford aforesaid to the westerly end of Morris' Knob, about 
three miles above Maiden S]u-ing on Clinch, and from thence, by 
a line to be drawn due north, until it shall intersect the waters of 
the Great Sandy river." 

The Act establishing the county of Washington directed that the 



*Hening statutes, 177G. 



Wasliington County, 1717-1870. 355 

justices named in the commissions of the peace for the said 
county should meet at Black's Fort, in said county, on the last 
Tuesday in January, 1777, which day in each month was desig- 
nated bj said Act as County Court day, and a majority of the 
justices zX) commissioned were authorized to designate the place 
for holding said court and to elect a clerk for said court. 

The power to appoint the first sheriff of the county was vested 
in the Governor. 

The territory included within the county of Washington as 
thus established is now embraced in the following counties : 

Washington, Tazewell, 

Russell, Lee, ^. 

Scott, Buchanan, ""^ 

Smyth, Dickenson, 

Wise, 

a territory sufficient in extent and wealth to constitute a great 
State. 

Governor Patrick Henry, on the 31st day of December, 1776, is- 
sued a commission of the peace and dedimus for Washington 
county appointing the following persons as justices of the peace 
for said county : 

Arthur Campbell, William Edmiston, 

Evan Shelby, Joseph Martin, 

James Dysart, John Campbell, 

John Anderson, Alexander Buchanan, * 

John Coulter, John Kinkead, 

William Campbell, James Montgomery, 

Daniel Smith, John Snoddy, 

George Blackburn and Thomas Mastin, 

and oil the same day he issued his commission appointing the fol- 
lowing officers for the said county : 

Sheriff — James Dysart, 
County Lieutenant — Arthur Campbell, 
Colonel — Evan Shelby, 
T^ieutenant-Colonel — William Campbell, 
Major — Daniel Smith. 

Thfe first court of said county assembled at Black's Fort (novv- 
Abingdon) on the last Tuesday in January, 1777, being the 38th 



356 Southwest Virginia, l'7J^6-n86. 

day of that month, pursuant to the Act of the Assembly establish- 
ing the county, on which day William Campbell and Joseph Mar- 
tin, two of the justices commissioned by the Governor, adminis- 
tered the oath of a justice of the peace and of a justice of tlio 
County Court in Chancery to Arthur Campbell, the first justice 
named in said commission, and he afterwards administered thc- 
aforesaid oaths to : 

William Campbell, William Edmiston, 

John Campbell, Joseph Martin, 

John Kinkead, John Anderson, 

James Montgomery, John Snoddj. 

and George Blackburn. 

The court thus assembled, constituting a majority of the jus- 
tices commissioned by the Governor, proceeded to the election o' 
a clerk, when David Campbell was elected clerk. 

At the time Washington county was established by law Colo- 
nel Arthur Campbell and Colonel William Eussell represented 
Fincastle county in the House of Delegates, and Colonel William 
Christian represented the district in the Senate of Virginia. 
Colonel Campbell and Colonel Eussell resided in that portion of 
Fincastle county afterwards included in the bounds of Washington 
county. Colonel Eussell and Colonel Christian had served with 
General Washington in the Continental Army, while Colonel 
Arthur Campbell had been a member of the Convention that 
adopted the Constitution establishing the Co^mmonwealth of Vir- 
ginia, which Convention elected General George Washington a 
member of the Continental Congress which assembled in Philadel- 
phia in 1776. It is not definitely known who suggested the name 
of Washington for the new county ; and while the question is ''n 
doubt, still it is reasonable to suppose that Colonel Arthur Camp- 
bell was the author of the idea, as it appears from the proceeding'* 
of the House of Delegates that he was designated by the House to 
convey the information to the Senate of Virginia that the House 
liad passed the Act establishing the county. 

But without regard to who suggested the name for the new 
county it is a fact that this is the first locality in the United States 
that was honored with the name of the "Father of Our Country." 
The x\ct establishing the new county was agreed to by the General 



WasJiington County, 1777-1870. 257 

Assembly of Virginia on December 6, 1776, and the county gov- 
ernment was organized on January 38, 1777. 

Tennessee and North Carolina historians insist that Washington 
county, Tennessee, was the first locality in the Union to receive 
the name of Washington, but, by an examination of the North 
Carolina records, it will be ascertained that Wasliington district?. 
North Carolina (now Tennessee), was not mentioned until April, 
1777, and the county of Washington, North Carolina (now Ten- 
nessee), was not established by the G-eneral Assembly of North. 
Carolina until November, 1777. 

Black's Fort, the locality of the meeting of the first court of 
Washington county, was erected in the year 1776 on the lands of 
Captain Joseph Black, on the west bank or near the west ban!' 
of what was then known as Eighteen Miles Creek, alias Castle's 
Creek, by the settlers living in the vicinity, and about five hun- 
dred other settlers who harl fled from their homes west of Abing- 
don upon the outbreak of the Indian War in 1776. It was one 
of -those rude structures which the pioneers were accustomed 
to make for defence against the Indians, consisting of a few 
log cal)ins surrounded by a stockade. The locality of this fort wa? 
about twenty-five, yards south of the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road, in the Knob road, and near the brick cottage, the property 
of Charles F. Palmer. 

In the fall of the year 1S79, Captain Frank S. Findlay, while 
excavating for a place for a turbine wheel near this place, discov- 
ered a portion of an old wall constructed of rock and logs some five 
OT six feet below the surface, and in the wall was found an arrow 
made from the heart of a white oak, with a sharp iron spike af- 
fixed. This wall was a part of the old fort, and it is not improb- 
able that this arrow was sped there by an Indian. In the year 1796 
a mill dam was erected about fifty 5^ards south of this old wall.* 

The first court of Washington county was in session two days, 
January 28th-29th. The first day of the term was occupied in 
qualifying tlie members of the court, the election of a clerk, the 
qualifications of militia officers, as above given, and the granting 
of letters of administration in several cases. Upon the second day 
of the term the first matter of importance that received the atten- 
tion of the court was the appointment of William Campbell, Wil- 



*Black's Mill Dam. 



258 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1780. 

liam Edniistoii, John An(]erson and George Blackburn as com- 
missioners to hire wagons to bring up the county salt allowed 
by the Governor and Council, and to receive and distribute the 
same agreeably to said order ot Council. 

Some people, in speaking of this order of the County Court, 
have expressed surprise that such an order should have been en- 
tered l)y the court of a county in which was located great beds of 
salt, and, furtlier, that the Governor and Council thus allotted 
salt to this county. 

At the time this order was entered salt was a rare article and 
exceedingly valua1:)le, and was not known to exist in this country. 
So difficult was it to supply the demands for salt that in the year 
177() the General Assembly of Virginia enacted the following law: 

"Resolved that the Governor, witli the advice of the Privy Coun- 
cil, be empowered to purchase, on account of the public and at a 
generous price, all the salt that may be imported into this coun- 
try in the course of the next six months, and that he be authorized 
to issue his warrant on the treasurer to pay for the same: that 
such salt when purchased be immediately stored in some convenient 
and secure parts of the country, and distributed by order of the 
Governor, with the advice of the Council, amongst the inhabi- 
tants of the different counties, in such proportion as their exi- 
gencies and the quantity procured may admit, regard being prin- 
cipally had to such counties as are farthest removed from salt 
water; and that the receivers of the salt do pay into the hands 
of such persons as may be appointed for that purpose, at the time 
of the delivery, so much per bushel, as the Governor, with the advice 
of the Council, may judge reasonable : the money when received t*. 
1)e paid with all convenient dispatch into the treasury, for reim- 
bursing the publick." 

It was pursuant to the order of the Governor and Council, acting 
upon the authority of this act, that the commissioners were 
appointed. On the second day the court proceeded to appoint a 
number of officers to take a list of tithables and of the quantity of 
taxable lands in the county. 

The following commissioners were appointed by the court to 
do this work in the localities mentioned, to-wit: 

Joseph Martin, on north side Clinch mountain, high as Glade 
Hollow. John Kinkead, Glade Hollow to head of Clinch. John 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 259 

Campbell, head of Ilolston to Stalnaker's direct across. William 
EdmJston, Stalnaker's to Black's Fort, direct across. James Mont- 
gomery, Black's Fort to Major Bledsoe's. John Anderson, from 
Major Bledsoe's as low as there are settlers. At the same time 
the court appointed the following constables: Kawley Duncan, •- 
from Castle's Woods to lowest settlement. James Wharton, Castle's 
Woods to Glade Hollow. James Laughlin, Glade Hollow, to upper 
settlement Elk Garden. William Lean, head of Holston to Seven- 
Mile Ford. Eobert Brown, Seven-Mile Ford to Eleven-Mile Creek. 
Christopher Acklin, Eleven-Mile Creek to Ford of Beaver Creek. 
John Fain, Eleven-Mile Creek to Sinking Creek. James Steel,' 
Ford Beaver Creek to Amos Eaton's. At the same time the fol- 
lowing surveyors of roads were appointed : Alexander Wylie, from 
county line to Cliarles Hayes. John Hays, from Charles Hays' to 
Mill Creek. Jacob Anderson, from Mill Creek to Seven-Mile Ford. 
Aaron I^ewis, Seven-Mile Ford to Big Spring. Andrew Kincan- 
non from Big Spring to James Kincannon's. James Bryan, from 
James Kincannon's to Joseph Black's. Andrew Colvill, from 
Joseph Black's to Ford Beaver Creek. Benjamin Gray, Ford Bea- 
ver Creek to Steel's Creek. David Steel, from Steel's Creek to 
the meeting house. Amos Eaton, from meeting house to Fort 
Patrick Henry. Thomas Berry, Watauga Eoad, James Bryan's to 
James Montgomery's. William Yoimg, Captain Montgomery's to 
Isaac Riddle's. John Cox, Isaac Riddle's to Ford of Holston. 

The names as above given and the localities assigned to each are 
important in this, that they definitely indicate the established 
roads in the county at the beginning of our local government, and 
define, with reasonable certainty, the extent of the settlements at 
that time. Many readers will be surprised to know that the Vir- 
ginia authorities appointed officials and exercised jiirisdiction over 
the country (now Tennessee), as low down as Fort Patrick Henry, 
thirty miles below Bristol. The explanation is that our people 
supposed the Holston river to be the dividing line between the two 
States, A^irginia and North Carolina. At this time and for several 
years thereafter, Virginia exercised jurisdiction, collected taxes 
and gave protection to the settlers as low down as Carter's Valley 
in Tennessee. 

On the second day of the court, Isaac Shelby, Robert Craig, John 
Dunkin and John Adair, were recommended to the Governor as 



260 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

proi>6r persons to be added to the Commission of the Peace for the 
county, and they were commissioned accordingly. On the same 
day the court recommended to Edmund Randolph, Attorney for 
the Commonwealth, Epliraim Dunlop, as a proper person . to act 
as Deputy Attorney for the Commonwealth in this county, and he 
was commissioned accordingly, and became the first practising 
attorney for the Commonwealth in this county. 

On the same day the court ordered that the house adjoining that 
which the court is held in, be a prison, and that the sheriff be 
empowered to employ some person to put it in the best repair he 
can." 

The statement has been made by a very worthy citizen of Wash- 
ington county of former days,* "tha,t the first court of this county 
assembled in a grove on the hillside south of Greenway's store, but 
in view of the above order of the court, this statement is inaccu- 
rate, as the court was held within the stockade of Black's Fort, and 
the house designated as a prison was within the same stockade. 

At the time in question, the courts of the country undertook to 
regulate the private affairs of the citizens to a much greater extent 
than at the present time, which can be accoim.ted for by the fact 
that our people had just shaken off the heavy hand of monarchy 
and established, for the first time, constitutional government. 

As an example of the extent to which the private concerns of the 
people were then regulated by government, the court of this county, 
on the second day of its term, fixed the price of liquors as follows : 
Eum, 16s. per gallon ; Eye whiskey, 8s. ; corn whiskey, 4s. ; a bowl of 
rum toddy, with loaf sugar, 2s., with brown sugar Is. 

And at the March term, 1779, it fixed the price of a warm din- 
ner at 15s. ; cold dinner, 9s. ; for a good breakfast, 12s. ; oats or 
corn at 4s. per gallon; good lodging with clean sheets, 2s. Stab- 
blidge, with hay or fodder, 2s., and good pasturage the same. 

After the transaction of considerable business, on the afternoon 
of the 29th day of January, 1777, the first court of the county 
adjourned, to court in course, which was the last Tuesday in Feb- 
ruary, being the 25th day of that month, on which day the court 
assembled at Black's Fort, with several members present. The first 
business of importance transacted was the qualification of Luke 
Bowyer to practice as an attorney in this court, and, thereupon. 



*Cbarles B. Coale. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 261 

the court proceeded to the examination of Edward Bond, on suspi- 
cion of his having murdered Tliomas Jones. The court heard the 
evidence and acquitted the prisoner. On the following day the 
court proceeded to the examination of the samo Edward Bond, 
upon suspicion of his having stolen a small bay mare of the value 
of fifteen pounds, and upon a hearing of the evidence against, him, 
he was held for trial at the General Court, at the capitol in the 
city of Williamsburg." 

The student of our early history must be impressed with this 
fact, tliat our forefathers would give to tlio prisoner charged with 
murder the benefit of every reasonable doubt, while, on the other 
band, tliey would give tlic prisoner charged with horse-stealing, the 
maximum punishment prescribed by law, if there existed against 
him a strong suspicion. 

On the 26th day of February, 1777, the court proceeded to recom- 
mend to the Governor of Virginia the militia officers for Wash- 
ington county, which officers were duly commissioned and were 
as follows: 

Captains : 

William Edmiston, John Campbell, Royal Oak; 

Joseph Martin, John Shelby, Sr. ; 

James Montgomery, Robert Buchanan, Sr., 

Aaron Lewis, John Duncan, 

Gilbert Christian, James Shelby, 

James Dysart, Thomas Mastin, 

John Campbell, John Kinkead, 

John Anderson, William Bowen, 

George Adams, Robert Craig, 

Andrew Colvill, James Robertson, Watauga. 

Lieutenants of Militia: 

David Seattle, James Maxwell, 

Samuel Hays, John Snoddy, 

David Ward, John Coulter, 

Thomas Price, Roger Topp, 

George Freeland, John Anderson, 

James Fulkerson, George Maxwell, 

John Berry, William Blackbnm, 

Charles Campbell, Andrew Kincannon, 



262 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

Lieutenants of Militia — Con. 
John Frazier, Charles Allison, 

Alexander Wylie, Joseph Black. 

Ensigns of Militia: 

Thomas Whitten, Eees Bowen, 

Solomon Litton, Henry Dickenson, 

Abraham McClelland, William Eosebrough, 

John Loony, Josiah Eamsey, 

James Elliott, William Young, 

John Davis, William Casey, 

John Wilson, John Lowry, 

James Shaw, William IST^al, 

James Crabtree, Arthur Bowen, 

Eobert Davis, Alexander Barnett. 

Colonel Arthur Campbell, immediately upon his qualification as 
county lieutenant of Washington county, proceeded to organize the 
militia of the county, and place the same upon such footing as they 
would be able to repel any attack that might be made upon the set- 
tlers on the frontiers, the most exposed part of which was in Car- 
ter's Valley and the Watauga settlement in the vicinity of Eliza- 
bethtoD, Tennessee. 

On the 31st day of March, 1777, he requested James Eobertson, 
a captain in the militia of this county, residing at Watauga to fur- 
nish him with a list of the settlers at Watauga, that he might know 
their strength and give such orders as were necessary for their pro- 
tection. Captain Eobertson furnished the list, whereupon Colonel 
Campbell, in view of the danger in which the settlements stood, 
directed Eobertson to assemble the settlers in one or two places, 
and he recommended Eice's and Patterson's Mills as the most pro- 
per ones. "Let your company be at Eice's," said he, "and Captain 
Gilbert Christian may come to Patterson's Mill." 

There was to have been a complete suspension of hostilities 
between the Cherokee Indians and the white settlers, from the 
return of Colonel Christian, in the fall of 1776, until the month 
of May, 1777, the time set for the negotiation of a treaty at Long 
Island. ISTotwithstanding the fact that the Indians had agreed to 
a suspension of liostilities, and that there were four hundred 
soldiers stationed at Long Island, under the command of Colonel 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 363 

Evan Shelby and ]\Iajor Anthony Bledsoe, numerous hostilities 
were committed by the Indians. Several murders were committed 
on the frontiers, and on the 10th of April, 1777, James Calvatt was 
shot and scalped. The Indians who killed Calvatt were pursued 
by Captain James Eobertson and nine men, who killed one Indian 
and retook ten horses, but, upon his return from the pursuit of the 
Indians, he and his men were attacked by a party of Creeks and 
Cherokees, who wounded two of his men and forced him to retreat. 
At the same time two men were killed on Clinch river, and it 
developed that the Indians had numerous parties out murdering 
and plundering whenever possible. The Indians put the blame of 
this trouble upon Dragging Canoe, the Indian chief, who, upon 
receiving a wound at the battle of Long Island Flats, on July 20, 
1776, had retired to the Chickamauga country and refused to 
talk of peace. 

In the spring of the year 1777, pursuant to the provisions of the 
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, an election was held 
for members of the G-eneral Assembly from Washington county, 
at which election Arthur Campbell and William Edmiston were 
opposed by Anthony Bledsoe and William Cocke. 

The qualification of electors voting at said election was as fol- 
lows : "Every free wliite man, who, at the time of the election, 
shall have been for one year preceding, in possession of twenty- 
five acres of land with a house and plantation thereon, or one hun- 
dred acres of land without a house and plantation thereon, and 
having right for an estate for life, at least, in the said land, in 
his own right or in the right of his wife, was entitled to a vote." 

This election was hotly contested, and resulted in favor of 
Anthony Bledsoe and William Cocke, two gentlemen who after- 
wards became distinguished in the history of Tennessee, William 
Cocke being one of the two United States Senators elected to repre- 
sent the State of Tennessee, at the date of its formation, in the 
Senate of the United States. 

Colonel Arthur Campbell and Captain William Edmiston, on tlie 
20th day of May, 1777, filed a petition with the House of Dele- 
gates of Virginia, setting forth that the petitioners, with Anthony 
Bledsoe and William Cocke, were candidates at the last election of 
delegates for the county of Washington; that on the close of the 
poll it appeared that the greatest number of votes taken were in 



264 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

favor of Anthony Bledsoe and William Cocke, owing, as they con- 
ceive, to many votes being given in by persons who reside in North 
Carolina and by others not entitled to vote; that they apprehend the 
said Bledsoe is incapable of sitting as a member of the legislature, 
he having a military command which excluded him by the consti- 
tution; that the said Cocke is not possessed of such landed prop- 
erty in the county as is required by law, not to mention some 
instances of bribery and corruption practised contrary to the spirit 
of the present government; that these matters give dissatisfaction 
to what they believe to l)e a majority of the legal electors in the 
said county; and submitting themselves to such determination as 
shall be thought reasonable and just. Thus our county was hon- 
ored by a contested election in the dawn of its history, which must 
have excited a good deal of feeling among the pioneers of the Hols- 
ton and the Clinch. 

During the same session of the General Assembly, Mr. Banister, 
chairman of the Committee on Privileges and Elections, reported 
to the legislature that the committee had agreed upon a report and 
had come to several resolutions thereupon, which they had directed 
him to report to the House. Having read the report in his 
place, he afterwards delivered it in at the clerk's table, where 
the same was read and was as followeth — viz. : 

"As to the first charge contained in the said petition against the 
sitting members, as not having a greater number of legal votes than 
the petitioners, it appears to your committee, from a certificate of 
the sheriff of the county of Washington, that upon the close of the 
poll, the number of the voters stood as follows — to-wit: 

For Mr. Anthony Bledsoe 297 

For Mr. William Cocke 294 

For Mr. Arthur Campbell 211 

For Mr. William Edmiston 144 

It also appears to your committee by a line run by Colonel John 
Donaldson between this State and North Carolina, as far as the 
Holston river, that should it be continued in the same latitude to 
where it would intersect the north fork of Holston river, a consider- 
able number of those who voted for the sitting members would be 
left in North Carolina, and if allowed the right of suffrage in 
the said county of Washington, would give them the greatest num- 
ber of legal votes. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 365 

It farther appears to your committee, from the information of 
Thomas Walker, Esq., that from the most accurate observations he 
has been able to make, the Great Island on the Holston river lies 
in this State, and that, should a direct line run from where the 
said Donaldson's terminated to the said island, the greater number 
of voters living in the bend of Ilolston river would be taken into 
the county of Washington, nnd that such line would in many places 
intersect the river. 

It appears to your committee from the information of Colonel 
William Cliristian that he brought a writ of ejectment in the 
County Court of Fineastle for a tract of land lying near the Hol- 
ston river, between the Great Island and the termination of Don- 
aldson's line; that the person who was in possession of the land and 
defended the suit, pleaded to the jurisdiction of tlie court, which 
was overruled nnd he obtained a judgment. 

It farther appears to your committee, from the testimony of 
James Thompson, that he acted as sheriff in the county formerly 
Fineastle in tlie years 1774 and 1775, during which time he col- 
lected levies and taxes from those people who reside on the north 
side of the Holston river as low down as within about six miles of 
the great island, which Avas esteemed the reputed bounds of Vir- 
ginia. As to the second article of charge contained in the petition 
touching Mr. Bledsoe's holding a military command, it appears 
to your committee that Mr. Bledsoe holds no other commission 
than that of a major in tlie militia. 

As to the article of charge against Mr. Cocke, as not being a land- 
holder and resident in the said county of Washington, it appears 
to your committee, from the testimony of James Thom,pson and 
Jolni ]\Iontgomery, that IMr. Cocke was possessed, under a survey, 
of more than one hundred acres of land for one year preceding 
the election, hath resided in the county formerly Fineastle, with 
a family, several years, until some time in February last, when 
"Mr. Cocke moved part of his family out of the country for fear 
of an Indian Avar, but continues there himself the greater part of 
his time. 

That the said John Montgomery was present when the poll was 
closed and heard the sheriff proclaim the sitting members duly 
elected. 

As to the last article of charge respecting the bribery and cor- 



266 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 

ruption, it appears to your committee to be groundless. Whereupon 
your committee came to the following resolutions : 

Eesolved, as the opinion of this committee, That the said 
Anthony Bledsoe and William Cocke were duly elected to serve as 
delegates in this present General Assembly for the county of Wash- 
ington. 

The said resolutions being severally read a second time, were, 
upon the question severally put thereupon, agreed tO' by the House."* 

While the people of Washington county, Virginia, may feel some 
pride in knowing that our people explored East Tennessee and 
furnished the rule of action by which her early settlers were gov- 
erned, on the other hand East Tennesseeans will find pride in the 
fact that they furnished Washington county, Virginia, her first 
representatives in the Assembly -of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

This election was held at Black's Port, the county seat of Wasli- 
ington county, and every elector in the county was required to 
attend and cast his vote in person, under a penalty, and we may 
well imagine what a busy appearance the neighborhood of Black's 
Port presented that day, 946 men from Powell's Valley, Clinch 
Valley, Holston, Carter's Valley and Watauga, Tennessee. 

On the 29th day of April, 1777, the ancestor of a great many 
people whose names have been honorably associated with the his- 
tory of Washington county appeared in court. He was not a 
stranger to this section, nor was he a stranger to the members of 
that court. He had long been a deputy surveyor, under William 
Preston, surveyoT of Fincastle county, and had previously thereto 
surveyed for the citizens of Holston large and numerous tracts 
of land. His name was Eobei-t Preston, and on that day he pre- 
sented to the court a commission from the masters of William and 
Mary College, appointing him surveyor of Washington county. 
The position of county surveyor was at that time, the most lucra- 
tive position to be found in any of the counties and was much 
sought after. William Preston, of Smithfield, as well as Eobert 
Preston, had long been actively engaged by Colonel James Patton 
and the Loyal Ijand Company, in surveying and locating their 
grants of one hundred and twenty thousand and eight hundred 
thousand acres of land in Southwest Virginia. For this reason 
they had incurred the displeasure of many of the people of South- 



*Journal House of Delegates, 1777. 



Washington County, 1717-1810. 267 

western Virginia, and particularly that of Colonel Arthur Camp- 
bell and his family, men who were ambitious and who felt it their 
right to rule. Whether this was the reason for the action of the 
court, or whether the reason is correctly stated in the order of 
the court cannot be stated. The court entered the following order: 

"Robert Preston, Gent., produced a commission from the Mas- 
ters of William and Mary College appointing him a surveyor of 
Washington, and it is the opinion of the court that the same should 
not be received, as it is issued by virtue of a prerogative from 
the Crown of England." 

If the order of this court correctly stated the motive of the 
court, there can be no question that the court detested the Crown 
of England and evor^ihing emanating therefrom. 

"Robert Preston appealed from this order of the County Court 
of Washington county, to the General Court at Williamsburg, 
which appeal was pending for some time, during which time, Rohert 
Preston produced a surveyor's commission from the Masters of 
William and Mary College, dated January 23, 1777, to the County 
Court, of this county, and desired to be qualified by the said court, 
but his ap))lication was refused by the court, as there was an appeal 
pending in the General Court for a refusal of the same character. 

While the appeal of Robert Preston was pending in the General 
Court, numerously signed petitions were presented to the General 
Assembly of Virginia, praying that body to confer the power of 
selecting county surveyors upon the County Courts of the several 
counties, but Robert Preston seemed to have the ear of government, 
and all petitions were rejected. 

r cannot say what disposition was made of the appeal of Robert 
Preston, but from an inspection of the records of the County Court 
of this county, the following information is gathered : "Robert 
Preston, Gent., produced a commission from Thos. Jefferson, Gov. 
of the Conimonwealth of A^irginia, being dated the 22nd day of 
December. 1779, appointing him Surveyor of the County of Wash- 
ington, and gave bond with James Dysart and Aaron Lewis, his 
securities, in the sum of 20,000 pounds for the faithful discharge 
of his oflfice and took the oath of office." 

This office he filled until the year 1831, a little more than fifty- 
one years. The bad feeling between the Preston and Campbell fam- 
ilies continued for many years, during which time there was a 



268 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

resoTt to arms. A duel was fought and a member of the Campbell 
family wounded, but I am happy to say this feeling has long since 
died out, and the two families for many years have been intimately 
connected, socially and otherwise. 

The settlers on the Holston and Clinch, during the years 1776- 
1777, had been greatly harassed by the invasion of the Indians, 
and thereby prevented from making anj't.hing like a crop from their 
lands. They had also' been required to furnish supplies to Colonel 
Christian and his army of two thousand men, upon their invasion 
of the Cherokee country, and the country was thereby greatly 
impoverished before the crops in the year 1777 were harvested. 
The good citizens, the relatives and friends of the settlers, living 
in Augusta county, contributed through Mr. Alexander St. Clair 
considerable sums of money, and provisions, for the relief of the 
settlers on the frontiers, and the County Court of this county, 
besides entering the following order, directed Captain William 
Campbell to have Mr. St. Clair to lay out the money in his hands 
for wheat. 

"Ordered that Joseph Martin, John Kinkead, John Coulter, Gil- 
bert Christian, William Campbell and Thomas Mastin, who are 
hereby appointed as commissioners to distribute the flonr con- 
tributed in Augusta county or elsewhere for the distressed inhabi- 
tants of this county, and to hire wagons to bring the same to this 
county." 

This is the only instance save one, in the history of this county, 
that outsiders have been called upon to contribute to the support 
of the people of Washington county. 

On the same day, the court entered an order appointing Eobert 
Young, constable, from Amos Eaton's to Patterson's Mill, Castle- 
ton Brooks, from Patterson's Mill to lowest settlements down the 
river. These appointments were made to keep in touch with the 
advancing settlements. 

At a meeting of the court on the 30th day of April, 1777, it 
was "ordered that the court be held as soon as the courthouse can bo 
built, at the place formerly laid off for a town, upon the land given 
to the county by the honorable Thomas Walker, Joseph Black and 
Samuel Briggs. 

At the time of the organization of the county, Dr. Thomas 
Walker, Joseph Black and Samuel Briggs agreed to give one liun- 



Washington CounUj, 1777-1870. 269 

dred and twenty acres of land in the county of Washington agree- 
ably to a survey tliercof made by Eobert Doach for the purpose 
of establishing a town thereon, and for raising a sum of money 
towards defraying the expenses of building a courthouse and prison. 
This offer was made by the gentlemen mentioned to the County 
Court as an inducement to have them establish the county seat near 
Black's Fort and adjoining their other lands. 

Tradition says that the court hesitated for some time m making 
a selection between Wolf Hills, (now Abingdon), and Shugarts- 
ville, (now Green Spring). 

From a perusal of the orders of the County Court, it appears 
that a number of logs and other timber had been gathered at Mr. 
Black's for the purpose of building a magazine when, on the 27th 
day of August, 1777, the County Court ordered the sheriff to 
employ some person or persons, upon the best terms he could, to 
remove tlie logs and other timber at Mr. Black's for the purpose of 
building a magazine, to some convenient place where the town 
is to stand and there to be built for a courthouse." 

"And likewise to build a prison fourteen feet square, with square 
timber, twelve inches each way, and a good shingle roof," with 
directions to line the side wall and under floor with two-inch plank, 
and put nine iron spikes in each plank, six inches long in lieu of a 
stone wall." 

Pursuant to this order, the sheriff of the county let the contract 
for the building of the county courthouse to Samuel Evans; to 
Abraham Goodpasture, the building of a prison; to G. Martin, the 
contract for making irons for criminals, and to Hugh Berry the 
contract for making the nails to be used in the building of the 
courthouse 

The courthouse was built of logs and stood upon the lot occupied 
by the present residence of Mrs. James W. Preston. The jail oi 
prison (a fair description of which has been previously given), stood 
on the lower end of the present courthouse lot, a short distance from 
the street and north of the present courthouse. 

On the 30th day of April, 1777, the County Court "ordered that 
Arthur Campbell, William Campbell, Daniel Smith, Joseph Mar- 
tin, William Edmiston, John Coulter and Robert Craig, gents, 
be ap|>ointed trustees to dispose of the land given to the county 
by the Honorable Thomas Walker, Samuel Briggs and Joseph 



270 Southioest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Black, and formerly laid off by Captain Robert Doach, and that 
they or any four of them shall sell the same and apply the money 
arising therefrom toward defraying the expenses of the publick 
buildings in this county." 

Pursuant to this order of the court, the trustees therein named 
employed John Coulter to lay off a part of the streets and alleys 
of the proposed town, which service he performed and reported to 
the court and received his pay therefor. 

The time when the new courthouse was first occupied cannot 
be definitely fixed, but must have been in the year 1778, and the 
new prison was not used or occupied until the year 1779. 

On the same day tlie court directed David Campbell, clerk, to 
furnish blank books for keeping the public records, and ordered the 
sheriff to summons twenty-four of the most capable freeholders to 
serve as a grand jury, which grand jury met on the 37th day of 
May, 1777, at Black's Fort, and made the following indictments — 
to-wit : 

Margaret Drummon for having a bastard child, and James 
Bryan for not liaving the road in good repair he was surveyor of. 
On the same day the court entered the following order : 

"Ordered that it be certified that it is the opinion of the court, 
that the field officers for Washington county be recommended to 
His Excellency the Governor, to be continued and be in the office 
they have been commissioned to by his Excellency, which appoint- 
ments are approved of by the court of this county. 

Major Anthony Bledsoe, upon his election as a member of the 
Legislature of Virginia, resigned his position as major of the forces 
stationed at Long Island and left for Richmond, and was suc- 
ceeded by Captain William Russell. 

Major Bledsoe and Captain Cocke expected, upon the assembling 
of the legislature at Richmond, to have the pleasure of displacing 
the militia officers of Washington county and filling their positions 
with their friends and partizans, and Colonel Campbell, as a means 
to disappoint Cocke and Bledsoe in the accomplishment of their 
purpose, had the preceding order entered by the court of this 
county, which action had the desired effect, and as a result of it 
Cocke and Bledsoe preferred charges against Colonel Campbell, 
which charges were heard and dismissed by the Governor and Coun- 
cil, in the same year. 



Washi7igton Countij, 1777-1870. 271 

The Coimty Court during this year, upon motion of James 
Dysart, sheriff of the county, permitted Joseph Black, James Eob- 
erts and John King, to qualify as deputy sheriffs for this county, 
and during the same year, permitted Eobert Campbell and John 
Campbell to qualify as deputy clerks for said county. 

During the early part of the year 1777, the court ordered the fol- 
lowing roads opened and established : "A road from James Kin- 
cannon's to William Kennedy's Mill. A road from Samuel Henry's 
up the South Fork of Holston, the way viewed by Eobert Buchanan, 
Alexander McNutt and Eobert Edmiston, pursuant to the order 
of the Fincastle court." 

And, "on motion, John Anderson, Gilbert Christian, James 
Elliott, James Fulkerson and William Eoberts, were appointed com- 
missioners to view a road from George Blackburn's by James Ful- 
kerson's to the forks of the path leading to Kentucky and the mouth 
of Eeedy creek." 

In the fall of this year, the following orders relating to the roads 
of tlie county, were entered : 

"Benjamin Gray and William Blackburn were appointed commis- 
sioner? to vis'-v and locate a road from the courthouse to Shoate's 
Ford on Holston river on the 27th day of August, 1777, and the 
report of the viewers establishing this road wag confirmed by the 
court on the 30th day of September, 1777. 

Josiah Gamble, Thomas Berry and Adam Keer were appointed 
commissioners to locate a road from the courthouse to Philip's Mill, 
on the Watauga road, on the 27th of August, 1777 ; their report was 
confirmed and the road established on the 30th day of September, 
1777. 

William Bowen, David Ward, Eees Bowen and James Fowler 
were appointed commissioners to locate a road from the Eichlands 
by IVIniden's Spring to the gap of the Laurel Fork of the north 
branch of Holston on the 30th day of September, 1777, and on 
the same day. John Finley, John Fowler and Abraham Crabtree 
were appointed commissioners to locate a road from said gap down 
the valley to the head of Fifteen-Mile creek and on to the court- 
house. 

On the same day, Albert McClure, Thomas McCulloch and 
Joseph Martin were appointed commissioners to view a road from 
the foot of Clincli moimtain where James Logan lived to the gap 



272 Southwest Virginia, 171f6-n8G. 

of the mountain opposite the head of Fifteen-Mile creek. Their 
report was received and confirmed on the 18th day of March, 1778. 

John Kinkead, Daniel Smith, Thomas Price and William Gil- 
mer were appointed coramissioners to locate a road fro^m the 
north side of Clinch mountain, over Clinch mountain, to Eobert 
and James Logan's and lialbert McClure. Thomas McCulloch and 
Joseph Martin were api)ointed commissioners to locate a road from 
the foot of Clinch moimtain at James Logan's to the courthouse. 

William Casey, Eobert Harrold and Samuel Staples were 
appointed commissioners on the 26th day of November, 1777, to 
locate a road from the mouth of Harrold's creek to the courthouse, 
and on the same day, Francis Cooper, John Dunkin and James 
Davis were appointed commissioners to locate a road from the 
No rth Fo rk of Holston to the Castle's Woods road through Little 
Moccasin Gap ; this last road was established by order of the coiirt on 
the 18th day of March, 1778. 

We give this information in regard to the roads established in the 
year 1777, as it is always of interest to the citizens to know the 
time and circumstances attending the opening of our public roads. 

The State authorities in the month of October, 1777, mad© a 
requisition upon the authorities of Washington county for thirty- 
three men for the continental service, wliich requdsiition was 
promptly complied with. 

During the summer of this year, all the western settlements were 
visited by numbers of Tories from the__eastern portion of the State 
and from the disaffected portions of Nor th Carolina, and were 
greatly troubled by their presence in this, that they usually joined 
themselves in bands and traveled about through the settlements, 
stealing horses and robbing the Whi^ sympathizers ; and oftentimes, 
in accomplishing their purposes, committed the offence of murder, 
and, from all appearances, in the fall of this year it looked as if they 
would be able to give the settlers a great deal of trouble, unless in 
some manner restrained. 

The people living on_Holston undertook to restrain these Tory 
sympathizers by a resort to the courts and by inflicting the punish- 
ment prescribed by law, and, in so doing, Isaac Lebo, Jeremiah 
Slaughter and William Houston were indicted, tried and convicted 
for conduct and conversation evidencing a disposition inimical to 



Washingion County, 1777-1870. 273 

tlie cause of America. Their goods were confiscated and they were 
fined and imprisoned. 

The Bi-itish government liad spies scattered throughout the 
country, carrying messages between its oflScials and the Indians 
living to the south and west of the Holston settlements, and the 
situation was fast becoming exceedingly precarious. One of these 
spies was captured and punished by Colonel William Campbell and 
some of his friends, in this year, when Colonel Cjimpbell was return- 
ing to his home from preaching, in company with his w[fe_and two 
or three gentlemen. The circumstances were as follows : "When 
Colonel Campbell had gotten within a few miles of home, he dis- 
covered a man walking, with a little bundle on a stick thrown over 
his shoulder. Whon the man got within some hundred and fifty 
yards of Cam])bell, he turned obliquely off from the road. As soon 
as Campbell discovered tliis, he turned from the road in a direction 
to intercept him. When the man discovered that he was about to 
be intercepted by Campbell and his companions, he broke and ran 
with all his might towards the river. The pursuers galloped after 
liiin and as there was no ford there they jumped off of their 
horses and ran across the river and overtook their game in an ivy 
cleft. They carried him back to the road. When they got back 
several other men fell in company with them. The spy, as I will 
now call the man, was dressed very shabbily. Colonel Campbell 
asked liim why he turned from the road. The spy appeared very 
silly and offered some flimsy excuse. Campbell propounded a great 
many other questions to him. The fellow pretended to have very 
little sense and said that he was a very poor man and was going 
to the back settlements where there was plenty of land. From 
the many questioTis Campbell proposed to the spy he became per- 
fectly satisfied that he was a man of fine sense and under the dis- 
guise of a fool. Campbell informed liim that he believed him to 
he a man engaged in some vile service and he must be searched, 
to which the spy had no objection. His bundle was searched, in 
which was found nothing but some old clothes. Campbell informed 
him he must pull off all the clothes he had on and put on the suit 
he had in liis bundle. In his pocket they found a pass and some 
other old papers, all badly written. Every part of his clothing was 
examined very minutely, but nothing could be found. Campbell 
remarked to the spy that he had a very good pair of shoes on and 



27'i Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 

he believed he would examine them. He took out his pocket knife 
and ripped ofT the bottom soles of the shoes, and under each of them 
he found a letter written by the British commander, addressed to 
the King of the Cherokee Indians. The letters were written on 
ver}' fine paper and were enveloped in bladder so as to render them 
water-proof. The Indians were informed that the whites had 
rebelled against their king, that a large army had been sent against 
them, Avhich would in a short time subdue them. The Indians 
were exhorted to send their warriors in every direction and harass 
the whites as much as possible. They were reminded of the injuries 
they had received from the whites and were told that as soon as the 
rebels were subdued, they would be amply remunerated for all the 
land that had been taken from them and for whatever other losses 
they had sustained from tliem. The letter wound up by recom- 
mending the bearer to the king as a man of sense and honesty and 
as one in whose counsels they should place implicit confidence. After 
the letters were read, a council was held and it was unanimously 
agreed that the spy should be hanged. Colonel Campbell informed 
the spy that he had but a short time to live and he had' as well make 
a full and candid confession of everything connected with his trip. 
The spy said that he had been promised by the British commander 
a large sum of money to carry these letters to the Indians and to 
incite them to do all the mischief they could possibly accomplish. 
Soon after this confession the spy was taken by Campbell and his 
companions and swung to a limb."* 

At the Augaist term of the County Court of 1777, the situation 
had become so alarming that the court thought proper to require all 
the citizens of the county to take the oath of allegiance to the Com- 
monweal tli and directed that George Blackburn tender the oatli 
of allegiance to all free male inliabitants living in the bounds of 
Captain James Shelb/s, Eobert Craig's and! Andrew Colvill's com- 
panies. - — • 

James Montgomery to tender the oatli to those living in his own 
and Captain Jolm Shelby's companies. 

Arthur Campbell to tender the oath of allegiance to all in Cap- 
tain Edmiston's and Captain Dysart's companies. 

William Campbell to tender the oath of allegiance to those living 
in Captain Aaron Lewis's company. 

y^*Capt. John Redd's MSS. 



Washi7igton Comity, 1777-1870. 275 

John Snoddy, to those in his own and Captain Adam's company. 

John Campbell, to tliosc in his own and Captain John Camp- 
bell's companies at Royal Oak. 

John Kiiikcail in his f)\vii and Captain Dunkin's company. 

Daniel Smilb, to those living from the npper part of Captain 
Dunkin's company to the county line, and to John Coulter was 
assigned the duty of tendering tlie oath of allegiance to all free male 
inhabitants in the bounds of Captain Gilbert Clunstian's company 
and Captain -hunes Robertson's company at Watauga. 

The members of tlie County Court of Washington county were 
zealous Wliigs and were so aggressive in the enforcement of their 
views, that it was with difficulty that a Tory could make his home 
anywhere within the bounds of this county without being prosecuted 
to the full extent of the law. A majority of these men did not 
I'ccognize any distinction between an Indian who wonld scalp his 
wife and children and a man with a white skin who would lend 
bis influence to a government that would offer every inducement 
to the Indian to murder and plunder the white settlers. 

Colonel William Campbell was particularly aggressive in his pro- 
secution of the Tories tO' be found within the county, and, by reason 
theieof, Avas the object of special hatred on their part. 

At this time there lived in Washington county two men by the 
names of Francis Hopkins and William Hopkins. Francis Hop- 
kins was a counterfeiter and, at the May term of the County Court 
in the year 1778, he was tried by the court on suspicion of his hav- 
ing counterfeited, erased and altered sundry treasury notes; the 
currency of this Commonwealth, knowing the same to be bad. He 
was found guilty, fined fifty dollars lawful money of Virginia, sen- 
tenced to six months in prison, and was ordered to be confined 
within the walls of the Fort at William Cocke's (now C. L. Clyce's), 
on Renfro's creek, alias Spring creek, until the county gaol was 
completed. He was conveyed to Cocke's Fort, but, within a short 
time thereafter, made his escape and began a series of very bold 
and daring depredations upon the Whig settlers of the county. He 
oi-ganized a l)and of Tories, whose occupation was to steal the horses 
of the settlers and intimidate the citizens whenever possible. He 
went so far as to post notices at and near the home of Colonel Wil- 
liam Campbell, warning him that if he did not desist from his pro- 



276 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

secution of the loyal adherents of George III, a terrible calamity 
would befall him, either in the loss of his property or his life. 

"On a quiet and beautiful Sabbath in the spring time of the 
year 1780, General Campbell accompanied by Ms wife (who was 
a sister of Patrick Henry), and several of their neighbors, attended 
a religious service at a Presbyterian house of worship known as 
Ebbing Spring Church in the upper end of this county. As they 
were returning to their homes they happened to be conversing about 
the audacity of the Tory who had been so bold and defiant in his 
declarations and was suspected of having posted these notices above 
referred to. Just as they arrived at the top of a hill, a short dis- 
tance west of the present residence of Colonel Hiram A. Greever, 
they observed a man on horseback on the opposite hill, coming 
towards them. General Campbell was riding beside his wife, with 
an infant on before him. One of them remarked that the individual 
meeting them was the Tory of whom they had been speaking, prob- 
ably now on a horse-stealing expedition, as he was observed to be 
carrying a rope halter in his hand. Hearing this, Colonel Campbell, 
without halting, handed the infant over to its mother and dashed 
O'ut in front. Seeing the movement and recognizing the man whom 
he so much feared and hated, the Tory wheeled his horse and started 
back at quite a rapid gait, pursued at full speed by Colonel Camp- 
bell and one of the gentlemen of the company, whose name was 
Thompson. Never, it may be presumed, either before or since, has 
such a dashing and exciting race been witnessed upon that long 
level between the residences of Colonels Greever and Beattie. As 
they reached the branch at the base of the hill a little west of Colonel 
Beattie's, Colonel Campbell dashed up alongside the fleeing Tory, 
who, seeing that he would be caught, turned short to the right down 
the bank and plunged into the river. As he struck the water. 
Colonel Campbell, who had left his companion in the rear, leaped in 
beside him, grasped the Tory's holsters and threw them into the 
stream, and then dragged him from his horse into the water. 

At this moment Mr. Thompson rode up. They took their prisoner 
out on the bank and held what may be termed a drum-head cO'Urt. 
The Tory, who, bad as he was, had the virtue of being a brave, can- 
did man, at once acknowledged the truth of the charge preferred 
against him and boldly declared his defiance and determination to 
take horses wherever he could find them. But he was mistaken in 
his man, for in less than ten minutes he was dangling from the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 277 

limb of a large sycamore that stood upon the bank of the river, the 
stump of which was to bo seen a few years ago, and may be there 
yet for aught the writer knows.* 

After the sudden taking off of Francis Hopkins, as above detailed, 
William Hopkins continued his depredations upon the Whig settlers 
and resorted to arms, for which offence he also was arrested in the 
year 1779 and committed to the gaol of this county for trial, but 
escaped therefrom, whereupon, the court entered the following order 
on the 16th day of June, 1779 : 

"Washington county ss. On motion of Ephraim Dunlop, Deputy 
Attorney for the Commonwealth, that the estate of William Hop- 
kins, who had been taken and committed to the gaol of this county 
for treasonable practices against the United States of America, in 
taking up arms under the British Standard and who had broken the 
gaol and escaped, be sold and the money deposited in the treasury, it 
appearing to the court that the said Hopkins has no family, and 
that he has no stated place of abode, 

"Ordered that the sheriff seize and sell all the estate of the said 
Hopkins which shall be found in his bailiwick and that he keep 
the money accruing from such sale in his hands until the General 
Assembly shall determine how the said money is to be expended." 

Ordered that the clerk of the court transmit this order to the 
Speaker of the House of Delegates at the next session of the 
Assembly. 

The good citizens of the county organized themselves into bands 
called "Regulators," and patroled the county and meted out pun- 
ishment to the offenders according to the enormity of their conduct. 
The citizens, following the example of thoir loaders, adopted, in 
dealing with Tory sympathizers, measures of such a character that 
this county was comparatively free from Tory influences during the 
entire war, and numbered among her citizens only such persons as 
were willing and ready to offer their lives and property as a sacri- 
fice on the altar of their country. And so strong and healthy was 
the Whig settlement in this county, in the years 1778-1779, that 
numbers of our citizens were called upon to assist in suppressing 
an uprising of the Tory sympathizers in the county of Montgomery. 

The mode of procedure adopted by our Revolutionary fathers, in 
dealing with this matter, may not meet with the approval of some 



*Charles B. Coale. 



278 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1186. 

at this day, but it is evident to the student of our history, that the 
methods used were the most effective in dealing with the unprin- 
cipled men who had chosen, with the assistance of the Indians, tO' 
commit all manner of depredations and outrages u|X)n the frontier 
settlements. 

In the county of Montgomery, persuasion and good treatment 
were used on this character of citizens and resulted in what might 
be termed an insurrection, a deplorable state of affairs that could 
not be remedied without the assistance of the patriots of Washing- 
ton county and the application of their methods in the premises. 

In Washington county stern justice was meted out speedily and 
effectively, to all violators of the law, which policy was approved by 
the body politic and had the desired effect. 

In the month of July, 1777, the Grovernment of Virginia decided 
to appoint a superintendent or Indian Agent for the Cherokee 
Indians, which position was conferred upon Captain Joseph Mar- 
tin, and the agency was located at the Long Island in Holston 
river. Captain Martin, upon his appointment as Indian Agent, 
proceeded to build a large store house on the island, for the purpose 
of depositing such goods as the government might send out for the 
Indians and for the accommodation of the Indians when at Long 
Island on business with the Indian Agent. 

Daniel Boone, in March, 1775, undertook to mark out for a num- 
ber of North Carolina gentlemen a road from Watauga, Tennessee, 
through the wilderness to Kentucky, which he did. The road 
marked out by Boone, at this time, was from the Watauga settle- 
ment near Elizabethton (Tennessee), to the Cumberland Gap, and, 
from the Gap, it followed the Indian trace known as "the War- 
rior's Path," about fifty miles, where it left the "Warrior's Path," 
bearing to the west to the "Hazel Patch" and to Eock Castle river. 
From Eock Castle river the road passed through the present county 
of Madison (Kentucky) and on to the Kentucky river, at the moutli 
of Otter creek. About one mile below the mouth of this crock, 
Boone established headquarters and erected a fort, and called it 
Boonesborough. Boone was followed by a large company in charge 
of Eichard Henderson, who claimed to own all the lands between 
the Ohio and the Cumberland rivers, by purchase from the Chero- 
kee Indians, to which country he had given the name of Transyl- 
vania. Benjamin Logan with a company of men from the Wolf Hills, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 279 

(now Abingdon), joined Colonel Henderson in Powell's Valley, and 
the two companies traveled together as far as Eockcastle river in 
Kentucky, whei'e Logan, not approving of Colonel Henderson's pre- 
tensions or plans, left Henderson and traveled westwardly in the 
direction of the Crab Orchard, and when he had reached the level 
land he halted and built a fort which he called "Logan's Fort." 

In this year, a large number of emigrants began to travel into 
Kentucky, seeking homes, and, by the month of July, a considerable 
body of people had gathered at Boone's Fort and Logan's Fort. 

On the 4th day of July, 1777, one hundred Indians appeared 
before Logan's Fort and laid siege to it, which siege continued 
until the month of September. When the siege had lasted for 
some time. Captain Benjamin Logan, with a number of friends, 
slipped out of the fort by night and began an exceedingly hard and 
dangerous trip to the settlements on Plolston, to procure supplies for 
the fort and reinforcements against the Indians. They traveled by 
night and lay by during the day; but, finally reaching the Holston 
at Wolf Hills, they secured powder and the assistance of forty rifle- 
men, and returned to the fort within ten days. 

The riflemen from the Holston settlements were under the 
command of Colonel John Bowman. Many of the men who went 
to the rescue of their relatives and fellow-citizens in Kentucky at 
this time subsequently made their homes in Kentucky, and Ben- 
jamin Logan became a great man in the new State. 

The road thus marked by Daniel Boone and Benjamin Logan 
continued to be the passageway of many hundreds of settlers and 
emigrants on their way to Kentucky until the year 1781, although 
it was notliing more than a mere path or trace. 

J>y tlie year 1770 great numbers of people were emigrating to 
and settling to the westward of the Cumberland mountains. In 
this year tlic General Assoml)ly of Virginia passed an act for mark- 
ing and njx'uing a road over the Cumberland mountains into the 
county of Kentucky. 'J'hc act in question appointed Evan Shelby 
and IJicliard Calloway conunissioners to explore the country adja- 
( cut to and on both sides of the Cumberland mountains, and to 
trace and mark the most convenient I'oad from the settlements on 
the east side of the mountains over the same into the open coun- 
try into the county of Kentucky, and to cause such road, with all 
convenient dispatch to be opened and cleared in such manner as 



280 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

to give passage to travelers with pack-horses for the present, and to 
report to the next session of the Assembly the distance, the prac- 
ticability and the cost of completing and making the same a good 
wagon road. The act further provided that should the said Evan 
Shelby or Eichard Calloway refuse or be unable to act, then the 
County Court of their residence should appoint his or their succes- 
sor. It provided also that a guard of not more than fifty men from 
the county most convenient should attend said commissioners while 
locating this road. 

Colonel Evan Shelby declined to act as commissioner, pursuant 
to the act of the Assembly above mentioned, and the County Court 
of Washington county, in which he lived, on June 20, 1780, en- 
tered the following order : 

"Ordered that Captain John Kinkead be appointed in the room 
of Colonel Evan Shelby, who has refused to act agreeably to the 
Act of Assembly for marking and opening a road over the Cum- 
berland mountains into the county of Kentucke." 

This appointment Captain Kinkead accepted, and, along with 
Captain Calloway, effected the opening of a road through the 
Cumberland mountains to Kentucky, and on the first day of De- 
cember, 1781, a petition of John Kinkead was presented to the 
General Assembly of Virginia "setting forth that agreeably to ap- 
pointment of the County Court of Washington he, in conjunction 
with the other commissioner, proceeded to and effected the open- 
ing of a road through the Cumberland mountains to Kentucky, 
and praying to be paid for the service." 

The road thus located by Captains Kinkead and Calloway, be- 
came what was known as the "Wilderness Eoad," and for twenty 
years subsequent thereto was the principal highway traveled by 
an immense train of emigrants to the West. This road passed 
through Abingdon, and that the present generation may be able 
to locate this road, I give the stopping points, with the distances 
between, along the road from Inglis' Ferry at New river to Cum- 
berland Gap : 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



281 



Miles. 
♦From Hand's Meadow to 

Inglis' Ferry at New River 12 

To Fort Chiswell 30 

To Atkins' Ordinary 19 

To Mid. Fork Holston . . . — 
To Cross White's, Mont- 
gomery 3 

To Col. Arthur Campbell's 3 
To 7-mile Ford of Holston 6 
To Major Dysart's Mill.. 12 
To Washington Courthouse 10 
To Head Eeedy Creek, Sul- 
livan county, N. C 20 

To Block House 13 

To North Fork of Holston 2 



Miles. 

To Moccasin Gap 5 

To Clinch Eiver 11 

To Ford Stock Creek 2 

To Little Flat Lick 5 

To North Fork Clinch. ... 1 

To Powell's Mountain .... 1 

To Wallen's Ridge 5 

To Valley Station 5 

To Powell's River 2 

To Glade Spring 4 

To Martin's Station 19 

To Big Spring 12 

To Cumberland Mountain 

Gap 8 



Thomas Speed traveled this same route in the year 1790, and 
gives the names of the stopping points with the distances between : 



Miles. 

Inglas' Ferry 20 

To Carter's 13 

To Fort Chiswell 12 

To the Stone Mill 11 

To Adkins' IG 

To Russell Place IG 

To Greenwa/s 14 

To Wasliington Co. House 6 
To the Block House 35 



Miles. 

To Farriss's 5 

To Clinch River 12 

To Scott's Station 12 

To Cox's at Powell's River 10 

To Martin's Station 2 

To 

To Cumberland Mountain 3 
To Cumberland River. ... 15 



At this time five ferries were maintained across New river in 
Southwest Virginia by land owners, to-wit: William Inglis, 
Samuel Pepper, Cornelius Brown, Thomas Herbert and Austin & 
Co., for the accommodation of travelers and emigrants, and the 
General Assembly fixed the toll at four cents for each man and 
four cents for each horse ferried. 

Chief-Justice Robertson, of Kentucky, in speaking of the land 
law enacted for Kentucky by the General Assembly of Virginia 



*Wm. Brown's MSS. 



Washington County, 1777-1 S70. 283 

in the year 1779, and of the emigration which took place in that 
year, used the following language : 

"This heneficent enactment brought to the country during the 
fall and winter of that year an imexampled tide of emigrants, who, 
exclianging all the comforts of their native society and homes for 
settlements for themselves and children here, came, like pilgrims, 
to a wilderness to be made secure by their arms and habitable by 
the toil of their lives. Through privations incredible and perils 
thick, thousands of men, women and children came in successive 
caravans, forming continuous streams of human beings, horses, 
cattle and other domestic animals, all moving onward along a 
lonely and houseless path to a wild and cheerless land. Cast your 
eyes back on that long procession of missionaries in the cause of 
civilization ; beliold the men on foot with their trusty guns on their 
shoulders, driving stock and leading pack-horses; and the women, 
some walking with pails on their heads, others riding with chil- 
dren in their laps, and other children hung in baskets on horses, 
fastened to the tails of others going before; see them encamped 
at night expecting to be massacred by Indians; behold them in 
the month of December, in that ever memorable season of impre- 
cedented cold called the "hard winter," traveling two or three 
miles a day, frequently in danger of being frozen or killed by the 
falling of horses on the icy and almost impassable trace, and sub- 
sisting on stinted allowances of stale bread and meat; but now, 
lastly, look at them at the destined fort, perhaps on the eve of 
^Ferry Christmas, when met by the hearty welcome of friends who 
had come l)efore, and, cheered by the fresh butfalo meat and 
parched corn, they rejoice at their deliverance and resolve to be' 
contented with their lot." 

It was by this route and in this manner that many of our citi- 
zens traveled to their new homes in Kentucky and throughout the 
West, and it was for the protection of travelers on this route that 
the county officials of Washington county, Virginia, expended a 
great deal of effort and money, the Indians, for many years sub- 
sequent to 1775, waylaying this route, murdering the emigrants 
and stealing their horses and plunder. 

The ministers of the Gospel, being Presbyterian in belief, kept 
step with the advance of the settlers upon the frontiers. The set- 
tlements had scarcely reached the vicinity of Jonesboro, Tennes- 



284 Southwest Virginia, 17 46-17 S6. 

see, when Rev. Samuel Doak, a Presbyterian minister, who had 
been educated at Princeton, with great energy and with a deter- 
mination to make his home on the frontiers, appeared upon the 
scene, after having walked through Maryland and Virginia, driv- 
ing before him a horse loaded with books. He was greatly appre- 
ciated by the people among whom he had cast his lot, and he, in 
turn, exercised a wonderful influence upon the early settlers of 
East Tennessee. 

In this year, 1777, through the influence of this preacher, a 
Presbyterian log church was erected near Jonesboro, Tennessee, 
to which was given the name of "Salem Church." Near this 
church soon thereafter he erected a school-house which afterwards 
became Washington College, this church and school being the 
first erected in the State of Tennessee. 

On the 26th day of November, 1777, the county court of this 
county proceeded to make a statement of the county levy for the 
year 1777, which statement was as follows: 

"To Abraham Goodpasture, for building the 

prison, £450 

To Samuel Evans, for building a house to hold 

court in. 
To John Coulter for laying off the lots of the 

town, 

To Clerk for ex officio services, Tobacco, 1,000 lbs. 

To Clerk, for public services, Tobacco, 1,300 lbs. 

To a blank record book and alphabet, £5 

To carriage for do. from Williamsburg, 7s. 6d. 

To Wm. Young, for old Wolf Head, 

To the Sheriff, for ex officio services, 

To Sheriff, for whole of his public services,. . . .Tobacco, 12,000 lbs. 

To building of pillory and stocks, 

By 890 tithables, at 8s., £356 

To Hugh Berry, for making 1,760 nails for 

courthouse roof, £5 

To G. Martin, for making irons for criminals. 

From an inspection of this county levy, it will be seen that our 
first county government was very frugal and economical. Many 
readers will not understand how it was that a part of the county 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 285 

expenses was paid in tobacco. The explanation is that, in those 
early days, money was exceedingly scarce, and the House of Bur- 
gesses of Virginia, as early as the year 1772, enacted a law per- 
mitting the inhabitants of this section of A^irginia to discharge 
all secretaries', clerks' and other officers' fees in tobacco at the rate 
of eight shillings and four pence for every hundredweight of gross 
tobacco. And this law remained in force for a decade thereafter. 

The Governor of Virginia, on the 23d day of July, 1777, issued 
a new commission of the peace and dedimus for this county, 
directed to 

Arthur Campbell, Evan Shelby, 

William Campbell, Daniel Smith, 

U^illiam Edmiston, /olm Campbell, | 

Joseph Martin, "^ Alexander Buchanan, 

James Dysart, Jolm Kinkead, 

John Anderson, James Montgomery, 

John Coulter, John Snoddy, 

George Blackburn, Thomas Mastin, 

Isaac Shelby, liobert Craig, 

John Dunkin, v John Adair, 

Gilbert Christian, Tliomas Caldwell, 

and, on the 25th day of November, 1777, this commission was 
produced and read, and, thereupon, pursuant to the said dedimus, 
the said Arthur Campbell took the oath of a justice of the peace 
and a justice of the County Court in chancery, all of which oaths 
were administered to him by John Kinkead. Thereupon, the said 
Arthur Campbell administered the same oaths to: 

John Kinkead, James Montgomery, 

John Coulter, Eobert Craig, 

John Dunkin, 

and thus was constituted the second County Court for Washington 
county. 

In the fall of this year. General George Rogers Clark traveled 
from Kentucky over the "Wilderness Road," on his way to Rich- 
mond, in company with a young lawyer by the name of John 
Gabriel Jones, and reached Mump's Fort in Powell's Valley about 
ten days subsequent to the killing, by the Indians, of a settler by the 



286 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

name of Parks. In traveling through this portion of Virginia, 
he usually stopped at the nearest house when dark overtook him, 
for which he usually paid, at the small cabins, a shilling and six- 
pence for breakfast, bed and feed for horse. On his way he became 
acquainted with Captain William Campbell, whom he found a very 
agreeable companion. 

The object of this journey to Eichmond on the part of General 
Clark was to secure the approval of the Governor of a plan that he 
then conceived to be feasible and that would be of great value to 
the American Colonies. He sought the consent and assistance of 
the Governor in equipping and carrying on an expedition against 
the British posts at Vincennes and Kaskaskia in the Illinois county ; 
and there can be but little doubt that he discussed this question 
Avith Captain Campbell, at the time of his visit to Holston. 

He succeeded in obtaining the consent and authority of the 
Governor to enlist tliree hundred and fifty men from the counties 
west of the Alleghany mountains, to be used upon this expedition, 
of which number four companies were to be raised in the Holston 
and Clinch settlements, and Major W. B. Smith was dispatched, 
in the year 1778, to recruit men for that service in this section. 

There seems to be a conflict among historians as to the number 
of men raised in this section by Major Smith for this service, one 
giving the number as amounting to four companies; another, as 
one company. 

The men recruited for this service were not informed of the pur- 
pose for which they were intended, until they had reached the falls 
of the Ohio (now Louisville). 

The company of recruits from the Holston settlements did not 
suppose, when they entered the service, that they were to be taken 
upon such a long and dangerous expedition, and when they were 
informed of the purpose for which they were to be used, they 
objected to proceeding any further and left the camp of General 
Clark and returned to their homes. This is the one disagreeable 
circumstance connected with the history of our people. These men 
were recruited from a country where the people were brave and 
adventurous, and it is hard to account for their conduct upon this 
occasion. We are sorry to state that, by their conduct, they deprived 
this portion of Virginia of the honor of sharing in the wonderful 
expedition and conquests of General Clark. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 287 

While the company, as a wliole, refused to go upon this expedi- 
iion, a few of the men joined other companies and took part in the 
'Xjicditioii ; and their names, so far as 1 have been able to gather 
them, are as follows: 

Low Brown, John Lasly, 

Solomon Stratton, Xealy McGuire, 

William Peery. 

Supplies for this expedition were purchased upon the Holston, 
as is evidenced by an order of the court entered on the 17th day of 
^^a^(•]1. 1779, which order is as follows: 

"Whereas twenty-six forty dollar bills wci'e found in the ]ios- 
session of Captain Thomas Quirk, and, on the examination of the 
court of Washington county, were supposed to be counterfeit, the 
said Captain (}nii-k dolivered the said bills to the sheriff in the 
presence of file conrt. and it appears by the oath of the said 
Thoinas Quirk and (Andre\\"_(V>lvill \that the said Thomas Quirk 
received these bills of -Tames Buchanan, commissary for the Illi- 
nois service, to purchase bac<ui. Whereupon, it is ordered that the 
siKMitV take or send the said bills to the Board of Auditors for 
further proceedings, according to law. A list of the bills is given, 
which bills are signed by D. Summers and (t. Brown and dated 
April 11. 1778." 

.\.t the election l)e|i| for W'asliinglon county in tlie spring of 
the year 1778, Artluii- ('ani|tbell and .\nthony Bledsoe were 
elected members of the House of Delegates, and William Fleming, 
of Botetonrt, a member of the Senate, in the General Assembly 
of Virginia. 

In the spring of this year, Captain James Dysart and Lieutenant 
Samuel Newell were placed in command of two companies of mili- 
tia to range, during the summer, along the frontiers in Powell's 
and Clinch Valleys, as a protection against the Indians. Early in 
the month of May, before the departure of these ranging parties, 
a man by the name of Whitesides, a large, active man, left his 
home near Elk Garden Fort for Glade Hollow Fort, where he had 
a horse running on the range. While hunting for his horse about 
two miles from Glade Hollow Fort, he was captured by nine 
Indians, who pinioned his arms back, loaded Iniii with their extra 
jihnider and some jueat cut from the carcass of a dead horse, and 



288 Southwest Virginia, 174.6-1786. 

in this manner skulked about for several days, watching for an 
opportunity to attack Glade Hollow Fort, which was in a wretched 
state of defence, seven men only being in the fort.* 

These men were engaged daily in bringing salt-petre dust from 
a cave at some distance from the fort, to make salt-petre, upon the 
discovery of which, the Indians resolved to take the fort the next 
time the men went out. 

They tied Whitesides' feet and left an Indian to guard him, 
while the others sought a more convenient place to attack the fort 
when occasion offered. 

In the meantime the Indian who had charge of Whitesides, 
thinking they were too much exposed to view, untied his feet and 
made him creep further into the brush and, laying down his gun, 
sat down before Whitesides to tie his feet again. At that moment, 
Whitesides seized the gun, and, although his arms were pinioned, 
gave the Indian such a blow over the head as broke the gun to 
pieces and felled the Indian to the ground and, perhaps, killed him. 
Whitesides then sprang to his feet and gave the alarm to the men 
near the fort, who ran back to the fort with all speed, but 
Whitesides ran past the fort towards the Elk Garden fort, 
carrying all the Indian's plunder on his back. The eight 
Indians who were waylaying the fort, hearing the alarm, 
ran back, and finding their companion, perhaps lifeless, pur- 
sued Whitesides; and while doing so, met about forty men in 
plain view of the fort, on their way to act as rangers; on 
whom the Indians fired and killed two. The rest fled ingloriously, 
each one in his way, spreading the alarm that the fort was taken. 
Upon receipt of this news at Black's Fort, Captain Samuel Newell, 
with eighteen men set off for Glade Hollow Fort. They ran 
about twelve miles that evening and waded the North Fork of 
Ilolston just before night, but were forced to stop when night set 
in, as they had no trace they could follow in the night, and, in 
many places the weeds and grass were waist high. They arrived in 
view of the fort next morning between eight and nine o'clock, and 
upon reconnoitering, found the fort had not been taken. When the 
occupants of the fort saw them, they ran out to meet them. The 
next day. Captain James Dysart, with eighteen men, arrived at the 
fort. 



*BeDJamin Sharp Letter, American Pioneer. 



Workington Connty, 1777-1870. 289 

During the same year, in the lower end of this county, a young 
man by the name of Fulkerson was killed when driving up his horses 
from the range, and Thomas Sharp was fired at and badly wounded, 
l>iit, being on horseback, he made his escape and recovered from 
liis wounds. Jacob Fulkerson and a young man by the name of 
("allalian were bolh killed this year, while hunting their cattle in 
the range. 

On the 23d day of April, 1778, the court entered the following 
order : 

"Ordered that Colonel William Campbell be appointed to dis- 
tribute the county salt to the mO\st necessitous of the frontier 
itihaliitaiits of Clinch and the lower settlements of Washington 
county below the mouth of the North Fork, such a quantity 
reserving as he shall judge sufficient for the militia on duty, also 
selling at such rate as will be sufficient to discharge the first cost 
and expenses." 

"Ordered tliat Isaac rx>bo bo ])eriiiitted to go towards the Mora- 
vian Town for salt, and that ho return within tlie term of three 
weeks." 

Isaac Lebo is one of the same men that had, previously to this 
time, been arrested, tried and convicted of treasonable practices 
against the Commonwealth, and this, no doubt, was an excuse 
offered by him for an opportunity to communicate with his Tory 
friends in the South. 

On the 21st day of May, 1778, Samuel Newell qualified as Deputy 
Sheriff for the county and gave and filed a bond for the due col- 
lection and accounting for the taxes of the county of Washington, 
and entered upon his duties as first tax collector for the county, 
under tlie law of Virginia. It was the duty of the County Court 
to recommend to the Governor the names of the three magistrates 
named first in the Commission of Peace, from which list tlie Gov- 
ernor commissioned a sheriff for the county, and on the 20th day 
of April, 1778, the court recommended Arthur Campbell, William 
Campbell and Daniel Smith as fit and proper persons to execute 
the office of sheriff for the county of Washington. From this list 
the Governor commissioned Arthur Campbell as sheriff of the 
county, and he qualified as such on the 16th day of February, 1779, 
with Evan Shelby, Andrew Willoughby and Andrew Kincannon 
as his securities. During this and the succeeding year, the follow- 



290 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

ing gentlemen qualified as deputy sheriffs of the county; Samuel 
Newell, Christopher Acklin and Alexander Donaldson. 

x\t the March coiirt 1779, Harry Innes and Rowland Madison 
qualified to practice law in the courts of the county. Harry Innes 
afterwards moved to the county of Kentucky, where he became 
distinguished in the annals of that State. At the same term of 
the court, Daniel Smith, Eobert Craig and John Campbell were 
appointed commissioners of the tax, the land owners having failed 
to attend and elect commissioners. At this term of tlie court, David 
Campbell resigned his position as Clerk of the Court, and John 
Campbell was appointed to succeed him, which position he occupied 
until the year 1834, during which time he faithfully discharged 
his duties and retained the respect and confidence of the people of 
this county. David Campbell, who resigned his position as Clerk 
of the Court on the 15th day of August, 1780, obtained a commis- 
sion from His Excellency, Thomas Jefferson, appointing him attor- 
ney-at-law, and qualified as such in the court of this county, but, 
soon thereafter, he removed to Campbell's Station, Tennessee, in 
which State he won distinction in his profession and became the 
first Chief Justice of that State. 

From the orders of the court at this term, it appears that Samuel 
Evans had not completed the courthouse, pursuant to contract, and 
Joseph Black was directed to agi-ee with Evans as to the amount 
he should receive for the work that he had done upon the court- 
house; and the sheriff was directed to agree with some person to 
finish the courthouse. 

At the April term of this court, a statement of the county levy 
was made for the year 1779, which, is as follows: 

"Ephraim Dunlop, for services as State's Attorney for the 

year 1777 and for the year 1778, £200.00 

Abraham Goodpasture, for building prison, 500.00 

Samuel Evans, for building courthouse, 100.00 

Abraham Groodpasture, finishing courthouse, 100.00 

Arthur Campbell, for three blank books for the Clerk,. . 15.00 

To do. for the body of the law for use of the Court, 5. 

To do. for cash paid Hugh Berry, nails courthouse, 5. 

To do. for 60 lbs. iron furnished for nails courthouse, .... 5. 

To window glass for courthouse, 12 lights @ 9s., 5.8 

To do. for ex officio services for 1777-1778, 15.0 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



291 



Allowed for pillory and stocks, 75.0 

By 1464 tithahlos @ 15s. per titlmblo, 1,098.9 

At this same court the rnllowiuu- order was entered: 
"Ordcretl that tlic main road he cnt according to report of 
.Jose])]] Black, Andrew Colvill and James Piper, viewers from 
the courthouse to the 4'wenty-Milc creek, and tliat Andrew Colvill 
he surveyoi- from tlie coui'thouse to the west side of Sjjring creek, 
and that the tithaliles t'onuei'ly ordered work npon the same." 




Tlie rillory — Used in this Section in the Early Days. 

1'he road was opened ])ursnant to this order, the location of 
wliieh was ahoiit the same as that of tlie ])resent road from Abing- 
don to Pa])ersville, Tennessee. 

At the l\Iay term of court, 17T9, the Attorney for the Common- 
wealth tiled an information against John Yancy, a citizen and hotel 
keeper, living in the town of Abingdon, charging him with the 
offence of enclosing his sheep in the courthonse, npon which inform- 
ation divers witnesses were sworn and examined, and the defendant 
heard in his defence, wherenpon, the conrt fined the defendant 
twenty shillings and the costs. 

At the same conrt, the prison erected by Abraham Coodpastnre 
was, by order of the court, used, but not received. On the same 
day the court entered the following order : 

"Ordered that David Carson and Joseph Black lay off the prison 



292 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

bounds, exceeding five acres and not more than ten, and take in the 
water, and David Carson was paid six pounds for his services." 

On the 19th day of August the court entered the following order : 

"Ordered that Arthur Campbell, Anthony Bledsoe, Daniel Smith, 
Joseph Black and John Blackamore be appointed examiners of the 
bills of credit of this State and the other United States, agreeably 
to the act of the Assembly entitled "An Act for more effectually 
guarding against counterfeiting of the Bills of Credit, Treasury 
ISTotes and Loan OflQce certificates." 

In the early summer of this year, the Tories living near the head 
of the Yadkin river. North Carolina, and on Few river and Walk- 
er's creek in Montgomery county, Virginia, began to form into a 
body, with the intention of destroying the Lead Mines on Kew 
river, robbing the well affected citizens of that county, and then 
forcing their way to the headquarters of Lord Cornwallis, who was 
at that time in the Carolinas. There was every prospect that an 
insurrection would take place, and, notwithstanding the untiring 
efforts of Colonel William Preston, the county-lieutenant of that 
county, he was unable to quiet the disaffected, or to protect the well- 
disposed citizens. As a last resort Colonel Preston called upon the 
officials of Washington county for assistance, when Captain William 
Campbell, with about one hundred and fifty militia from this 
county, all well mounted, turned out and proceeded to suppress this, 
a new kind of enemy to the people of Washington county. The 
name of Captain Campbell was such as to strike consternation into 
the rank of the Tories, who dispersed upon his approach and 
offered no open resistance. The militia from this county were then 
dispatched in small detachments and had active business for several 
weeks pursuing, taking and imprisomng Tories. The militia sub- 
sisted themselves and their horses upon the grain and stock of the 
Tories, and compelled all Tory sympathizers who were old and unfit 
for service to give security for their good behavior, or to go to 
jail. The young, effective men were pardoned on condition of their 
serving as faithful soldiers in the armies of the United States 
during the war, as an atonement for their crime. Colonel Camp- 
bell and his men saw hard and active duty during this time, but 
lost no lives nor had any of their men wounded. 

Captain Campbell and his militia from this county were ably 
seconded in their efforts to suppress the Tory sentiment then exist- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 393 

ing in Montgomery, by Colonel Walter Crockett, Captain Charles 
Lynch, Captain Robert Sayers and Captain Isaac Campbell. Cap- 
tains Sayers and Campbell each commanded a company of men 
numbering twenty-eight and thirty-five respectively, at this time, 
and were not satisfied with a suppression of the Tories in Mont- 
gomery county, but thereafter proceeded to perform the same 
service in parts of Surrey and Wilkes counties. North Carolina. 

Captain Campbell and his men, in dealing with the Tories of 
Montgomery county, applied the same methods used so effectively 
in AVashington county, of which we give one instance, that the 
reader may understand the methods used. 

"There is a beautiful little valley known by the name of "Black 
Lick," nestling among the mountains of Wythe county, which, 
being remote from highways and environed by uninhabited forests, 
afforded shelter for a number of Tories, who made frequent forays 
upon the neighboring settlements and then concealed themselves in 
tliis remote and quiet retreat. Their hiding place becoming dis- 
covered. General Campbell's men surrounded it, captured about a 
dozen and hung them upon two white oaks which, spared by the 
woodman's ax for the righteous office they had performed, were 
still standing a few years ago, and were long Iniown by the name 
of the "Tory Trees."* 

At the time in question, Captain Charles Lynch, of Bedford 
county, was manager for the Commonwealth at the Lead Mines on 
New river, and, as a result of the visit of Captain Campbell to 
^rontgomery county in this year, he thereafter adopted Campbell's 
method of dealing with Tories and wrong-doers; and, ever after, 
during the war, when any of the inhabitants were suspected of 
wrong doing or treasonable conduct, they were dealt with accord- 
ing to what was termed "Captain Lynch's Law," and from this man 
and this occasion originated the term "Lynch Law," as it is prac- 
iisod throughout the nation, under peculiar circumstances, at this 
day. 

T^l)on the return of Captain Campbell and his men from Mont- 
gomery county, considerable complaint was made by the Tory inhab- 
itants of that section of Virginia, and efforts were made to prose- 
cute Campbell and his associates, but the Legislature of Virginia, 
recognizing the valuable services of these patriots, in October of 



♦Clias. B. Coale. 



294 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

that year passed an Act exempting them from all pains and pen- 
alties by reason of their .acts, which Act of the Assembly is as 
follows : 

"Whereas divers evil-disposed persons on the frontiers of this 
Commonwealth had broken out into an open insurrection and con- 
spiracy and actually levied war against the Commonwealth, and it is 
represented to the present General Assembly that William Camp- 
bell, Walter Crockett and other liege subjects of tJie Common- 
wealth, aided by detachments of the militia and volunteers from the 
county of Washington and other parties of the frontiers did by tlieir 
timely and effectual exertion suppress and defeat such conspiracy; 
and whereas the necessary measures taken for that purpose may not 
be strictly warranted by law, although justifiable from the imme- 
diate urgency and imminences of the danger; be it therefore 
declared and enacted. That the said William Campbell, Walter 
Crockett and all other persons whatsoever concerned in suppressing 
the said conspiracy and insurrection, or in advising, issuing or 
executing any orders or measures taken for that purpose stand 
indemnified and clearly exonerated of and from all pains, penalties, 
prosecutions, actions, suits and damages on account thereof; and 
that if any indictment, prosecution, action or suit shall be laid or 
brought against them, or any of them, for any act or tiling 
done therein, the defendant or defendants may plead in bar, or the 
general issue, and give this act in evidence."* 

In the summer of this year, at the instigation of British agents, 
Dragging Canoe and his band of Indians, living at Chickamauga, 
were induced to undertake a campaign against the Virginia and 
Carolina frontiers. While making preparations for the campaign, 
James Eobertson, who was then at Chote, received information of 
their intended invasion and immediately informed the leaders on 
the Holston. Upon the receipt of tliis information it was decided 
that the militia of the two governments should unite, and carry 
on an active expedition against these Indians. Colonel Evan 
Shelby, of Sapling Grove (now Bristol), was selected to command 
the expedition. The forces from the two States assembled at the 
moaith of Big Creek on the Clinch river (near Eogersville, Ten- 
nessee), on April 10, 1779, Captain Isaac Shelby being in command 
of the forces from Washington county, Virginia. At this point the 



*10 Hening Statutes, page 195. 



WasJii7igton County, 1777-1S70. 295 

entire array, eoiisistiug of several luindrcd men, volunteers from tlie 
settlements, and a regiment of twelve-months' men, under the com- 
mand of Captain John Montgomery, intended as a reinforcement 
to General Clark in the Illinois, temporarily diverted from that 
object for use in tliis campaign, embarked, in canoes and boats, and 
descended the Tennessee river to the home of the Chickamoggas. 
The Indians were completely taken by surprise and fled in all 
directions to the hills and mountains, not offering any resistance. 
Forty Indians, at least, were killed, and their towns were destroyed, 
their horses and cattle driven away, and their corn and provisions, 
as well as twenty thousand pounds in value of stores and goods, 
carried off. Thereupon, the troops destroyed their boats and canoes 
and returned to their homes on foot. Thus it was that one of tlie 
cherished hopes of the British ministry was foiled and the prospects 
of tlie Colonies exceedingly enhanced. 

Colonel Shelby, while making preparations to conduct this expe- 
dition against the Indians at Chickamogga, dispatched John Doug- 
lass to the settlements on Clinch river, pursuant to the orders of 
Colonel Kussell, but Douglas was waylaid and killed by the Indians 
and his horse ridden off. 

Wlien tlie expedition against the Chickamogga Indians was 
decided upon. Colonel Evan Shelby dispatched John Hutson to the 
Indian town with letters to Colonel Joseph Martin, advising him 
to remove from the Indian country to the Great Island, agreeably 
to the Governor's instructions, but, unfortunately, Hutson was 
drowned in the execution of that business, and his widow, Eleanor 
Hutson was allowed by tlie General Assembly at its fall session in 
the year 1779, the sum of twenty-four pounds for the present relief 
of herself and cliildren, and twelve pounds per annum during her 
widowhood. 

"In the summer of 1779, the Indians visited the home of Jesse 
Evans, who lived near the head waters of the Clinch river, and 
destroyed his family. On the morning of the day in question, Jesse 
Evans left his house, with five or six hired men, for the purpose of 
executing some work at a distance from home. As they carried with 
them various farming implements, their guns were left at the 
house, where j\Irs. Evans was engaged in weaving a piece of cloth. 
Her oldest daughter was filling quills for her while the four remain- 



296 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

ing children were either at play in tlie garden or gathering vege- 
tables. 

The garden was about sixty yards from the house, and, as no saw- 
mills were in existence at that day in this country, slab-boards were 
put up in a manner called "wattling" for palings. These were some 
six feet long and made what is called a close fence. Eight or ten 
Indians, who lay concealed in a thicket near the garden, silently left 
their hiding places and made their way, unobserved, to the back of 
the garden. There, removing a few boards, they bounded through 
and commenced the horrid work of killing and scalping the chil- 
dren. The first warning Mrs. Evans had was their screams and 
cries. She ran to the door and beheld the sickening scene, with 
such feelings as only a mother can experience. 

Mrs. Evans was a stout, athletic woman, and, being inured to the 
hardships of the times, with her to will was to do. She saw plainly 
that on her exertions alone could one spark of hope be entertained 
for the life of her "first born." An unnatural strength seemed to 
nerve her arm and she resolved to defend her surviving child to 
the last extremity. Eushing into the house she closed the door, 
which being too small, left a crevice, through which in a few 
moments an Indian extended his gun, aiming to pry open the door 
and finish the bloody work which had been so fearfully begun. Mrs. 
Evans had thrown herself against the door to prevent the entrance 
of the savages, but no sooner did she see the gun barrel than she 
seized it and drew it in so far as to make it an available lever in 
prying to the door. The Indians threw themselves against the door 
to force it open, but their efforts were unavailing. The heroic 
woman stood to her post, well knowing that her life depended upon 
her own exertions. The Indians now endeavored to wrest the gun 
from her ; in this they likewise failed. Hitherto she had worked in 
silence, but as she saw no prospect of the Indians relinquishing their 
object, she began to call loudly for her husband, as if he were really 
near. It had the desired effect; they let go the gun and hastily 
left the house, while Mrs. Evans sat quietly down to await a second 
attack, but the Indians, who had perhaps seen Mr. Evans and his 
workmen leave the house, feared he might be near, and made off 
with all speed. 

While Mrs. Evans was thus sitting and brooding over the melan- 
choly death of her children, anxious to go to those in the garden, but 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 297 

fearing to leave her surviving one in the house, exposed to a second 
attack, a man named Goldsby stepped up to the door. Never did 
manna fall to the hungered Jew more opportunely, yet no sooner did 
he hear her woful tale than he turned his back upon her and fled 
as if every tree and bush had been an Indian taking deadly aim at 
him. Such were his exertions to get to a place of greater safety that 
lie brought on hemorrhage of the lungs, from which he with much 
difficulty recovered. 

Seeing herself thus left to the mercy of the savages, Mrs. Evans 
took up the gun she had taken from them and started with her 
remaining daughter to Major John Taylor's, about two miles dis- 
tant, where, tired and frenzied with grief, she arrived in safety. 
She had not been gone a great while, when Mr. Evans returned and, 
not suspecting anything wrong, took down a book, and was engaged 
in its perusal for some time, till finally he became impatient and 
started to the garden, where he supposed Mrs. Evans was gathering 
vegetables. What must have been his feelings when he reached the 
garden to see four of his children murdered and scalped. Seeing 
nothing of his wife and eldest daughter, he supposed they had been 
taken prisoners; he therefore returned quickly to the house, seized 
his gun and started for Major Taylor's to get assistance and a com- 
])any to follow on and try, if possible, to overtake them. Frantic 
with grief he rushed into the house to tell his tale of woe, when he 
was caught in the arms of his brave wife. His joy at finding them 
was so great that he could scarcely contain himself; he wept, then 
laughed, then thanked God it was no worse. As is common in 
such cases in a new country, the neighbors flocked in to know the 
worst, and to offer such aid as lay in their power. They sympathized 
as only frontiersmen can sympathize, with the bereaved parents ; 
but the thought of having to bury four children the next morning 
was so shocking and so dreadful to reflect on, that but little peace 
was to be expected for them. Slowly the reluctant hours of night 
passed away, and a faint gleam of light became visible in the east- 
ern sky. The joyous warblers were gayly flitting from branch to 
branch and carrolling their sweetest lays, while the sun rose above 
the mountain summit, shooting his bright beams on the sparkling 
dewdrops which hung like so many diamonds from the green boughs 
of the mountain shrubbery, giving, altogether, an air of gorgeous 
beauty which seemed to deny the truth of the evening's tale. The 



298 Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

light clouds swimming in the eastern atmosphere, brilliantly tinted 
with the rising sun, 

And the gentle murmur of the morning breeze, 
Singing nature's anthem to the forest trees, 

seemed to say such horrid work could not be done by beings wear- 
ing human form. But alas ! while nature teaches naught but love, 
men teacli themselves lessons which call forth her sternest frowns. 

A hasty breakfast was prepared and the men sot off to Mr. Evans's 
house to bury the murdered children. With a heart too full for 
utterance, the father led the way, as if afraid to look at those little 
forms for whose happiness he had toiled, and braved the dangers 
•of a frontier life. But a day ago he had dandled them on his knees, 
and listened to their innocent prattle ; they were now monuments of 
Indian barbarity. 

Turning a hill the fatal garden was instantly painted on the 
retina of the fond parentis eye, to be quickly erased by the silent 
tears which overflowed their fountain and came trickling down 
his weather beaten face. 

The party came up to the back of the house at the front of which 
stood the milk-house, over a spring of clear water, when, lo ! they 
beheld coming up, as it were from the very deptli of the grave, Mary, 
a little child only four years old, who liad recovered from the stun- 
ning blow of the tomahawk and had been in quest of water at the 
familiar old spring around which, but a day before, she had sported 
in childish glee. The scalp that had l)een torn from the skull was 
hanging hideously over her pale face,which was much besmeared 
with blood. She stretched out her little arms to meet her father, 
who rushed to her with all the wild joy of one whose heart beats 
warm with parental emotions ! Sho had wandered ahout in the 
dark from the time she had recovered and, it may be, had more than 
once tried to wake her little sisters on whose heads the tomahawks 
had fallen with greater force. This poor, half-murdered little child 
lived, married and raised a large family."* 

In the spring of the year 1779, at the election held for members 
of the General Assembly of Virginia, Isaac Shelby and David 
Campbell were elected and served the people of Washington county 
for this year. During this year General E. Clarke, of Georgia, was 
compelled to take refuge in the settlements on Watauga and Hols- 



*Bickley's History of Tazewell. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 299 

ton, and, wliilc in the settlements, repeated to the hardy fronticrs- 
iiien many of the dastardly deeds committed by the British forces in 
their invasion and subjugation of South Carolina and Georgia. 
As a result, numy of the citizens of these settlements returned with 
him to his home in Oeorgia to assist in avenging the wrongs of 
their fellow countrymen and, in addition thereto, creating through- 
nut Southwestern ^^irginia and the Ilolston settlements a lively 
interest in the affairs to the south of the settlements. 

The officials of Washington county, Virginia, from tlie first organ- 
ization of the county until this time, had, without question, exer- 
cised their authority as low down as Carter's Valley, upon the sup- 
])ositiou that all (hat jtortinn of the country was in Virginia, but, 
on the 30th day of September in this year, an occurrence took 
place in Carter's A'alley, between William Cocke, lately a represen- 
t;ili\(' I'loin \\'asliington county in the Legislature of Virginia, and 
Alexander Donaldson, a deputy for Arthur Campbell, that resulted 
in greatly curtailing the tei-ritory included within this county. The 
circumstances connected wiili this transaction are best stated by 
Ihe order of the County Court of Wa.^hington county, Virginia, 
cnici-cil on till' '2()(li nf Octolier, 1770, which is as follows: 

'■'I'hc complaint of Ihe sheriff against William Cocke for insulting 
;ind obstructing Alexander Donaldson, dei)uty sheriff, when col- 
lecting the pul)lic tax about the thirteenth day of September last, 
and being examined saith ; that, being at a point on the north side 
of Holston river in Carter's Valley, colled ing the public tax, the 
said William Cocke, as he came to the door of the house in which 
said sheriff was doing business, said that there was the sheriff of 
A'irginia collecting the tax, and asked him what right he had to 
colkxt taxes there, as it was in Carolina and never was in Virginia; 
that he said the people were fools if they did pay him public dues, 
and that he dared him to serve any process whatever; that he, said 
Cocke, undertook for the people, upon which sundry people refused 
to pay their tax and some, thnt had paid, wanted their money back 
again." 

"Ordered that the conduct of William Cocke respecting the 
oltstruciing, insulting and threatening the sheriff in the execution 
of his ofTice be represented to the Exoxnitive of Virginia. 

"Ordered that if ^^'illiaul Cocke be found in this county that he 
be taken into custody and caused to appear before the justices at the 



300 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1186. 

next court to answer for his conduct for obstructing the sheriff in 
execution of his office/' 

As a result of this difficulty, the General Assembly of Virginia 
and N'orth Carolina at their sessions, in the year 1779, appointed Dr. 
Thomas Walker and Daniel Smith, on the part of Virginia, and 
Richard Henderson and William B. Smith, on the part of North 
Carolina, commissioners, to run the line between the two States, 
beginning where Fry and Jefferson and Weldon and Churton ended 
their work, near Steep Eock creek, if found to be truly in latitude 
36 degrees 30 minutes North, and to run thence due west to the 
Tennessee or the Ohio river. The commissioners ran the line with- 
out trouble for about forty miles, when they disagreed, the North 
Carolina commissioners claiming the true line to be about two miles 
north of the place at which the commissioners were then stationed. 
The Virginia commissioners proceeded to run the line to the Mis- 
sissippi river and made their report. Nothing further will be said 
upon this subject at this point, but it will be separately treated in 
another part of this book. Suffice it to say that the line, as ascer- 
tained by the Virginia commissioners, deprived Washington county 
of from one- third to one-half of the territory supposed to lie within 
Washington county; and the North Carolina Legislature, at their 
fall session in this year, established Sullivan county, North Caro- 
lina, afterwards Tennessee, and the government of that county was 
organized at the house of Moses Loony in the month of February, 
1780. 

Isaac Shelby, one of Washington county's representatives in the 
Legislature of Virginia, qualified as county lieutenant and Ephraim 
Dunlop, Washington county's deputy attorney, was appointed State's 
attorney for the new county. 

The act of the General Assembly of North Carolina erecting the 
county of Sullivan recites that the then late extension of the north- 
ern boundary line of the State from Holston river, that lies directly 
west from a place well known by the name of Steep Eock, makes it 
evident that all the lands west of said place, lying on the west and 
northwest side of said river Holston have, by mistake of the settlers, 
been held and deemed to be in the State of Virginia ; owing to which 
mistake they have not entered said lands in the proper offices. It 
recites also, that by a line lately run, it appears that a number of 
such settlers have fallen into the State of North Carolina, and it 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 301 

makes provision for the security of their lands and improvements. 
These were the first lands taken from the county as originally 
formed. 

In the fall of this year Andrew Colvill;, a citizen of Wolf Hills, 
was commissioned as escheator for Washington county, and Evan 
Baker was appointed deputy commissary on the western side of the 
Blue Eidge, agreeably to the order of the Governor and Council. 

On the 22d day of March, 1780, the County Court of this county 
entered several important orders, among the number being one 
fixing the county levy for the year 1779, at twenty dollars for each 
tithable, and appointing John Campbell, David Carson and Alex- 
ander Montgomery commissioners of the tax for that year, and 
James Dysart, Eobert Craig and John Kinkead commissioners to 
collect that portion of the tax that was payable in commutable 
articles. 

Eobert Craig and Aaron Lewis were recommended to the Gov- 
ernor as fit and proper persons for coroners of Washington county 
and were commissioned as such, and 

Benjamin Estill, David Watson, 

Alexander Montgomery, Aaron Lewis, 

Thomas Montgomery, James Fulkerson, 

John Latham, David Ward, 

Joseph Black, Eobert Campbell, and 

Alexander Barnett, 

were recommended to the Governor as fit and proper persons to be 
added to the commission of the peace for Washington county, and 
were commissioned as such. 

These recommendations were made in view of the fact that quite 
a number of the members of the court of this county had been 
lost to the county when the State line was run and Sullivan county. 
North Carolina, was formed. 

By far the most important order entered by the court on this day 
was the following : 

"Ordered that it be recommended to the county lieutenant of 
this county not to call a general muster the ensuing month, on 
account of the apparent danger from the enemy and other dis- 
tressing circumstances of the county." 

The army of Cornwallis was fast approaching the southern bor- 



302 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

tier of North Carolina, and every friend of tlie British government 
was stimulated into life and became a source of uneasiness and 
trouble to the back settlements. At this time General Rutherford, 
of North Carolina, made a requisition upon Sullivan and Washing- 
ton counties in North Carolina for the aid of their militia in the 
defence of the State. Cornwallis was meeting with but little 
obstruction in his march and contemplated nothing less than the 
overrunning of North Carolina and the invasion of Virginia. It 
was this state of affairs that produced the alarm among the set- 
tlers in Washington county. 

At the April court, 1780, William Campbell was recommended by 
'the com't and commissioned by the Governor, as colonel of the 
county militia, in the place of Evan Shelby, who had become a 
citizen of the State of North Carolina. Daniel Smith was com- 
missioned lieutenant-colonel, and William Edmiston major. At the 
same time tire following militia officers were recommended and 
commissioned : 

Captains of Militia : 
James Crabtree, William Edmiston, Jr., 

William Edmiston, Alexander Barnett, 

David Beatie, Jr., David Beatie, 

Charles Cocke, 
and previously to this time and during the years 1778 and 1779, 
the following captains of militia were commissioned : 
George Maxwell, William Neil, 

Thomas Caldwell, - James Fulkerson, 

Lieutenants of Militia : 
Eobert Edmiston, Jr., Humberson Lyon, 

William Bartlett, William Davison, 

William Edmiston, Joshua Buckner, 

Joseph Scott, 
and in the year 1778-1779, the following: 

William Blackburn, John Davis, 

Levi Bishop, Moses Loony, 

Hugh Crawford, James Leeper, 

Solomon Litton, Eoger Topp, 

William Eosebrough, Samuel Newell, 

William Pitman, John Lowry, 

George Finley. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 303 

Ensigns of Militia : 
Kobert Campbell, John McFerrin, 

James Houston, Nathaniel Dryden, 

Andrew Goff, Daniel Davison, 

Hugh Campbell, William Blackmore, 

and in 1778-1779: 

John Saw}'ers, Thomas Sharp, 

Rees Bowen, George Teeter, 

Patrick Campbell, Samuel Vanhook, 

John Steele, William Crockett. 

I give the names of the officers of the county militia from the 
formation of the county to this time with considerable particularity, 
as we know that every officer at the Battle of King's Mountain, 
from Washington county, was made up from this list. And it is 
more than probable that all the officers whose names (with very few 
exceptions) have been given were present on that occasion. 

At the county court hold on the last Tuesday in April of this year 
John Yancy and Christopher Acklin were licensed by the .court to 
keep ordinaries in tlie town of Aliingdon, being among the first 
ordinar}' keepers in tlie town of Abingdon. 

At the June terni of this court there seemed to have been a little 
trouble among the gentry, which is evidenced by the following orders 
entered by the court on tliat day : 

"Ordered that James Ken' he fined iwo hundred pounds for in- 
sulting Joseph Scott in open court. 

"Ordered that William Eobinson he fined two hundred pounds for 
insulting Joseph Scott. 

"Ordered that Joseph Scott be fined two hundred pounds for 
flashing a pistol at James Kerr in the court yard. 

"Ordered that James Kerr be fine(l twenty ixumds fivr insidting 
James Montgomery." 

At tlie same term of llie eoiii-t I'ol)ei-t Irvin i|ualified as deputy 
for Arthur Cami)l>ell. slierilT of Wasliingion county. 

The following' order entered by the court on August 17th is given, 
because it designates the first settler at the head of Little Moccasin 
creek. 

"Ordered that Jolm .Snoddy, gent, give Alexander Barnett a list 
'if tithal)les to work on the road from the mouth of Harrold's creek 



304 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

to Alexander Montgomery's old cabin, at the head of Little Mocca- 
sin." 

During the summer of this year the militia of this county was 
kept on the move in consequence of the threatened invasion of the 
British forces from the South. In the months of August and Sep- 
tember one hundred and fifty men from Washington county saw 
active service on New river, about the Lead Mines, and over the 
Tuountains in North Carolina, under Colonel William Campbell, to 
prevent and suppress any attempted insurrection among the Tories 
in those quarters. 

The Cherokee Indians, in September of this year, began to give 
evidence of an unfriendly disposition, and every indication pointed 
to an Indian war, when the Governor of Virginia directed Colonel 
William Campbell to take command of an expedition against the 
Cherokee Indians, and it was left to his choice whether to take the 
troops down the Tennessee by water or on horseback. If the men 
went on horseback they were to be paid for such pack horses 
as might be lost without fault of the owner. 

BATTLE OF KING's MOUNTAIN. 

While preparations were being made for this expedition and men 
were being mustered into service Colonel William Campbell was 
directed by the Governor to take command of the militia ordered to 
suppress the Tories who were at that time rising in arms, and to 
apply to tliat purpose the same means and powers that he was in- 
vested with for carrying on the Cherokee expedition, and, while mak- 
ing every preparation to' execute the orders of the Governor, let- 
ters were received by him from Colonels Isaac Shelby and John 
Sevier requesting his assistance in a contemplated expedition 
against Colonel Ferguson, the British officer who was then stationed 
at Gilberttown, North Carolina. Acting under the orders of the 
Go'Vernor previously given, Colonel William Campbell joined in 
this expedition, and marched a number of mounted militia from 
this county to King's mountain, South Carolina. 

Many writers, in speaking of the campaign against Ferguson and 
of the battle at King's mountain, make the statement that this 
expedition was without authority of government, but Colonel Wil- 
liam Campbell seemed to think differently, as is evidenced by a cer- 
tificate made by him in his own handwriting in the year 1781 and 
recently discovered among some old papers in the auditor's office 



Washington County, 1111-1810. 305 

at Richmond. This certificate, with endorsements thereon, is here 
given in full : 

"I hereby certify that when I was ordered by the Executive last 
summer to take command of an expedition against the Cherokee 
Tjidians, it was left to my own choice whether to take the troops down 
the Tennessee by water, or on horseback, they were to be paid for 
such pack horses as might be lost without default of the owners. 
That expedition not being carried on, I was directed by His PJx- 
cellency the Governor to take command of the militia ordered to 
suppress the Tories who were at that time rising in arms, and to 
apply to that purpose the same means and powers which I was in- 
vested with for carrying on the Cherokee expedition, under which 
dirf^ction I marched a number of mounted militia to King's moun- 
tain, S. C. Wm. Campbell (Col.)." 

June IG, 1781. 

Endorsed on back. 

1780 certificate of Colonel William Campbell respecting King's 
mountain expedition. 

The situation to the south of Virginia at this time was truly 
alarming. The British had captured Charleston, with General 
Lincoln and his entire army, early in this year, and the war was 
transferred to the Carol inas and Georgia. General Gates, who 
had captured the British army at Saratoga and was in command 
o* the Southern army during this year, was disastrously defeated 
at Camden, and Colonel Sumpter and his body of patriots had 
been cut to pieces by Colonel Tarleton at Fishing creek. Detach- 
ments from the British army were scattered throughout South 
Carolina and Georgia. Colonel Buford and his Virginia forces 
had been defeated and cut to pieces by Tarleton's cavalry at the 
W'axhaw's, and every preparation was being made by Lord Corn- 
wallis to overrun with his victorious army the States of North 
Carolina and Virginia in the order named. Lord Cornwallis had 
placed the command of the western borders of North Carolina and 
South Carolina under Colonel Patrick Ferguson, one of the ablest 
Britisli commanders at that time in the field, and he had overrun 
and destroyed the Whig forces in his territory to such an extent 
that, the officers and men of the Whig forces were driven across 
the mountains to the Holston settlements. A portion of the mili- 
tia of Sullivan and Washington counties. North Carolina, under 



306 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

the command of Colonel Isaac Shelby, had been in the service of 
the State and had exhibited a great deal of ability and prowess at 
the battles of Musgrove's Mill and Cane Creek, after which they 
retired to their homes without suffering any inconvenience from 
Ferguson or his forces. Colonel Ferguson was greatly embittered 
toward the forces from the Holston or back waters (as it was then 
termed), and when he arrived at Gilberttown, he paroled a Whig 
prisoner by the name of Samuel Phillips, a relative of Colonel 
Isaac Shelby, and sent him to deliver a message to the officers of 
militia on the waters of the Holston, Watauga and Nolieliucky, 
which message was as follows : 

"If they did not desist from their opposition to the British arms 
he would march his army over tlie mountains, hang their leaders, 
and lay their country waste with fire and sword." There can be no 
question that Colonel Ferguson was well informed of the situa- 
tion of the western settlers and the route by which he could reacli 
their country, for at that time there were in his army a number of 
Tories from the back waters. 

A crisis had been reached in the struggle for liberty, and now 
at the darkest hour in the struggle of the patriots, the opportunit^y 
and the men have met, when a band of western frontiersmen were 
to strike a telling blow for the cause of liberty and all America. 
Pliillips immediately crossed the mountains and delivered the mes- 
sage to Colonel Shelby as directed, and gave him such information, 
in addition thereto, as he had in regard to the strength and posi- 
tion of Ferguson and his men. Colonel Shelby immediately ad- 
dressed a letter to Colonel Williaui Campbell, of Washington 
county, Virginia, and sent it by express by his brother, Moses 
Shelby, while Colonel Shelby went to the home of Colonel John 
Sevier and informed him of Ferguson's threats, and suggested 
means by which they might embody a force sufficient to surprise 
and attack Ferguson in his camp and prevent the impending stroke. 
To the propositions of Colonel Shelby, Colonel Sevier readily 
agreed. On the 18th day of September, 1780, Colonel Charles Mc- 
Dowell, of "Quaker Meadows," North Carolina, and Colonel An- 
drew Hampton, of South Carolina, patriot leaders, with about one 
hundred and sixty men, arrived at Colonel John Carter's in Carter's 
Valley, fleeing from Ferguson and his forces. These men were 
consulted by Colonel Shelby, and a time and place appointed for ■ 



\ 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 307 

tliG assembling of all tlie forces that could be enlisted for this expe- 
dition, at the Sycamore shoals or fiats, on the Watauga river, 
about three miles below the })ix'sent town of Elizabethton, Tennes- 
see. It is stated by many writers on the subject that Colonel Wil- 
liam Campbell refused to join Shelby in this expedition when first 
approaclied iipon the subject, and that ho consented only upon the 
icceipt of a second and more urgent request, but I do not know 
iij)on what authority this statement is made, for on the 6tli day 
of Septond)er of this year Colonel Campbell was at Bethabara, 
Siiii-y cnimty, Xorth Carolina, with the Washington county mili- 
tia, suppressing and ])reventing insurrection among the Tories in 
tbat section, and it is evident to any one acquainted with the coun- 
try that he must have marched his men immediately from that 
point to Wasliington courthouse, and from there to the Sycamore 
Sb(tals. to ha\(' reached that ])oint on the 25th of September. I do 
not think there can be any doubt that Colonel Campbell joined 
in this expedition very heartily, upon the receipt of information 
from Slielby, and that he, with the Washington county forces, en- 
tered u])on this expedition witli the greatest of enthusiasm, as is 
evidenced by the large numbers of vohniteers collected and the 
raj)idity of their movements. 

It is reasonal)le to suppose that Colonel Aitluir Campbell was 
busy enlisting the militia of this county and equipping them for 
this expedition wliib' Colonel William (*ampl)ell and his men were 
I'etni'iiiiig from \orth Cai'oliiia. Colonel Arthur Campbell, in 
speaking of the situation of the Southern Colonics, said: "The tale 
of McDowell's men was a doleful one, and tended to excite the 
i-esentment of tlu' peopU', who, ol' late, had become inured to danger 
liv fighting the Indian, and who had an ultor detestation of the 
tyranny of tlie I^ritish Government. 

rp(»ii th(^ an-ival of Colonel \\'illiani Campbell, in .Vbingdon, 
on the •?•?(! day of September. ITSO, it was decided that two hundred 
of tlie militia of tliis county should accompany him u]w>n this expe- 
dition. The men seemed animated with a spirit of patriotism and 
asseiiibU'd at Wolf creek, near the Bradley farm west of Abingdon, 
froin wliieh ])oint they marched immediately for the Sycamore 
Shoals, arriving at that point on the 25th day of September, accord- 
ing to appointment. Colonel William Campbell did not accompany 
the men to Sycamore shoals, he going by Colonel Shelby's at Sap- 



308 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

ling grove (now Bristol), while his men followed the Watauga 
road. Colonel Arthur Campbell, who had been left at Abingdon 
with a portion of the militia to defend the inhabitants of the county 
against any Indian invasion, at the earnest solicitation of tJie 
militia under his command, and wishing to give all possible strengtli 
to the expedition against Colonel Ferguson, on the 24th day of 
September left Abingdon with an additional two hundred men 
for the Sycamore shoals, and arrived on the 2Cth, just as the little 
army of mountaineers were preparing to march for the Carolinas. 
The approach of Colonel Arthur Campbell with the reinforcements 
and the effect that it had upon the army are best described in the 
words of a North Carolina historian: 

"When nearly ready to begin the march, the sound of approach- 
ing voices was heard once more. The camp was astir; unexpected 
visitors were discovered in the distance; nearer they came, and recog- 
nition was announced by a wild shout of joy, and Colonel Arthur 
Campbell led two hundred men into the camp. One thousand and 
fifty voices now made the welkin ring with their glad acclaim. Col- 
onel Campbell, fearing that there might not be men enough to 
secure certain victory, determined, after Colonel William Campbell 
liad left, to reinforce his strength. This being now done, he bade 
iiis men 'Godspeed' and a hearty 'goodbye,' and returned to his 
home again."* 

Thus it will be seen that the militia of Washington county were 
not only willing to go when required to' do so, but were anxious to 
strike a blow for their altars and their homes, and it is reasonable 
to suppose that, if the country had been free from the fear of an 
Indian war, twice four hundred men would have voluntarily accom- 
panied Colonel Campbell upon this expedition. 

Let us take a look at the little army of patriots assembled at the 
Sycamore shoals. This army was made up and commanded as 
fallows : 

Colonel William Campbell, 400 men 

Colonel Isaac Shelby, 240 men 

Colonel John Sevier, 240 men 

Colonel Charles McDowell and Andrew Hampton, .... 160 men 

The money to equip the North Carolina militia was obtained by 



*Schenk, N. C, 1780-1781. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 309 

Colonels Sevier and Shelby from John Adair, the North Carolina 
entrytaker, in Washington county, North Carolina; but the Vir- 
ginia militia under Campbell were equipped by the Washington 
county authorities and paid by the State of Virginia.. Every mem- 
ber of tliis little army, with but few exceptions, was dressed in the 
woolen clothes manufactured by his wife and daughters, and wore 
a fur-skin cap. 

A distinguished historian describes in such an interesting way 
the a])pearance of these mountaineers as they began their march, 
that I give his statements in regard thereto : 

"Their fringed and tassel ed hunting-shirts were girded in by 
bead-worked belts, and the trappings of their horses were stained 
red and yellow. On their heads they wore caps of coon-skin or 
Tninlv-skin, with the tails hanging down, or else felt hats, in each 
of which was thrust a buck's tail or a sprig of evergreen. Every 
man carried a small. bore rifle, a tomahawk and a scalping knife. 
\ very few of the officers had swords, and there was not a bayonet 
nor a tent in the army."* 

It would seem from the descriptions given by historians in speak- 
ing of this expedition, that the men were very poorly equipped, but, 
from an inspection of the records of this county, it will be found 
that the estates of the men killed at the battle of King's Mountain 
were valued very high, and that no part of their property was more 
valuable than their equipments at the time they were killed, a sam- 
ple of which is as follows ; appraised value :f 

"One blue broadcloth and linen jacket, £150 

"One pair of leather breeches, 75 

"One great coat, 150 

"One horse, 600 

"Every member of this little army was equipped with a Deckard 
rifle, aufl they were not only splendid horsemen but excellent 
marksmen; and by the warfare that they had been carrying on with 
the Indians they were accustomed to every kind of danger and 
hardship. They had oftentimes heard of the wrongs of their Whig 
kinsmen to the South ; not only from Colonels McDowell and 
Hampton and their men, but from General Clarke, of Georgia, and 
liis men, and they were determined, if possible, to prevent the 

*Winninp of the West. 
tCaptain Wm. Edmiston estate. 



310 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

advance of Colonel Ferguson to this side of the mountain^ and to 
rescue tlieir brethren to the South from their sad plight. 

"On the 26th day of the month Avhen they were ready to march, 
the men assembled in a grove, and there the Eev. Samuel Doak, a 
Presbyterian preacher, the pioneer clergyman of the frontiers, 
made a few remarks befitting the occasion, closing the same with the 
Bible quotation: 'The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.' And 
while these stern hardy men bowed their heads in reverence, this 
good man invoked on the expedition the blessings of the Lord. He 
recounted the dangers that surrounded his congregation from the 
savages in their rear and the British in their front; and reciting 
the promises of mercy contained in the word of their Grod, he 
earnestly prayed for protection to their families and success to 
those who were marching to defend their homes and liberty; and 
so effective were his prayers tliat tears stole down the cheeks of 
many of the rough and hardy mountaineers. After this the army 
mounted their horses and commenced their march for Soiith Caro- 
lina. The route pursued by these men upon this march is a matter 
of considerable interest to their descendants, and I give the route as 
described by Draper in his history of the 'Battle of King's Moun- 
tain.' 

"Leaving the Sj^camore shoals, they probably ate their dinner at 
Clark's mill on Gap creek, three miles from the shoals ; they thence 
passed up Gap creek to its head, where they bore to the left, cross- 
ing Little Doe river, passing on to the 'resting place' at the Shelv- 
ing Eock, about a mile beyond Crab Orchard and about tw^enty 
miles from the shoals, where they encamped for the night. At 
this place a number of their horses were shod by a man by tlic name 
of Miller. 

"The next morning they were delayed for some time in butchering 
several of their cattle, after which they passed on about four miles. 
Reaching the base of the Yellow and Eoan ]\rountains, they 
ascended the mountain, following Bright's trace, through a gap 
between Yellow mountain on the north and Eoan mountain on the 
soutli. When they had reached the table-land on top of the moun- 
tain, they found it covered with snow shoe-mouth deep, on the sum- 
rait of which there were about one hundred acres of beautiful table- 
land and a fine spring that ran over into the Watauga. In this field 
the soldiers were paraded under their respective officers and were 



Washington Connly, 117^-1810. 311 

ordered to discharge their rifles, and such was the rareness of the 
atmosphere that there was little or no report. This body of table- 
land is known as the 'Bald Place/ or 'the Bald of the Yellow.' 

"At this point two men from Colonel John Sevier's company 
deserted. 'V\w\v names were James Crawford and Samuel Cham- 
bei-s. It was suspected that they would make their way to Colonel 
Ferguson and infoi-m him of the coming of the ba(;k woodsmen, and 
this suspicion was correct. Upon the discovery of this fact, it was 
decided by the comnuiiulers that they would not pursue the route 
previously proposed, but would pass by a more northerly route, so as 
to coniuse Ferguson should ho send spies to make discoveries, 
Aft<>r they had refreshments they passed on down the mountain a 
few miles into Elk Hollow, a low place between the Yellow and 
lioan mountains, where, at a fine spring, they encamped for the 
night. On the 28th they descended Eoaring creek to the Korth 
Toe river, and thence down the Toe to a noted spring on the Daven- 
port place, since Tate's, and now known as Child's Place, where 
they probably rested, and thence down to the mouth of Grassy creek, 
where they encamped and rested for the night. On the 29th they 
passed up Grassy creek to its head, and over Blue Eidge at Gilles- 
pie's gap to Cathey's mill, where they camped. The country that 
they had passed through to this point cannot be excelled in roman- 
tic grandeur anywhere on earth. It was excellently watered, broken 
by high mountains and interspersed with beautiful valleys. A 
jSTorth Carolina historian, in speaking of this country, says: "If 
we were to meet an army with music and banners we would hardly 
aiotice it. Man and all his works and all his devices are sinking 
into insignificance. We feel that we are approaching nearer and 
nearer to the Almighty Architect. We feel in all things about us 
the presence of the great Creator. A sense of awe and reverence 
comrs over us, and we expect to find in this stupendous temple we 
are approaching none but men of pure hearts and benignant minds. 
But, by degrees, as we clamber up the winding hill, the sensation 
of awe gives way, new scenes of beauty and grandeur open upon our 
ravished visions, and a multitude of emotions swell within our 
lieai-ts!. We are dazzled, bewildered and excited, we know not how 
nor why ; our souls expand and swim through the immiensity before 
and around us, and our beings seem merged into the infinite and 
glorious works of God. This is the country of the fairies; and here 



312 Southwest Virginia, 17Jk6-1786. 

they have their shaded dells, their mock mountains and their green 
valleys, thrown into ten thousand shapes of beauty. But higher 
up are the Titian hills ; and when we get among them we will find 
the difference between abodes of the giants and their elfin neigh- 
bors/' 

At Cathey's mill the troops were divided, Campbell, with his 
men, following a trail six miles south to Wofford Fort, the others 
goicg to Honey Cut creek, at which point Colonel Charles McDow- 
ell, who had left the Sycamore shoals in advance of the troops to 
notify the Carolina Whigs of the coming of the mountain men, 
rejoined the army. And, on Saturday morning, the 30th day of 
September, the mountain men passed over Silver and Linville 
mountains in an easterly course, and down Paddie's creek to 
'■Quaker Meadows," where the fatted calf was killed and the moun- 
tain men regaled themselves in the beautiful valley. Soon thereafter. 
Colonel Benjamin Cleveland and Major Winston joined the moun- 
tain men with three hundred and fifty ISTorth Carolinians from the 
counties of Surry and Wilkes. 

It may be interesting to our readers to know that Surry county, 
iSrorth Carolina, joined Virginia on the south, and embraced that 
portion of North Carolina now included in the present counties of 
Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga and Mitchell, our nearest neighbors to 
the south. 

On Sunday morning, October 1st, the Whigs left "Quaker 
Meadows" with light hearts and eager footsteps, believing that they 
would soon be upon Ferguson and his corps. They rapidly advanced, 
passing Pilot mountain, and in the evening encamped in a gap 
of the South mountain, near where the heads of Cane and Silver 
creeks interlock each other, and on Monday they remained in camp 
for the day because of the rain that was constantly falling. On this 
day it was decided that it was necessary to have a military head to 
their organization, and Colonel McDowell was dispatched to General 
Gates, requesting him to send forward a general officer to take 
the command. The letter addressed by the officers to General Gates 
and forwarded by Colonel McDowell was as follows : 

Eutherford County, Camp near Gilberttown, 

October 1st, 1780. 

Sir : — We have now collected at this place about 1,500 good men, 
diawn from the counties of Surry, Wilkes, Burke, Washington and 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 313 

Sullivan counties in this State, and Washington county in Virginia, 
and expect to be joined in a few days by Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, 
and Colonel Williams, of South Carolina, with about 1.000 more. 
As M'" liave at this time called out our iniiitia wjthoiit any orders 
from the Executives of our ditferent States, and with the view of 
ex [jelling the enemy out of this part of the country, Ave think such a 
body o^' men worthy of your attention, and would reriue^t you to 
send a general otficer immediately to take the command of such 
troops as may embody in this quarter. Our troo'ps being all militia 
and but little acquainted with discipline, we would wish him to be 
a gentleman of address and able to keep up a proper discipline with- 
out disgusting the soldiery. Every assistance in our power shall 
be given the officer you may thinlc proper to take the command of us. 
It is the wish of such of us as are acquainted with G-eneral David- 
son and Colonel Morgan (if in service) that one of these gentlemen 
may be appointed to the command. 

Wo are in great want of ammunition, and hope you will endeavor 
to have us properly furnished with that article. 

Colonel McDowell will wait upon you with this, who can inform 
you of the ])resent situation of the enemy, and such other particulars 
respecting o\ir troops as you may think necessary. 

*We are, sir, your most obedient and very hiunble ser'ts. 
(Signed) BENJ. CLEVELAND, 

ISAAC SHELBY, 
JOHN LOED, 
AND'W HAMPTON", 
WM. CAMPBELL, 
JO. WINSTON. 

Isaac Shelby, in his old age, made the statement that Colonel 
McDowell was dispatched upon this mission for the purpose of dis- 
posing of his services, as he, by reason of his age, was too slow and 
too inactive for the command of such an enterprise as they were 
then engaged in, and this statement has been repeated by most his- 
torians. While it may be ti-ne, there can be no good reason for 
believing the statement, for, at this time. Colonel McDowell was 
only thirty-seven years of ago, was an active and very intelligent 



*( From original of "Gates papers" in'possession of the New York Historical 
society. ) 



314 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

man and liad seen a great deal of service, before tliat time, in his 
campaigns against tlie invaders. 

It is much more reasonable to believe that Colonel McDowell, 
being the commanding officer in the county where the army was 
then stationed and knowing the country well, of his own accord 
proposed to deliver this message to General Gates. Upon the depart- 
ure of Colonel McDowell the other colonels assembled and elected 
Colonel William Campbell, of Washington county, to command the 
whole, upon the suggestion of Isaac Shelby, who had, previously 
to this time, always from his earliest manhood t<iken orders from 
Colonel Cami)bell, who had served as an officer in the Continental 
army. 

On the morning of the r)th of Octol)er, the mountain men made 
]>reparations to march from their camp to the gap at South, moun- 
tain, expecting to find C*olonel Ferguson at Gilberttown and attack 
liim. Before l)eginning the march. Colonel Chn^eland requested the 
troops to form a circle, promising to tell them the news. After 
which, he came within the circle, accompanied by the other officers, 
and taking off his hat, addressed the troops as follows : 

"Now, my brave fellows, I have come to tell you the news. The 
enemy is at hand and we must up and at them. Now is the time 
for every man of you to do his country a priceless service, such as 
shall lead your children to exult in the fact that their fathers were 
the conquerors of Ferguson. When the ])ineh comes I shall be with 
you. But if any of you shrink from sharing in the battle and the 
glory, you can now have the opportimity of l^acking out and leaving; 
and you shall have a few minutes for considering tlie matter." 

After which Major McDowell and Colonel Shelliy made a fcM' 
remarks and requested all those who hesitated al)out going further 
to step back three paces to the rear Avhen the \\'ord was given. When 
the M'ord was given not one member of that army accepted the priv- 
ilege, but a shout went up from the assembled hosts when it was 
ascertained that there was not a coward or a slink in that little 
army. After this the army marched down Cane creek a few mile^; 
and encamped for the night. On the following day they reached a 
point near Gilberttown and ascertained that Ferguson, hearing 
of their coming, had retreated. 

Colonel Ferguson, upon hearing of the approach of the mountain 
men, dispatched two messengers to Comwallis, requesting assist- 



Washingion County, 1777-1S70. 315 

ancr at oiici^ and ist^iied the following })roclaiiiation to tho country: 
"(Jcntlemen: — Unless yon Avisli tn be eat np by an inundation of 
bailiariaus, who have begun by murdering an uiiarnied son before 
ail aged father, and afterwards hhpped off his arms, and who, by 
ilu^ir shocking crueltiis and irregularities, give the l)est proof of 
tbcir cowardice and want of disci])line ; I say, that if you wish to 
be i)inioned, roljbed aiul murdered, and see your wives and daugh- 
Ici-s in four days abused liy the dregs of mankind; in short, if you 
w isli to deserve to live and bear the name of men, grasp your arms 
ill a moment and run to cam]). The "^Back Water' men have 
I losscd the mountains; ]\rcl)owell, JIampton, Shelby and Cleve- 
land arc at their head, so that you know what you have to depend 
II poll. If yon choose to be degraded forever and ever by a set of 
iiioiigrrjs. say so at once, and let your women turn thoir backs upon 
you and look out for real men to protect them. 

PAT. FEEGUSON, 
Major 71st Regiment." 

lie then retreated to (Jreen river, where he gave out that he was 
retreating to Fort Ninety-six, South Carolina. He then proceeded 
to Dennard's Fort on Broad river, from which point he marche<l 
about four miles on the 2(] day of Octolier and lay on his arms all 
that night expecting an attack, and on the 3d day of October he 
marched to Tate's ])lace, where he sent the following message to 
Cornwall is : 

"My Tiord : — I am on my march to you by a road leading from 
Cherokee Ford, north of King's monntain. Three or four hundred 
good soldiers could finish this business. Somethitifj must be done 
soon. This is their last push in this quarter. 

"PATRICK FERGUSON." 

The position occupied by Ferguson at this time was sixteen miles 
northeast of King's mountain and thirty-five miles west of Char- 
lotte, the headquarters of Cornwall is. 

Tt swm>s that it wa.s the intiMition of Ferguson, when he began 
his retreat from Gilberttown to join Cornw^allis at Charlotte, with 
all possible speed, bnt, for some strange reason, he was impelled to 
march to the southwest, where he was to meet his destiny and lose 
his life. He reached King's mountain on the evening of the 6th 
of October, where he pitched his camp and made all necessary pre- 
jiarations to defend his position, and gave utterance to the follow- 



316 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

ing sacrilegious boast: "That he was on King's mountain, that 
he was king of that mountain, and God Almighty could not drive 
him from it." 

The position occupied by Comwallis and where the battle was 
fought, is in York county, South Carolina, about one and a half 
miles south of the State line. That portion of the mountain upon 
which the battle was fought was nothing more than an oblong hill 
or stony ridge, some six hundred yards long and about two hun- 
dred and fifty yards across from one base to the other, and from 
sixty to one hundred and twenty yards on the top, tapering to the 
south. "So narrow," says Mill's Statistics, "that a man, standing 
on it, may be shot from either side." The top of the ridge is about 
sixty feet above the level of the surrounding country. 

Many of the participants in the battle of King's mountain 
thought that they could see a resemblance to that battleground in 
the ridge south of and near to Abingdon, and to this they gave the 
name of King's mountain, which name it bears at the present time. 

The principal elevation on this range of mountains in South 
Carolina was about six miles from the battleground. 

We left the mountain men near Gilberttown, where they were 
informed that Ferguson had retreated some fifty or sixty miles in 
the direction of Fort Ninety-Six; which information greatly 
depressed them, but they determined to pursue, which they did 
immediately, as far as Dennard's Ford, where they lost the trail for 
awhile, but they proceeded to Alexander's Ford of Green river, 
where the officers determined to select their best men, best horses 
and best rifles, and to pursue Ferguson unremittingly and overtake 
him before he could receive reinforcements or reach any fort that 
would give him protection. The mountain men were for some time 
perplexed by the movements of Ferguson, and were unable to tell by 
what route he had fled, but soon ascertained from a Whig sympa- 
thizer, that Ferguson, on the evening of the 5th, had written a let- 
ter to Lord Cornwallis and had taken a position on the following 
day at King's mountain. 

The number of men selected on the night of the 5th of October, 
to make the forced march to overtake Ferguson, was about seven 
hundred, thus leaving behind about six hundred and ninety "men. 
The Carolina troops thus left behind, were in charge of Major 
Joseph Herndon, of Cleveland's regiment, and that portion of 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 317 

Campbell's regiment left behind were in charge of Captain William 
Neil. The men selected were all well mounted, while those left 
hehiud were not. But Colonel Campbell placed the Wasliington 
county troops in charge of an officer of much energy of character, 
to whom he gave directions to do everything in his power to expe- 
dite the march of the troops placed in his charge, by pushing them 
forward as fast as possible. 

Cam])bell, with the mounted men, started in pursuit of Ferguson 
on the morning of the Gtli of October, passing in a southerly direc- 
tion to the Sandy Plains, thence southeasterly to the Cowpens, 
about twenty-one miles, which point they reached shortly after sun- 
set, where they found Colonels Hill, Lacy, Williams and Graham, 
w ith their forces. On this day, they passed in the immediate vicin- 
ity of several large bodies of Tories, one of which numbered six 
hundred. "The riflemen from the mountains had turned out to 
catch Ferguson, and this was their rallying cry from the day they 
left the Sycamore shoals on the Watauga."* 

T'hey did not intend to be diverted from their object, and there- 
fore did not waste any time on the small parties along their way. 

Ensign Eobert Campbell, of the Virginia troops, in his diary says : 
"That he was dispatched with a party of eighty men to break up the 
party of six hundred Tories stationed near the Cowpens, but that 
they had moved before the mountaineers reached the Cowpens and 
could not be overtaken that night." 

Captain Colvill undertook to surprise this same company the 
following night, but met with no better success. 

While the troops were stationed at the Cowpens, a Whig spy, who 
was a crippled man, reported to the Whig chiefs, that he had visited 
the camp of Ferguson, and ascertained his plans, and that his forces 
did not exceed 1,500 men, which information encouraged the moun- 
tain men very much, but, as a matter of precaution, Enoch Gil- 
more, another spy, was sent out to gain the latest intelligence in 
regard to the movements of the enemy, which he did, and returned 
to the camp of the mountain men on the evening of the 6th. When 
the marcli was begun from tlie Cowpens on the evening of the 6th, 
tlie whole number of mounted men was 900, besides a squad of 
footmen numbering about fifty. 

The march from the Cowpens to King's mountain was made by 



*Draper's King's Mountain. 



318 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

night and there was a drizzle of rain falling during most of the 
time. Campbell's men lost their way, and, on the morning of the 
7th, it was ascertained that they were not more tlian five miles 
from the Cowpens, but they soon joined the main force and pushed 
rapidly forward in an easterly direction, passing the Cherokee Ford 
and on to Beason's where they halted for a short while and learned 
that Ferguson was only nine miles off and in camp. 

As Colonel Campbell rode off from this point, a girl followed, 
and, calling to him, asked: "How many of yon are there?" 
"Enough to whip Ferguson if we can find him," was the reply, 
whereupon the girl, pointing her finger in a direct line to King's 
mountain, said : "He is on that mountain." 

Several persons were captured between this point and Ferguson's 
camp, one of the number being a man by the name of John Pon- 
der, upon whose person was found a message from Ferguson to 
Comwallis imploring assistance. Another was Henry Watkins, a 
Whig, whom Ferguson had just released, and who gave the moim- 
tain men accurate information of Ferguson and his situation. 

At this point the mountain men were drawn up in two lines, two 
men deep. Colonel Campbell leading the right and Colonel Cleve- 
land the left, and proceeded on their march. When they came near 
to the mountain, they moved up a branch between two rocky knobs, 
beyond which the enemy's camp was in full view, 550 yards in 
front of them. This was at about 3 o'clock in the evening. Orders 
were given for the men to dismount and tie their horses, and to tie 
their blankets and coats to the saddles, and a few men were detailed 
to guard them. This was on the east side of King's creek, after 
which the order was given to the men, "Fresh prime your guns, and 
every man go into battle firmly resolved to fight till he dies." 

The army of Ferguson numbered about 1,100 men, the two 
armies being about equal in number, but there was a considerable 
difference in the motives which prompted them to fight. The Tories 
were fighting for the honor of their king. That was one and various 
other motives might be mentioned; while, on the other hand, the 
Wliigs fought for the liberty and independence of the American 
Colonies, for the tight to exercise their religious views without 
restraint and to protect their homes and families from unprincipled 
Tories and savage Indians. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 319 

Dr. Draper, in spcakin.u <>r Ihc \'ir<riiiia troops who participated 
in tJiis battle, says: 

■•Tliose men from the Ilolston under ('ampbell were a ]X!culiar 
people, somewhat of llic cliaraetcr of Croiinveirs people. They were, 
ahiiost to a man, J*reshyterians. In their homes in the Holston 
\ alley they wore sett h'd in ])retty compact congregations, quite tena- 
cious (.r their religious and civil liln-rties, as handed down from 
r.iilier to son from their Scotch-Irish ancestors. Their preacher, 
l.'ev. Cliarles Cunini.ings, was well fitted for the times; a man of 
j)iety and sterling patriotism, who constantly exerted himself to 
enc<niragv his })eo])le to make every needed sacrifice, and put forth 
ev(M-y i)ossihle exertion in defence of the liberties of their conntry. 
Tlx-y wei-e a remarkahle body of men, both physically and mentally. 
Inured to frontier life, raised mostly in Augusta and Rockbridge 
counties. Virginia, a frontier region in the French and Indian war, 
they eaily settled on the Holston, and were accustomed ^from their 
childhood to border life and hardships; ever ready at the tap of the 
drum to turn out on mjlitiiry service; in the busiest crop season, 
their wives, sisters and daughters could, in their absence, plant and 
sow and harvest. 

They were better educated than most of the frontier settlers and 
liad a more thorough understanding of the questions at issue 
between the Colonies and their mother country. These men went 
forth to strike their country's foes, as did the patriarchs of old, feel- 
ing assured that the God of battles was with them and that he would 
surely crown their efforts with success. They had no doubts nor 
fears. They trustt'd in God and kept their powder dry. Such a 
thing as a coward was not known among them. How fitting it was 
that to such a band of men should have been assigned, by Camp- 
Ix'lTs own g(W)(l judgment, the attack on Ferguson's choicest troops, 
his Provincial dangers. It was a happy omen of success, literally 
the forlorn hope, the right men in the right place." 

The two ai-uiies now confronted each other, the decisive moment 
was at hand, and the mountain men were eager to jiounce upon their 
]irey. 

Colonel Caiiipliell ari'anged his forces in two divisions, making 
each division as nearly equal as ])Ossible, the two divisions to sur- 
lound the mountain. Campbell was to lead the Virginians across 
the soutliern end of the ridge and southeast side, then Sevier's regi- 



330 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

ment and McDowell's and Winston's battalions were to form a 
column on the right wing, northeast of Campbell and in the order 
named, under the command of Colonel John Sevier. Shelby's regi- 
ment was to take a position on the left of the mountain, opposite 
to Campbell, and form the left center, Campbell's left and Shelby's 
right coming together, beyond Shelby was placed Williams's com- 
mand, including Brandon, Hammond and Candler, then the South 
Carolinians under Lacy, Hathorn and Steen, with the remainder 
of the Wilkes and Surry men under Cleveland, together with the 
Lincoln troops under Chronicle and Hambright. The regiments or 
companies in the order named surrounded the mountain; Campbell 
on the southeast, then Sevier, McDowell, Winston, Hambright, 
Cleveland, Lacy, Williams and Shelby. Campbell was to swing 
to the north the left of his column and Shelby to the 
south with his right wing, so that the two columns should 
cross the mountain at its southwestern extremity ; and when all the 
companies were in position to form a complete cordon around the 
mountain, which was to be drawn closer to the center as the battle 
progressed. Colonel Campbell, when everything was in readiness, 
visited in person every command in the little army, and said to 
the men : "That if any of them, men or officers, were afraid, to quit 
the ranks and go home; that he wished no man to engage in the 
action who could not fight. That as for himself he was determined 
to fight the enemy a week, if need be, to gain the victory."* 

He gave the necessary orders to his subordinate officers and placed 
himself at the head of his own regiment. 

Many of the men threw aside their hats, tying handkerchiefs 
around their heads so as to be less likely to be retarded by limbs and 
bushes when dashing up the mountain. 

The march began for the battleground, and when the mountain 
men were discovered by Colonel Ferguson, the shrill whistle used 
by him was distinctly heard, summoning his followers to arms; the 
battle drums were beaten and every preparation was made in the 
British camp for battle. 

A party of Colonel Shelby's men captured some of the enemy's 
pickets without firing a gun. 

In ordering the battle Colonel Campbell had directed each com- 
pany of his army to listen for the Indian "war whoop" from the 



*Draper's King's Mountains. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 321 

center column when everything was ready for the attack. When 
])eard, the army was to rush forward upon the enemy, doing all pos- 
sible damage and repeating the same "war-whoop." 

The first firing occurred in the vicinity of Shelby's men, and 
before they had taken their position for the battle, but, they were 
not permitted to return the fire, until they had gained their desig- 
nated position. Colonel Shelby directed his men to press on to their 
places and tJien their fire would not be lost. Colonel Campbell, 
about the time this firing began, taking his position in front of his 
men, threw off his coat and shouted at the top of his voice. "Here 
they are, my brave boys; shout like li — 1 and fight like devils !" 1'he 
woods immediately resounded with shouts of the line, in which they 
were heartily joined, first by Shelby's corps, and then the shouting 
was instantly caught up by the others along the two wings."* 

At tlio same time, Captain Andrew Colvill, of tlie Virginia troopt^, 
and ]\rajor i\Iicajah Lewis and Captain Joel Lewis, with their troops 
were directed by Colonel Campbell to charge the British main guard, 
about one half way up the spur of the mountain, which they did, 
and at tliis point, the first heavy fighting between the two armies 
t^ok place. 'J'hc cliarge was made by the mountaineers with such 
A Igor that the British guard was forced to retreat, leaving some of 
their men killed and wounded, and the Virginia troops lost Lieu- 
tenant Robert Edmiston and John Beattie of Colvill's company, 
killed, and Lieutenant Samuel Newell of this same company was 
wounded, but Newell secured a horse, wliich he mounted and 
returned to the conflict. At this time an incident occurred which 
is preserved, and is here given. 

One of the mountaineers came within rifle shot of a British sen- 
tinel before the latter perceived him. On discovering the Ameri- 
can, he discharged his musket and ran with all speed toward the 
cainp on the hill. This adventurous Whig, who had pressed for- 
ward considerably in advance of his fellows, quickly dismounted, 
leveled his rifle, firing at the retreating Briton, the ball striking 
him in the back of the head, when he fell and expired."* 

The position assigned to Colonel Campbell's men was the most 
difficult of ascent of any part on the ridge, being very rocky and 
steep, but they were not to be deterred by such obstacles, pressing 
up the mountain little ])y little until they had reached near the 



^Draper's King's Mountains. 



333 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

top of tlie hill, firing all the time. When they had reached this 
point Colonel Ferguson ordered his Eangers to charge the Virginia 
troops with fixed bayonets, which they did. The Virginia troops 
stood their ground for some time, but were forced to retreat down 
the mountain. Colonel Campbell and Major Edniiston, with the 
assistance of Lieutenant Newell, rallied the Virginia troops. Colo- 
nel Campbell led his men again to the conflict, and by constant 
and well-directed fire the Virginians drove the enemy back and 
reached the summit of the mountain, when the momitain was cov- 
ered with flame and smoke and seemed to thunder."* 

Colonel Shelby, in speaking of the conduct of the Virginians at 
this time, says : 

"Campbell, with his division, ascended the hill, killing all that 
came in his way, till, coming near enougli to the main l>ody of the 
enemy who were posted upon the summit, he poured in upon them 
a most deadly fire. The enemy, with fixed bayonets, advanced upon 
his troops, who gave way and went down the hill, where they rallied 
and formed again and advanced."! 

During this last attack Lieutenant Robert Edmiston, Jr., was 
wounded in the arm and sought shelter behind a tree, where John 
Craig bandaged his arm, when Edmiston exclaimed : "Let us at it 
again," and returned to the front as if he had not been wounded. 
A noted historian, in speaking of this incident, has said: "Of such 
grit was Campbell's Holston soldiers composed ; and as long as 
there was any fighting to be done for their country and they could 
stand upon their feet, they never failed to sliare largely in it." 
While Campbell's men wei-e engaged with the British Eangers, Colo- 
nel Shelby was pressing the enemy from tlie southwestern end of 
the mountain to such an extent that Ferguson \\'as forced to with- 
draw his Rangers from that quarter and to charge Shelby's column, 
which, in turn, were forced to retreat before tlie British Rangers, 
but they were rallied at the foot of the hill, when Shelby addressed 
his men as follows: "Now, boys, quickly reload your rifles, and 
let's advance upon them and give them another h — 1 of fire !"* 

Campbell's and Shelby's men were engaged for fully ten minutes 
before the other forces reached their position, after which time 
Ferguson and his forces were assailed from all quarters by the rifle- 



*Draper's King's Mountains. 

tCol. Shelby's letter to Col. Arthur Campbell, October, 1780. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 3^^ 

men, wlio, pressing np the ridge, protected themselves behind the 
trees, constantly firing on the British forces. 

Shortly after the opening of the battle it was discovered that a 
]iortion of Ferguson's forces had concealed themselves behind a 
chain of rocks at a very dangerous point, from which they snccess- 
I'ldly assaih^d the mountain men. 

Colonel Shelby directed Ensign L'obeit Campbell, with a com- 
pany of A'irginia troo])s, to move to the right and to dislodge the 
iiicu from tlicir position, wliich Campbell did, and led his men 
within forty steps of them, when he discO'Vered that the Virginia 
troops liad been driven down the hill. Then he gave orders to his 
men to post themselves opposite to the rocks and near to the enemy, 
while lie assisted in rallying Colonel Campbell's men, wliich orders 
were obeyed. Ensign Campbell's men keeping up such a deadly 
fire on the British, that Colonel Ferguson Avas compelled to order 
a strong force to assist the men placed among the rocks, but they 
wci'c coiii|K'll('(l to rriirc to another po,-;ition o-ii the moiinlaiii be- 
fore the close of the action. ^.Fhc batttle was now raging all around 
the mountain; the report of hundreds of rifles and muskets, the 
loud commands of the ofllcers, tlu^ Indian "\var-whoo])s" constantly 
given by the mountaineei's. and the shrill noise made by Fergu- 
son's wliistle, conspired to make a tumult never to be forgotten 
and seldom experienced by men. 

Colonel Lacy, with the South Carolinians; Major Chronicle, 
with his North Carolina forces; Colonels Shelby and Sevier, with 
the Holston forces; Colonel Cleveland, with his boys from Surry, 
and the otlier officers in this little army, magnificently vindicated 
in this conflict their claim to the title of patriots. When the 
British forces would attack any one command they would in turn 
be assailed by the mountain mon in tlu^'r roar and be foi'ced to 
turn upon their pursuers, but every charge and counter-charge 
saw Ferguson's ranks grow thinner and thinner, and the coil was 
drawn closer and closer around the top of the mountain. Ferguson 
and his forces were surronnded by the moimtain men, whose 
fire was so constant and deadly that it was with difficulty that the 
British officers could rally their men. The British troo]>s began 
to give way on the southeastern side of iln^ mountain, where they 
were hard pressed by Campbell and Shelby, and assailed in the rear 
by Cleveland, and on their flanks by McDowell and Winston. At 



''^5-i Snvtlnrr.'if Yin/ivia. nitG-llSS. 

this time two white fla,y>; were raised on the liritisli line, hut 
Ferguson iinmediately eut tluMii down, swearing that he would 
never surrender to sncli hundilti. Seeing, however, that he was 
wdiipped, with a few friends lie made an attempt to In-eak throiTgh 
the lines of the mountain men on the southeastern side of the 
mountain and make his escape, hut in making the effort he w^as 
shot through with six or eight hullets. When Ferguson attempted 
to make his escape a mountaineer l)y the name of Gilliland, wlio 
had been several times wounded, seeing his advance, attempted to 
fire his ii\m at him, but it snai)])ed, when he called upon Robert 
Young, a member of his eonipanv, saying to Idm: "There is Fer- 
guson; shoot him," to which Young replied: "ril trv and see 
Mhat Sweet Li]»s can do." whereu]wn' he discharged his rifle and 
Ferguson fell from his horse dead, and his friends \\i.^Y^^ driven 
back within the lines. Among the wounds received bv C^olonol 
Ferguson was one through the head. He received the fatal shot 
near Colonel John Sevier's company, and not far from the ])osition 
occupied by Ensign Robert Campbell, who had becMi directed bv 
("olonel Shelby to dislodge the F>ritish stationed Ix'hind a ledge of 
rocks as before detailed. 

The last conflict between (*olonel Campbell's men, assisted by 
Colonel Shelby's men, and the Ri'itish, lasted fully t^venty minutes, 
the contestants being not more than forty yards apart. This is 
said to have been the most hotly-contested part of the action. 

Colonel Cam]ibell at this time w^as some distance in front of 
his coni])any urging them on to victory, and while in this position 
he called to his men: "Boys, remember yonr liberty I Come on, 
come on ! my brave fellows ; another gun, another gun wdll do it ! 
I) — n them ; \\c must have them out of this."* 

\Yhile the l)ritish made a noble stand, they were driven to the top 
of the mountain to their wagons, from which position they w^ere 
driven immediately into a low place in the mountain, where they 
surrendered. Colonels Campbell and Shelby were ably assisted by 
the bravery of the men under Cleveland, Lacy and AVilliams, who 
kept up a vigorous attack from their position. Captain DePeyster, 
the next in command, upon the death of Colonel Ferguson, imme- 
diately hoisted the white flag and called for quarter, which flag was 
soon taken from his hand bv one of his officers on horseback and held 



*Draper's King's Mountains. 



WiisliiiK/loii ('oKiifi/. 1777-1S70. 325 

so lii.i^li that it could he seen all alonf^- tiic .Viiicrican line. This white 
flay' was not tlio onlv oiu' lioislcd in (he Bi'itisli army. At another 
point a Kritisli soldier was iiioiinted on a horse and directed to 
hold up a uliile liandkei'dud'. wliieli he did. and was immediately 
sjiot down l>y ('liarle> Txtwcn. a seeond soldier sutTerini;' the sanu- 
I'aie; l)ut upon a third atlempt Maj(M- I'lxan Shelhy received the 
fia^" and ]ii(nlaimed the ~uri<'iider. hul the mountain men who 
had heen scattei'ed in the hattle were continually coiniing uj) 
and continued to lii-e without compi-ehendins,- in the lieat of the 
moment wliat liad lia]ip(>ned.'"* and many others were ipiorant of 
the meaniniT of a wliite \\iiv: under' such ciicumstances, while others 
were aniicred at tln' loss of relati\'es and friends at and hefore this 
l)atth\ 

In the summei- of this year Colonel lUiford. in command of a 
iody of \'iri:iiiia I loops, had heen surprised and his commaiul cut 
to pieces hy Colonel Tai-leton at tlu' W'axhaws in Xoi'th Carolina; 
iiulord".- men, when >urrounded hy Tarleton's forces, hegged for 
(juarter. which Tarlelon declined to give, and they were cut to 
pieces withmit mercy. The cii-cumstances attending this slaughter 
wei'e well known to all the mountain nu'u engaged in the hattle 
of King's Mountain, and the word "Ihiford" had l)een adopted as 
the jtass-word hy the mountain men h(>fore engaging in this action, 
and when the British wei-e driven into the low gronnd hereto- 
fore descril)(>d, and were olTering to surrender, numhers of the 
mountain men were lieai'd to ciw out: "(xive them Buford's play!" 
and after the sui'rendcr the Americans continued to slaughter the 
British for some time, notwithstanding the elToi'ts of the Whig ofTi- 
'■cis |o pi-event the slaughtei'. 

Ahout this tiuu^ Colonel Camphell came running up, and, see- 
ing Andi'ew Mvans, a mend)ei- of his command, ahtnit to fire on the 
British, knocked his gun up. exclaiming: "Evans, for God's sake, 
don't slioot I it is murder to kill them now, for they have raised 
tlie flag." Camphell. as he i-ushei| along, repeated the order: 
"Cease fii-ingl l-'oi' (iod's sake, cease firing!" Cam])hell there- 
upon ordtMH^l Captain DePeyster. the r)i'iti>li ojlicc!', to dismount, 
calling out to the liritish forces: "Ollicers. iaid< hy yourselves. Pri- 
soners, take off vour hats ami sit down." The mountaineers wer^ 



*Dm]>T's Kiiifi's Mountains. 



326 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

directed to surround the prisoners in one continuous circle four 
deep. 

Colonel Campbell then proposed to his troops "three huzzas 
for lihcrtij." At this time a small squad of Tories, who had been 
sent bj Colonel Ferguson on a foraging expedition, returned to 
the mountain, and, not knowing of the surrender, fired upon the 
mountain men, killing Colonel Williams, of South Carolina. 
Colonel Campbell, acting upon his belief that Colonel Tarleton 
had arrived with his detachment, ordered the men of Colonels 
Williams' and Brandon's commands to fire upon the enemy, which 
they did, killing about one hundred of them, when the mistake 
was discovered, and the firing ceased. 

Colonel DePeyster delivered his sword to Colonel Campbell, 
while Captain Ryerson delivered his sword to Lieutenant Andrew 
Kincannon, of the Virginia forces. Colonel Campbell at this 
time was in his shirt sleeves, with his collar open, and when some 
of the Americans pointed him out as their commander the British 
officers at first, from his unmilitary plight, seemed to doubt it, but 
a nimiber of officers now surrendered their swords to him, and he had 
several -in his hands and under his arms. 

The battle was now ended after fifty minutes of hard fighting. 
Colonel Ferguson, the British commander, was killed, and the 
losses in his army were as follows : 

British Eangers. 

Killed, 30 

Wounded, 28 

Prisoners, 57 

Tories. 

Killed, 127 

Wounded, 125 

Prisoners, 649 

The killed and wounded in the army of the mountain men were 
thirty killed and sixty wounded. Colonel Campbell's regiment of 
Virginians from Washington county met with gi-eater losses than 
any other regiment engaged in this battle, the killed being: 

William Edmiston, captain. 

Eees Bowen, lieutenant. 

William Blackburn, lieutenant. 

Robert Edmiston, St., lieutenant. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 827 

Andrew Edmiston, ensign, 
llumberson Lyon, ensign. 
James Laird, ensign. 
WilJiam Flower, private. 
John Beattie, ensign. 
James Corry, ensign. 
Nathaniel Dryden, ensign. 
Nathaniel Gist, ensign. 
James Phillips, ensign. 
Thomas MeCulloch, ensign. 
Elisha Pepper, private. 
Henry llonnigcr, private. 

And the wounded wore as follows : 

James Dysart, ea])tain. 
Samncl Newell, lieutenant. 
Pobert Edmiston, Jr., lieutenant. 
JErederick Fisher, pi-ivate. 
John Scaggs, private. 
Benoni Penning, private. 
Charles Kilgore, private. 
William Bullon, private. 
Leonard Ilyce, private. 
Israel Hayter, private, 
and William Moore, private.* 

It is a faet worth rememl:)ering that in this contest thirteen offi- 
cers and three privates of the Virginia forces were killed, being 
more than one-half of all tlic killed in tliis battle, and that three 
officers and eighteen ])rivatcs were wounded, a little more than one- 
third of the men wounded in this battle; they were members of the 
Virginia companies. Another remarkable fact connected with this 
battle is that of the eight members of Colonel Campbell's regiment 
by the name of Edmiston three were killed and one wounded. 

Among the rocks where the Tories had posted themselves dur- 
ing this battle the bodies of eighteen Tories were found, all of 
wliom had been shot directly through the head. 

All the prisoners were placed under strong guard. The Whigs 
encamped for the night on the battleground with the dead and 



♦The names of ten privates wounded in this battle cannot be ascertained. 



338 Soiitlnrrsl Vinjivut. J7JfO-17Sn. 

wounded, and pa^^sed tlie ni,ulit amid (lie iii'oans and laiiicntalions 
of the wounded Tories. 

.V great qnantity of jjowdci-. It'a<l. shot and provisions were 
capiiired and ai)pr(ipi<)iated as a result of this hattle, and Fer- 
^i'usonV effects were divided among the officers, his sword being 
given to Colonel Sevier. Captain Joseph McDowell secured six 
of iiis china dinner plates and a small coffee cup and saucer; Colo- 
nel Shelby secnred his large sil\-ei' whistle, while a smaller whistle 
was obtained by Elias Powell, one of his soldiers: Colonel Sevier, 
his silken sash and lieutenant-coloners commission and DePey- 
ster s sword ; Colonel C^leveland, his riding horse ; Colonel Camp- 
bell, a portion of his correspondence; Samnel Talbot, of this 
county, I'enioved his dead body from the place where it lay, and 
secured his ])istol, which had dro])ped from his pocket. 

i)r. Draper has preserved several incidents relating to the sol- 
diers fi'oni this connty and their conduct in" this battle, which 
are here copied in full: 

"During the battle Captain \Villiam Edmiston, of Campbell'? 
regiment, remarked to John ]\IcCrosky, one of his men, that he was 
Udt satisfied with his position, and dashed forward into the hot- 
test part of the battle, and there received the charge of DePeys- 
ter's Hangers, discharged his gun, then clubbed it, and knocked 
the rifle out of the grasp of one of the Britons. Seizing him by 
the neck, he made him his prisoner and brought him to the foot 
of the hill. Peturning again up the mountain, he bravely fell 
fighting in fi'ont of his company near his beloved colonel. His 
faithful soldier, McCroskey, when the contest was ended, went in 
seai-cli of his captain, found him and related the great victorv 
gained, when the dying man nodded his satisfaction at the result. 
The stern Colonel Campbell was seen to l)rush away a tear, when 
he saw his good friend and heroic cajitain stretched u]ion the 
ground under a tree with one hand clutching his side as if to re- 
strain his life-blood from el)l)ing away until the battle was over. 
lie heard the sh.out of victory as his commander and friend grasped 
his other hand. He was past speaking; but he kissed his colonel's 
hand, smiled, loosed his feeble hold on life, and the Christian pa- 
triot went to his reward. 

"Lieutenant Pees Rowen, who commanded one of the companies 
of the Virginia regiment, was observed while marching forward 



Washington County, 1711-1810. 329 

to attack the cnciiiy. to make a iiazardoiis and unnecessary expos- 
ure of his person. Some friend kindly remonstrated with him: 
"Why, Bowen, do you not take a tree? why rashly present your- 
M'lf to tJic deliberate aim of llic I'i'oviiK'ial and Tory riflemen 
eoneealed behind every rock and bush before you? Death will in- 
evitably result if you persist. Take to a tree.' He indignantly 
replied : 'Xo I Xever shall it be said that I sought safety by hiding 
my person or dodging from a Briton or a Tory who opposed me in 
llie field.' A\'ell juid it \)qo\\ for liiiu and his country had he been 
more prudent. a.nd, as his superiors had advised, taken shelter 
wbenever it could be found, for he had scarcely concluded his 
i)rave utterance when a rifle ball struck him in the breast. He fell 
and expired. 

"An incident of an exciting character occurred near the close 
of the contest which very nearly cost the heroic Colonel Cleve- 
land his life. Charles BoAven, of Captain William Edmiston's 
eompany, of Camjjbell's regiment, vaguely heard that his l)rother 
Hees Bowen had been killed, and was much distressed and exas- 
perated in consof[uence. On the s]iur of the moment and withoiit 
due consideration of the danger he incurred he commenced a wild 
and hurried search for his brother, hoping he might yet find him 
in a wounded condition only. He soon came across his own fallen 
Captain Ivlmisiou shot in the head and dying, and. hurrying from 
one ))oint to another, lu' at length found himself within fifteen or 
twenty ])aces of the enemy and near to Colonel Cleveland, when he 
slip])ed behind a tree. 

"At this time the enemy began to waver and show signs of sur- 
rendering. Bowen ])r<miptly shot down the first man among them 
who hoisted a fiag. and immediately, av'; the custom was, turned his 
back to the tree to reload, when Cleveland a(l\anced on foot, sus- 
])«'ting from the wildness of his actions that he was a Tory, and 
demanded the countersign, which Bowen. in his half-bewildered 
state of mind had. for the time being. Toi-goiten. Cleveland, now 
confirmed in his conjectures, imnu'diately k'veled his rifle at Bow- 
v\\}^ breast and attempted to shoot, but. foi-tunately, it missed fire. 
Howen. eni'nii'i'd and perhaps bai'dly awaic of his own act. jumped 
at and seized Clevelaml by the collar, snatched his tomahawk from 
his bell, and would in another nioiuent have buried it in the colo- 
ncTs lirain> had not hi.- arm lieen arrested l)\ a soldiei' naiui'tl 



330 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Buchanan, who knew both parties. Bowen, now coming to himself, 
recollected the countersign and gave it "Buford/' when Cleveland 
dropped his gun and clasped Bowen in his arms for joy that each 
had so narrowly and unwittingly been restrained from sacrificing 
the other. This same author, in speaking of Campbell's regiment, 
says : 

"No regiment had their endurance and courage more severely 
tested than Campbell's. They were the first in the onset, the first 
to be charged down the declivity by Ferguson's Eangers, the first 
to rally and return to the cont(?st. Everything depended upon suc- 
cessively rallying the men when first driven do^^Ti the mountain. 
Had they become demoralized, as did the troops at Gates' defeat 
near Camden, and as did some of Greene's militia at Guilford, they 
would have brought disgrace and disaster upon the Whig cause. 
When repulsed at the point of the bayonet the well-known voice of 
their heroic commander bade them "halt!" Eeturn, my brave fel- 
lows, and you will drive the enemy immediately !" He was 
promptly obeyed, for Campbell and his officers had the full con- 
fidence and control of their mountaineers. They bravely faced 
about and drove the enemy in turn up the mountain. In these 
desperate attacks many a hand-to-hand fight and many an act of 
heroism occurred, the wonder and admiration of all beholders; 
but there were so many heroic incidents where all were heroes, 
that only the particulars of here and there one have been handed 
down to us. Ensign Eobert Campbell, at the head of a charging 
party, with singular boldness and address, killed Lieutenant Mc- 
Ginnis, a brave officer of Ferguson's Eangers."* 

There is a tradition in the Bowen family that Lieutenant Eees 
Bowen, when he received orders to march to King's mountain, took 
with him John Bowen, his son, a mefe boy, who participated in 
the battle and brought home to his mother his father's bloody shoes. 

A similar tradition in the Breckenridge family is to the effect 
that Alexander Breckenridge, a prosperous farmer living in the 
vicinity of Abingdon, was accompanied to this battle by his son, 
George Breckenridge, who was under fifteen years of age, and that 
he (George Breckenridge) took an active part in the battle. 

On the morning of October 8th, being Sunday, Colonel Camp- 
bell's army drew the British baggage wagons, numbering seventeen, 



*Draper's King's Mountain. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 331 

across their camp-fires, where they were burned, and, with all the 
provision that they could possibly carry, they began their return 
march for the mountains with all expedition possible, fearing the 
arrival of Colonel Tarleton, encumbered as they were with so many 
prisoners and such a quantity of captured stores. The prisoners 
were required to carry their own arms, as the Whigs had no other 
means of conveyance. 

The report was current in the camp, upon the morning the 
army started on its return, that Colonel Tarleto-n would attempt 
a rescue of the prisoners, numbering more than six hundred, and 
it is stated by a distinguished Englishman, who was at that time 
a prisoner, that before the troops moved Colonel Campbell gave 
orders to his men that should they be attacked on the march they 
should fire on and destroy the prisoners; but it is exceedingly 
doubtful whether such orders were ever given. 

Colonel Campbell, with a party of men, remained behind to 
bur}' their dead countrymen, and he directed the British prison- 
ers to bury their dead. Tlie British dead were interred in two 
pits — one a very large one, in which the Tories were laid side by 
side; the otlier a smaller one, in which doubtless the men of Fer- 
guson's corps were buried."* 

The army marched that day twelve miles and encamped on the 
eastern bank of Broad river. The next day they marched up Broad 
river and encamped on the northern bank of Boran's river, and 
on the succeeding Friday Colonel Campbell issued an order di- 
recting that all the wounded soldiers who were not able to march 
should l)e iilaced by the companies to which they belonged at the 
most suitable place they could find, which was done. The army 
thereafter moved much more rapidly, encamping the evening of 
that day at Bickerstaff's Old Fields, where on the 14th Colonel 
Campbell issued a general order dejiloring the many desertions 
from the army and the felonies committed, by those who had 
deserted, on the poverty-stricken people of the country, and appealed 
to the o.flficers vmder his command to suppress the bad practice. 

While in camp at this point the officers from ISTorth and South 
Carolina made complaints to Colonel Campbell that there were 
among the prisoners a number of u\en who were robbers and 
assassins; whereupon, Colonel Camplx'll ordered the convening of 



^Draper's Kin;i's Mountains. 



332 Soutliwcst Virginia, 17Jf6-17SG. 

a court-martial to examine into tJie complaints. A copy of the 
law of Xorth Carolina was oljtained, which authorized a trial of 
persons charged with such offences by a jury summoned by two 
iiuiiiistrates, and directed their execution if found guilty. The 
court-martial composed of the field officers and captains, assembled 
and conducted their meeting in an orderly manner. Witnesses 
were examined in every case, and, during the day, thirty-six men 
were tried and found guilty of murder, robbery and other offence.-, 
and sentenced to 1)e hanged, and on the evening of the same day, 
an oak tree which stood near the camp l)y the road side was 
selected as a pro])er place to execute the orders of the court. The 
]>risoners were brought out, surrounded by the .Whig troops four 
deep, after which, the hanging Ix'gan. Three were hanged at ;i 
time, until nine of the condemned men had been executed. Then 
a young man by the name of Baldwin, a l)rother of one of the 
criminals, approaclied, and, placing his arms around his l^rother, 
who was about to I)c hanged, wej^t as if his heart would l)reak, and, 
while doing so, cut the cords that bound his brotlier, who darted 
through tlie 1)ody of men and escaped, every man being so mucli 
affected l)y tlie actions of young Baldwin that not one ]uan 
attempted to^ recapture or take his brother. At this ]wint Colonel 
Shelby interposed and proposed that the executions should cease, 
and the rest of the thirty-six condemned criminals escaped hang- 
ing, being pardoned by Campbell, the commanding officer. 

The Tory leaders who were hanged at Bickerstaft' were left 
swinging to the oak tree on which they were executed, l)ut, on th<' 
following day, after tlie departure of Campbell's forces, an elderly 
lady li\ing in the community, with the assistance of one man, cut 
tlie bodies down aud had them buried. 

Tlie march of the mountaineers began on the 15th of Octo1)ei-. 
and, after a hard day's march, through a constant down]wur of 
rain, they reached "Quaker Meadows," the home of Major McDow- 
ell, having traveled tliirty-two miles; M'here the troops were tol- 
erably well provided for. At this point on the following day, it 
was agreed that Colonel Lacy with his men should return to South 
Carolina, while the regiments of Colonels Sevier and She]l)y, with 
that portion of Colonel Camp1)eirs regiment that were on foot, were 
directed to take the mountain trail and return to their homes. The 
gi'eater portion of Campbell's regiment, with Cleveland, Winston 



]Vashiti(/lon Coiinfi/. 1777-1870. ^3?i^^ 

.111(1 McDowell and tlieii- Xoiili Carolina tr<)0[»s. docidod to i-emai)i 
ill till' sorvieo and act as a ouard to the prisoners. Fiom "Quakor 
Meadows."" ( "aiii|il)eirs troops with tlu'ir ])risoners, luarelKx] several 
days in the direction of 1 1 illshorouoh, arrivin<;- at Ilaygood's ])lan- 
tation on l>riar creek, where ('oh)nel Canipbell discharged a portion 
of Ids men; from which point, on the '^Oth, he addressed a letter 

j to his hrother-in-hnv. Colonel Ai'tlmr Cainphell, gi\ing him an 

■ account of the hattle. which letter is as follows: 

Wilkes county. Cam]) on Briar Creek, October "^O, 1780. 
Dear Sir: — Ferguson and his party are no more in circumstances 
to injure the citizens of America. 

^^'e came up with him 'in Craven county. South Carolina, posted 
on a height called ]\ing"s mountain, about twelve miles noi-th of the 
Clu'rokec foi-d of Broad river, about two o'clock in the evening of 
the 7th instant, we having marched the whole night l)efore. 

Colonel Shell)y"s regiment and mine began the attack, and sus- 
tained the whole fire of the enemy for about ten minutes while the 
othei' ti'oops wei'c forming around the height upon w hich the enemy 
were |)osted. The tiring then became genei'al and as heavy as vou 
tan conceive for the number of men. The advantageous situation 
of the enemy — being on top of a steep I'idge — obliged us to ex]iose 
ourselves e.\ce(>dingly. and the dislodging of them was efpial to 
driving them fi-om strong breast-works; though, in tlie end, ^^'e 
gained the point of the ridge, where my regiment fought, and drove 
them along the sunnnit, nearly to the other end, where Colonel 
Cleveland with his country men were. There they were drove into 
a huddle, and the gi-eatest confusion. 'I'he flag for a sui'render 
was immediately hoisted : and as soon as the troops could be noticed 
of it. the tiring ceased, aiul the sui'vivors surrendered themselves 
pi'isoners at disci'rtion. 

The \ictor\- was complete to a wish. My i-egiment has suffered 
n\ore than an\' other in the action. 1 must ])rocee(l with the ])ri- 
soners until 1 can soiiu' way dispose of them. Probably I may 
go to Kichmonil in \'ii-ginia. I am, &c.. 

\\M. CAMPr.KLL. Cot,. Com. 

From Briar creek the army ])roceeded by slow marches, by Salem 
to Bethabara. a ^[oravian village, a large majority of tlie inhab- 
itants of which wrvv T(M-ies. Wliile stationed at this point. Col- 



334 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

onels Campbell, Cleveland and Shelby made their oflBcial report oJ; 
the battle of King's mountain, which report is as follows : 

"A statement of the proceedings of the western army, from the 
25th day of September, 1780, to the reduction of Major Ferguson 
and the army under his command. On receiving intelligence that 
]\rajor Ferguson had advanced up as high as Gilberttown, in Euth- 
erford county, and threatened tO' cross the mountains to the west- 
ern waters. Colonel Campbell, with 400 men from Washington 
county, Virginia, Colonel Isaac Shelby with 240 men from Sul- 
livan county, i^orth Carolina, and Lieutenant-Colonel John 
Sevier with 240 men from Washington county. North Caro- 
lina, assembled at Watauga on the 25th day of September, 
where they were joined by Colonel Charles McDowell, witli 
160 men from the counties of Burke and Eutherford, who 
had fled before the enemy to the western waters. We be- 
gan our march on the 26th, and on the 30th we were joined by 
Colonel Cleveland on the Catawba river, with 350 men from the 
counties of Wilkes and Surry. No one officer having properly a 
right to command in chief, on the first day of October we dispatched 
an express to Major General Gates, informing him of our situation, 
and requested him to send a general officer to take command of the 
whole. In the meantime Colonel Campbell was chosen to act as 
commandant till such general officer should arrive. We marched to 
the Cowpens, on Broad river in South Carolina, where we were 
joined by Colonel James Williams, with 400 men, on the evening of 
the 6th of October, who informed us that the enemy lay encamped 
somewhere near the Cherokee ford of Broad river, about thirty 
miles distant from us. By a council of the principal officers, it 
was then thought advisable to pursue the enemy that night with 
900 of the best horsemen, and leave the weak horse and footmen 
to follow as fast- as possible. We began our march with 900 of the 
best horsemen about eight o'clock the same evening, and marching 
all night came up with the enemy about three o'clock, P. M., of the 
7th, who lay encamped on the top of King's mountain, twelve 
miles north of the Cherokee ford, in the confidence that they would 
not be forced from so advantageous a post. Previous to the attack, 
on the march, the following disposition was made : Colonel Shelby's 
regiment formed a col unm in the center on the left ; Colonel Camp- 
bell's regiment another on the right; part of Colonel Cleveland's 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 335 

regiment, headed in front by Major Winston, and Colonel Sevier's 
regiment formed a large column on the right wing; the other part 
of Colonel Cleveland's regiment, headed by Colonel Cleveland him- 
self, and Colonel Williams' regiment, composed the left wing. In 
this order we advanced, and got within a quarter of a mile of the 
enemy before we were discovered. Colonel Shelby's and Colonel 
Campbell's r(?gimcnts began the attack, and kept up a fire while the 
right and left wings were advancing to surround them, which was 
done in about five minutes; the greatest part of which time a heavy 
and incessant fire was kept up on both sides ; our men in some parts, 
where the regulars fought, were obliged to give way a small dis- 
tance, two or three times, but rallied and returned with additional 
ardor to the attack. The troops upon the right having gained the 
summit of the eminence, obliged the enemy to retreat along the 
top of the ridge to where Colonel Cleveland commanded, and were 
there stopped by his brave men. A flag was immediately hoisted by 
Captain DeP oyster, their commanding officer (Major Ferguson 
liaving been killed a little before), for a surrender, our fire imme- 
diately ceased, and the enemy laid down their arms, the greatest 
part of them charged, and surrendered themselves to us prisoners 
at discretion. 

It appeared from their own provision returns for that day, found 
in their camp, that their whole force consisted of 1,125 men, out 
of which they sustained the following loss: Of the regulars, one 
major, one (-aptain, two sergeants, and fifteen privates killed; 
thirty-five privates wounded, left on the ground not able to march. 
'J'wo captains, four lieutenants, three ensigns, one surgeon, five 
sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, and forty-nine privates 
t^iken prisoners. Loss of the Tories : two colonels, three captains 
and 201 privates killed ; one major and 127 privates wounded, and 
left on the ground, not able to march; one colonel, twelve cap- 
tains, eleven lieute:aants, two ensigns, one quartermaster, one adju- 
tant, two commissaries, eighteen sergeants and 600 privates taken 
prisoners. Total loss of the enemy, 1,105 men, at King's mountain. 
Given under our hands at camp. 

(Signed) WM. CAMPBELL, 

ISAAC SHELBY, ; 

BENJ. CLEVELAND. 



336 Soidhii-('s[ Vinihiht. lUtG-llSii. 

*T]ie number of men enniposinii- the ai-my of the mountain men 
on this expedition Avas as follows: 

From Washington eounty, \'a.. under Colonel Wni. Campht'U, 4(»(l 

From Sulli\an eounty. X. ('.. undei- Colonel Isaac Shelby 240 

From Washington eounty. N. ('.. under Colonel John Sevier.. . 240 
F]-()m Ihirke and IJiitherroid, X. ('.. under Colonel Chailes 

McDowell Kid 

From Wilkes and Surry. X. C.. under Colonel Cleveland and 

]\[ajor John Winston. ;).")0 



1,350 

The official re])ort of the killed and wounded in the army of 
the mountain men. as imblishtHl at the time and now on file with the 
(iates" ])a])ers in the X'e\\- York Historical Society, gives the killed 
and wounded as follows: 

liETUKx or Killed and Wounded. 





KILLED. 


WOUNDED 




REfilMENTS. 


s 





a 
o 


1 
3 


5 


03 


> 


-2 


3 
o 


.?- 

1 


a 

3 


3 


d 

be 

d 


33 


a > — 
> 1 2 
"C 1 z 


o 
£ 



Campbell's ! 




'h 


4 ... 


5 
4 


12 

4 






1 


3 






17 
4 
8 

10 


21 

4 

,S 
13 


SR 


McDowell's . 
Thomas' . . 






S 








1 














s 


Cleveland's i 






1 


8 


s 




1 


2 








''1 


Shelby's 






1 






















2 


2 
1 














10 
8 


10 
H 
3 


^'>. 


Hayes' 




1 


















t 


Brannon's. . . 




..J...I... 


















3 


Col Williams' 


1 




; 1 






1 

28 














1 












19 





1 


T 


3 




■5 


fi2 




Total 1 


1 


1 1 •> 


4 




1)0 















It will be seen that this report is imperfect in this, that it does 
not rc]wrt the killed and wounded in Colonel Shelby's regiment, 
and, in addition thereto, it is known to imperfectly state the killed 
and W(Mnuled in C^olonel Cam])beirs regiment. 

On the 2()th day of October. Colonel Cam])bell issued an order 
appointing ("olonel CU'veland to the command of the troop.- then 
encam])ed at Ik'thabara, after which. Colonels Campbell and Sl.clby 



*Foote's Sketches, N. C, page. 206 



Washing 1 071 County, 1777-1 S70. 337 

roi)<nrc'(I to (Ji'iU'ral (JntcsV <;iiii]) at 11 illshorou^'Ii, Colonel SliclUv 
to oiW^v tlic services of ii iiuiiihi'r of inoiinfain men under ^lajor 
McDowell, to sei've under (Jeneral M(ii\i:an. The ohjeet of Colonel 
CanipbelTs \isit is liest stated in a leilei' written l)V liini to (Jo\- 
ernor Jcirerson from lIillsl)oi'ou,uh. wliieli letter is as follows: 

'"ilillslun-ough, October 31, 1780. 

■•Sir.--I came to this place last nii;iit to. receive General Gates' 
('ii-ect ions how to dispose of the prisoni'i's taken at King's moun- 
tain, in the State of South Cai'olina, upon the 7th instant. Ho has 
ordei-ed them to he taken over to ]\Iont,uomery coTinty, where they 
are to he >^ecured under proper _i;iiards. (ieneral Gates transmits 
to your Kxcellency a state of the proceedings of our little party to 
the westward. 1 flatter myself we have nuich relieved that part of 
the country from its late distress. 

"i am, youi- I'Acellency's most obedient and very hnmblc servant, 

"WILLIAM CAMPBELL." 

General Gates directed Colonel William I'resto]\ to prepare a 
))roj)er place for the reception and care of the prisoners, but Colonel 
Prt>^ton immediately answered (Jeneral Gates, informing him that 
the Lead .Mines would be an iinsafe place for the prisoners, as a 
large ])oi'tion of the inliabitants of ^[ontgomery county were dis- 
atfected. and ad\ised General (iates to send the prisoners to Bote- 
tourt county. General (Jates, u}>on receipt of Colonel Preston's 
letter, was in doubt as to the ])ro])er disjjosition of the prisoners, 
and Colonel Campbell advised him to semi the ])risoners north to 
Washington's army, whii-h idea (Jeneral (Jates ])artially a})])roved, 
and directed Colonel Cam])bell to proceed to IJichminul witii dis- 
j)atches to (Jovei'uor JetlVrson on the subject, which matter was re- 
fei'i-ed to the Congress of the L^nited States by Governor Jefferson, 
and tliat l)ody, on the 20th of Xovembcr, expressed it as their 
opinion that tlie governors of the several States whose citizens were 
n\imbei-ed among the prisoners should make such orders respecting^ 
the prisoners as the public security and the laws of the respective 
States may recpiire. .\cting under this recommendation of Con- 
gress, that portion of the prisoners that had not previously thereto 
escaped were either paroled or enlisted in the militia of the States 
of Xorth and South Carolina. 

(Jovernor Jefferson, upon receipt of General Gates' report of the 



338 Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-l786. 

battle of King's mountain, transmitted the same to the Congress 
of the United Colonies, which bod}^, on the 15th of November, 
adopted the following resolution: 

"Nov. 13, 1780. 

"A letter of the 7th from Governor Jefferson was read, inclosing 
a letter of the first from Major-General Gates with a particular 
account of the victor}^ obtained by the militia over the enemy at 
King's mountain, on the 7th of October, last, whereupon Eesolved : — 

"That Congress entertain a high sense of the spirited and mili- 
tary conduct of Colonel Campbell and the officers and privates of 
the militia under his command, displayed in the action of October, 
7th, in which a complete victory was obtained over superior num- 
bers of the enemy advantageously posted on King's mountain, in 
the State of S. Carolina, and that this resolution be published by 
the commanding officer of the southern army, in general orders." 

On the 15th of tlie same month the Senate of Virginia passed 
the following resolutions : 

"Eesolved, neinine contraclircnic, that the thanks of this House 
are justly due to Colonel William Campbell, of Washington county, 
and the brave officers and soldiers under his command, who, with 
an ardor truly patriotic in the month of September last, without 
waiting for the call of Government, voluntarily marched out to 
oppose the common enemy, at the time making depredations on the 
frontiers of North Carolina, and on the seventh day of October, by 
a well-timed, judicious and spirited attack, with a force inferior 
to tJiat of Major Ferguson's, then advantageously posted on King's 
mountain, with upwards of eleven hundred men, and by a perse- 
verance and gallantry rarely to be met with, even among veteran 
troops, totally defeated the whole party, whereby, a formidable and 
dangerous scheme of the enemy was effectually frustrated." 

On the 10th day of November the Legislature of Virginia 
adopted the following resolutions: 

"Eesolved that the thanks of this House be given to Colonel 
William Campbell, of the county of Washington, and the officers 
and soldiers under his command, who spontaneously equipped 
themselves, and went forth to the aid of a sister State; suffering 
distress under the invasion and ravage of the common enemy, and 
who, combined with some detachments from the neighboring 
States, judiciously concerted and bravely executed an attack on 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 339 

a party ol tlie cucinj commanded by Major Ferguson, consisting 
of about 1,105 men, British and Tories, strongly posted on King's 
mountain, whereby, after a severe and bloody conflict of upwards 
of an hour, the survivors of the enemy were compelled to surren- 
der themselves prisoners of Avar; and that Colonel Campbell be re- 
quested to communicate the contents of this resolution to the gal- 
Innt officers and soldiers who composed his party." 

Joseph .Tones, Kichard Henry Lee and Colonel William Fleming 
wore appointed a committee to comiuunicate the foregoing vote 
of tlianks to Colonel Campl»oll, wliich they did, to M'hich Colonel 
Campbell was pleased to return the folloAving answer: 

'"'Gentlemen, — I am infinitely happy in receiving this public tes- 
timony of the approbation of my country for my late services in 
South Carolina. It is a reward far above my expectations, and 1 
('sti'om it the noblest a soldier can receive from a virtuous people. 
Through you, gentlemen, I wish to communicate the high sense 
1 hnvo of it to the Plouse of Delegates. I owe, under Providence, 
much to the brave officers and soldiers who served with me; and I 
shall take the earliest opportunity of transmitting the resolve of 
\iiiir House to them, who, I am persuaded will experience all the 
honest, heartfelt satisfaction, 1 feel myself on this occasion." 

Upon the receipt of Colonel Campbell's answer, the General As- 
sembly of A'^irginia adopted tlie following resolution : 

"Ordered that a good horse, with elegant furniture, and a 
sword, be purch.ased at the public expense and presented to Gen- 
eral CaTupbell, as a farther testimony of the high sense the Gen- 
ial Assembly entertain of his late important services to his coun- 
try." 

This resolution was not carried into execution in the lifetime 
of Colonel Campbell, but the horse and sword were afterwards pre- 
sented to William C. Preston, a grandson of Colonel Campbell's, 
and United States Senator for many years from South Carolina. 
'I'he gratitude of the people of Virginia to Colonel Campbell and 
his brave men for the great service they had rendered their country 
was unbounded, and the General Assembly of Virginia exhausted 
every resource in their power to make evident the gratification of 
the people. 

On the 14th of June, 1781, the General Assembly of Virginia 
adopted the following resolution : 



340 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

".Resolved, that Wm. Campbell, Esq., be appointed a Brigadier- 
General in the militia of this Commonwealth, and the Governor 
elect do commission him accordingly." 

And on the 22d of November, 1783, after the death of General 
Campbell, tlie General Assembly adopted the following resolution: 

"Eesolved, That after the lands given by law as bounties to the 
officers and soldiers shall be surveyed and laid oif, five thousand 
acres of the surplus be granted to Charles Campbell, in considera- 
tion of the meritorious services of his late father. General Camp- 
bell/' 

And on the 9th day of December, 1780, the General Assembly 
adopted the following resolution : 

"Resolved, That the Governor be directed to forward to Wash- 
ington county, thirty bushels of salt and six hundred pounds cash, 
toi be by the court of that county distributed among the widows and 
orphans of the slain and woimded officers and soldiers of the corps 
that fought at King's mountain, in such proportion as by the said 
court may be judged proper." 

It is doubtful whether there is another county in this Union, 
whose citizens, either voluntarily or by command of the govern- 
ment, rendered such valuable services to their country in a time of 
imminent danger, as did the citizens of Washington county upon 
this occasion, and yon may search history in vain for another 
instance in w'liich the government of this Union or of any State 
has shown such gratitude to the actors. 

Thomas Jefferson, in speaking of this expedition in after years, 
said : "I well remember the deep and grateful impression made on 
the mind of every one by that memorable victory. It was the joy- 
ful annunciation of that turn in the tide of success wliich term- 
inated the Revolutionary war with the seal of our independence." 

And America's greatest historian, in speaking of this expedition 
and its effect upon the public mind, said: 

"The victory at King's mountain, which, in the spirit of the 
American soldiers was like the rising at Concord, in its effect like 
the success at Bennington, changed the aspects of the war. The 
loyalist no longer dared to rise. It fired the patriots of the two 
Carolinas with fresh zeal. It encouraged the fragments of the 
defeated and scattered American army to seek each other and 
organize themselves anew. It quickened the Legislature of North 



Washington County, 1171-1870. 341 

Ca!i)lin;i to cai'iu'st elTorts. It cnconmgod A'irginia to devote her 
rc^sourcos to the country south of her border." 

'i'lie aj)pearanee on tlie frontiers of a numerous enemy from 
settlements beyond tl:e moimtains, whose very names had been 
unkno\\n to the British, took Cornwallis by surprise, and their suc- 
cess; was fatal to his intended expedition. He had hoped to step 
with ease from one Carolina to the other and from those to the con- 
quest of Virginia, and he had now no other clioice but to retreat."* 

Before closing this account, it is l)ut proper that there should be 
given an incident connected with one of Washington county's brave 
soldiers, Avho lost a leg and who was badly wounded in liis arm in 
this battle. 

"Among the wounded loft l)y GcMieral Campbell at Bicker- 
staff was William ]\roore. r^pou the i-etiirn of the Virginia troops 
to ilirii' homes, information was impai'tcd to "i\loor(>"s wife of the 
wounding of her husbaiul. the lira\f part he had taken in the action 
and the disjiosition made of liiin at ilickerstan', whereupon, she 
immediately mounted her lioi'se and. alone, travch'd in the month 
of Novemlier the long and dangei-oiis road fi-om her liome in the 
up])er end of this county to Bickerstalf in North Carolina, where 
she found her hu^^band, nursed him back to health and strength, 
and bi'oiight him back to his Iiomo. wliei'e lie li\e(| an honored life 
until the year 182G. 

Tradition says that he was an elder in the Ebbing Spring Pres- 
byterian church, and that foi' many veais l)ef(U'e Ids death he con- 
stantly attended his cliurch ; and, at every meeting, immediately 
upon the conclusion of the services, he wmiM take Ins position, upon 
his crutch, at the entrance to the church, and I'eceivc the contribu- 
tions of the people. Many of the descendants of William Moore 
and his wife, who was equally as l)rave as he, at the pi-esent time 
live in the upper end of this county and are luunbered among our 
best citizens. 

At the time Colonel Campbell decided to join the expedition 
against Colonel Ferguson, he was making the necessary prepara- 
tions for an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, under orders 
from Governor Jefferson, which orders were as follows ; 

i^ *BaDcroft. 



342 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

In Council, June 23, 1780. 

Sir: — Orders have been sent to the county lieutenants of Mont- 
gomery and Washington, to furnish 250 of their militia to proceed 
in conjunction with the Carolinians against the Chickamoggas. 
You are hereby authorized to take command of said men. Should 
the Carolinians not have at present such an expedition in contem- 
plation, if you can engage them to concur as volunteers, either at 
their own expense or that of their State, it is recommended to you 
to do it. Take great care to distinguish the friendly from the hos- 
tile part of the Cherokee nation, and to protect the former while you 
severely punish the latter. The commissary and quartermaster in 
the Southern department is hereby required to furnish you all the 
aid of his department. Should the men, for the purpose of dis- 
patch, furnish horses for themselves to ride, let them be previously 
appraised, as in cases of impress, and for such as shall be killed, die 
or be lost in the service without any default of the owner, payment 
shall be made by the public. An order was lodged Avith Colonel 
Preston for 1,000 poimds of powder from the lead mines for this 
expedition; and you receive herewith an order for 500 pounds of 
powder from Colonel Fleming for the same purpose, of the expendi- 
ture of which you will render account. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

THOMAS JEFFERSON.* 

Colonel Campbell, in his certificate heretofore given, states this 
to have been his authority for taking his men upon the expedition 
against Ferguson. 

Upon the return of Colonel William Campbell and his forces 
from King's mountain, Colonel Arthur Campbell, the coimty lieu- 
tenant of Washington county, immediately proceeded to organize 
and carry on the expedition against the Cherokees, as directed by 
Governor Jefferson. Upon his return from this expedition, on the 
15th of January, 1781, he made a report to the Governor of Vir- 
ginia, which is so full and complete, that I here give it in the words 
of Colonel Arthur Campbell: 

"Sir: — The militia of this and the two western North Carolina 
counties have been fortunate enough to frustrate the designs of the 
Cherokees. On my reaching the frontiers I found the Indians 



*Gibb's Doc. His. of the American Revolution, Vol. 2. 



Washington County, 1777-1 S70. 343 

meant to annoy us by small parties^ and carry off horses. To resist 
llieni effectually, the apparently best measure was to transfer the 
war, without delay, to their own Ijorders. To raise a force suffi- 
cient and provide them with provisions and other necessaries seemed 
to be a ^\■ork of time that would be accompanied with imcommon 
difficulties, especially in the winter season; our situation was cri- 
tical, and nothing Imt an extraordinary effort could save us and 
disappoint the views of the enemy; all the miseries of 1776 came 
fresh into remembrance, and, to avoid a like scene, men flew to their 
arms and went to the field. The Wattago men, under Lieutenant 
Sevier, first marched to the amount of about three hundred. The 
militia of this with that of Sullivan coimty made 400 more. The 
place of rendezvous was to be on this side of the French river. 
Colonel Sevier, with his men, got on the path before the others, 
and by means of some discoveries made by his scouts he was in- 
duced to cross the river in pursuit of a party of Indians tliat had 
been coming towards our settlements. On the IGth of December 
he fell in with a party, since foimd to consist of seventy Indians, 
mcKstly from the town of Ohote, of which were killed thirteen, and 
ho took all their baggage, etc., in which were some of Clinton's 
Proclamations and other documents expressive of their hostile de- 
signs against us. 

"After this action the Wattago corps tlio't it proper to retreat 
into an island of the river. The 22d I crossed the French river, 
and foimd the Wattago men in great want of provisions. We gave 
them a supply from our small stock: and the next day made a 
forced march towards the Tenasee. The success of the enterprise 
seemed to rest on our safely reaching the further bank of that 
river: as we had information the Indians had ohstructed the com- 
mon fording places, and had a force ready there to oppose our 
crossing. '^I'he morning of the 24th 1 made a feint towards the 
Island Town, and, with the main body, passed the river without re- 
sistance at Timotlee. 

"We were now discovered, such of the Indians as we saw seemed 
to be flying in consternation. Here I divided my force, sending a 
part to attack the town below, and with the other I proceeded 
towards their principal town Chote. Just as I passed a defile above 
Toque, I observed the Indians in force, stretching along the hills 
below Chote, with an apparent design to attack our van there with- 



344 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

oiit our view; but the main body too soon came in sight for me 
to decoy them from off the hills. So they quietly let us pass in 
order, Avithout firing a gnii, except a few scattering shot at our 
rear; at a great distance from the Cleft, we soon were in possession 
of their beloved Town, in which we found a welcome su])ply of pro- 
visions. 

''The 25th, Major Martin went with a detachment to discover 
the route the enemy Avere Hying off by. lie surprised a party of 
Indians, took one scalp and seventeen horses loaded with clothing, 
skins and house furniture. He discovered that most of the fugi- 
tives were making towards Tolico and the Hiwasee. The same 
day, Captain Crabtree, of the Virginia lleg't was detached with 
sixty men to burn the town of Chilhowee. He succeeded in setting 
fire to that part of it situated on the south side of the river, altho' 
in the time, he was attacked 1)y a superior force. He made his re- 
treat good. 

"The 26th, IMajor Tipton, of the Carolina Corps, was detached 
with 150 mounted infantry, with orders to cross the river, dislodge 
the enemy on that side and destroy the town of Tilassee. At the 
same time Major Gilbert Christian, with 150 foot, was to patrol 
the hills on the south side of Chilhowee and bum the remaining 
part of that town. This party did their dut}'^, killed three Indians 
and took nine prisoners. The officer of the Horse, by unmilitary 
behavior, failed in crossing the river. This trip took two days. 

"In this time, the famous Indian woman, Nancy Ward, came 
to camp; she gave us various intelligence and made an overture in 
behalf of some of the Chiefs for peace, to which I avoided giving, 
an explicit answer, as I wished first to visit the vindictive part of 
the nation, mostly settled at Hiwassee and Chistowee, and to dis- 
tress the whole as much as possible, by destroying their habitations 
and provisions. 

"The 2Sth, we set fire to Cliote, Scitigo and Little Tuskeego, 
and moved our Avhole force to a town on Telico Eiver, Kai-a-tee, 
where I intended a post, for to sec\ire a retreat and to lay up pro- 
visions in. This evening. Major Martin, on returning from a pa- 
trol, attacked a party of Indians, killed two, and drove several into 
the river. The same evening in a skirmish we lost Captain James 
Elliott, a gallant young officer, being the first and only man the 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 345 

enemy had power to hurt, on the Expedition. The Indians lost 
three men on the occasion. 

"The 29th, I set out for Hiwussoe, distant ahoiit forty miles, leav- 
ing at Kai-a- tee, under Major Christian, a garrison of one hundred 
and fifty men. 

"Tlio ."JOtl). we arrived at Iliwassce and found the towai of the same 
name ahaudoned. In patrolling the environs we took a sensible 
young warrior, wlio informed us that a body of Indians, with 
McDonald, the Brjiieh agent and some Tories, were at Chistowee, 
twelve miies distant. M-aiting to receive us. I had reason to' believe 
the ciicn.y had ^ievy-cd us from the hills above Hiwassee; for which 
reason I ordered our camp to be laid off, fires kindled, and other 
f-hews made, ,ns if we intended to stay all night. At dark we set out 
with about three hundred men (the Wattage men refusing to go 
further), crossing tlie river at an unexpected ford, and that night 
got near the town. Karly in the morning of the 31st, we found that 
the ene.ny had lied in haste the evening before, leaving behind them 
as they liad done at tlie other towns, almost all their corn and other 
])rovision3, together with many of their utensils for agriculture and 
all their heavy household furniture, with part of their stock of 
horses, cattle and hogs. These towns, I expected, would have been 
eont-endcd for with obstinacy, as most of the Chickamogga people 
had removed hence after their visitation in 1779. Our troops 
becoming iiniiaticnt and no other object of importance being in 
\\e\v, it ^^a^ resohed to return homeward. Major Martin, with a 
detachment, was ordered to Sattago, and the other towns on the 
Telico river. In his route he took four prisoners, from whom he 
learnt tl'at .-cv'ttI of the chiefs had met a few days before in order 
to consult on means to propose a treaty for peace. As I found tlic 
I uemy n-ere bumbled and to gain time. I took the liberty to send 
the chief=! a message, w^hich was as follows: 

"(liiefs and Warriors: — We came into your country to fight your 
young men. We have killed not a few of them and destroyed your 
towns. You l<now }ou began the war, by listening to the bad coun- 
cils of tiie King of England and the falsehoods told you by his 
:igents. W c are now satisfied w ilh what is done, as it may convince 
Miiir ualinii that we can distress fhciu unu-h at any time they are 
so foolish as to engage in a war against us. If you desire peace, 
a- we understand you do, we, out of pity to your women and chil- 



346 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 

dreii, are disposed to treat with you on that subject and take you 
into our friendship once more. We therefore send this by one of 
your young- men, who is our prisoner, to tell you if you are also 
disposed to make }jeace, for six of your head men to come to our 
agent, ]\Iajor IMai-tin, at the Great Island within two moons. They 
Avill have a safe ])as«port, if they will notify us of their approach 
by a runner with a flag, so as to give him time to meet them with a 
guard on llolstein river, at the boundary line. The wives and chil- 
dren of these men of your nation that protested against the war, if 
tlioy are willing to lake refuge at the Great Island until peace is 
restored, we will give them a supply of provisions to keep them 
alive. 

''Warriors Jision ettentively. 

"If we receive no answer to this message until the time already 
mentioned expire?;, we shall conclude you intend to' continue to be 
our enemies, which will compel us to send another strong force into 
your countiy who will come prepared to stay a long time, and take 
possession thereof, as conquered by us, without making any restitu- 
tion to you for yoxir lands. 

"Signed at Kai-a-tee the 4th day of January, one thousand seven 
hundred and eighty-one, by 

"AETHUE CAMPBELL, Col. 

"JOHN SEVIEE, Lieutenant-Col. 

"JOSEPH MAETIN", Agent & Major of Militia." 

"The fulfillment of this message will require your Excellency's 
further instructions, and in which I expect North Carolina will 
assist, or that Congress will take upon themselves the whole. I 
believe advantageous promises of peace may be easily obtained witli 
a surrender of such an extent of country, that will defray the 
expenses of war. Eut such terms will be best insured by placing a 
garrison of two hundred men under an active officer on the banks 
of the Tenasee. 

"C'iir whole loss on this expedition was one man killed by the 
Indians and two wounded by accident. It would have been very 
pleasing to the troops to have met the whole force of the nation at 
once on equal ground, but so great was the panic that seized them, 
aftc]- seeing us in order over the Tenasee, that they never ven- 
turned themselves in sight of the army, 1>ut on rocky clefts and 
other ground inaccessible to our mounted infantry. By the returns 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 347 

of the ofBcers of the different detachments, we killed twenty-nine 
men taid took seventeen prisoners, mostly women and children. The 
number of wounded is uncertain. Besides these, we brought in the 
family cf Nancy Ward, whom for their good offices, we considered 
in another light. 

"'I'he whole are in J\fajoT IMartin's care at the Great Island until 
the sense of government is known as to how they are to be dis- 
posed of. 

"J'he towns of Chote, Scitigo, , Chilhowee, Toque 

]\[icliqua, Kai-a-tee, Sattooga, Tolico', TTiwassee and Chistowee, all 
principal towns, besides some small ones and several scattering set- 
tlements, in wliich were upwards of a thousand houses and not less 
than fifty thousand bushels of corn and large quantities of other 
kinds of provisions, were committed to the flames or otherwise 
destroyed, after taking sufficient subsistence for the army whilst in 
the country and on its return. No place in the over-hill country 
remained unvisited, except the small town of Telasee, a scattering 
sotrloinent in the neighborhood of Chickamogga, and the town of 
Caloogac, situated on the sources of the Mobile. We found in 
Oconostato's baggage, which he left behind in his fright, various 
manuscripts, copies of treaties, commissions, letters and other 
archives of the nation, some of which shew the double game tliat 
people have been carrying on during the present war. There 
seemed to be not a man of lionor among the chiefs, except him of 
Kai-a-tee, whom I would willingly have excepted had it been in 
my power. Never did a people so happily situated act more fool- 
i^lily in losing tlieir livings and their country, at a time an advan- 
tageous neutrality was held out to them, but snch is the consequence 
of British sednctions. 

"The enemy in my absence did some mischief in Powell's Valley 
ajul on the Xontncky path, near Cumberland Cap, besides three 
small children that they scalped on Holstein, one of the perpetrators 
of which, we knocked up on our return, and retook a number of 
horses. The Botetourt and Montgomery militia were too slow in 
tlioir movements to do any service. The Virginia militia that served 
with me on the expedition, expect to be paid in the same manner 
with those that served last year in Carolina. 

"What provisions were needed on our setting out were purchased 
on short credit, which will, I trust, be punctually paid on the first 



348 Soidhwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

apj)lication. Your Excellency will please to excuse the length of 
this narration. I thought it my duty to give a circumstantial detail 
of the facts, as the undertaking had something singular in it and 
may lead to important consequences. 

"I am, sir, your most Ob't and very humble Serv't &c., 

"ARTHUR CAMPBELL." 

On tlie 1st day of January, 1781, the army of Campbell, Sevier 
and Martin divided into small detachments and returned to their 
homes by different routes, after having laid waste all the country 
occupied by the over-hill Cherokees. 

In ansAver to the talk sent to tlie Indians, a number of chiefs 
met Colonel j\Iartin at Chote, but nothing was accomplished at 
thi^J time. 

Upon the return of Colonel Arthur Campbell to his home, he 
immediately coinmunicated with G-eneral Greene, the Commander 
of the Southern Department, when General Greene appointed 
Arthur Campbell, William Preston, William Christian, Joseph Mar- 
tin, on l)chalf of Virginia, and Robert Lanier, Evan Shelby, Joseph 
Williams and John Sevier, on the part of North Carolina, commis- 
sioners, to negotiate a treaty with the Cherokee Indians, at the 
Long Island of Holston river, on the 24th of March, 1781 ; on 
which day. Colonels Campbell, Martin, Shelby and Sevier met at the 
Long Island and sent off one of the Indian prisoners to the Indian 
nation proposing peace and fixing the 10th day of June as the time; 
which time of meeting was afterwards postponed until the 20th day 
of July, 1781, on which day the negotiations were completed. But 
at the instigation of British agents, the Indians continued their 
u('])iedations upon the white settlers. On the 13th of January, 1781, 
a settler in Po^vell's Valley was killed and fourteen horses that 
belonged to a party of men coming from Kentucky were carried off. 
In the latter part of January, a considerable number of Indians 
attacked Fort Blackmore* in this county, and, about the middle of 
February, three men were killed in Powell's Valley and a consid- 
erable number of horses carried off. 

A compa.ny of militia was organized by Colonel Campbell and 
ordered to patrol Powell's Valley, under the command of Colonel 
Joseph Martin and Major Aaron Lewis. As this company of troops 



*Now Scott county. 



Washington County, 1777-J870. 349 

proceeded on their oulwai-d trip, they discovered a hirg-e body of 
Indians in Powell's Valley. The Indians discovering the presence 
ot Major Lewis, made their esca])(', hut several traces of smaller 
parties, all making towards the mouth of Powell's river, were dis- 
covered, and the one that appeai-ed the freshest was followed by 
Colonel Martin and his men, for about thirty miles below Cum- 
berland Gap, wliere the Indians were surprised and surrounded, 
but the cane was so thick they could not easily be detected or jmr- 
s.ied on horseback. Thirty guns at least were fired upon them, and, 
while it was thought that some of them were wounded, there 
v.'i'iT; none killed or left upon the ground. j\Iartin's militia captured 
a number of shot ])ouches and blankets, upon one of which was 
found tlie name. John Brown, written in full, the said John Brown 
liaving been previously killed in Cumberland Gap. Colonel Mar- 
tin and ins men pursued the Indians for about seventy miles. In 
tlie latter part of IMarch, a party of northward Indians came np 
oil the Sandy river and penetrated as far as the settlement on Hols- 
ton, where they carried off a son of Captain Bledsoe's, and the 
froiitiers were invaded at numerous other points hy the Indians. 
Tlie settlements were threatened by an invasion from the united 
forces of the Cherokee and Creek Indians, assisted by the British 
agents and Tories. 

Colonel Arthur Camplx-ll rccommcMided to the Governor of Vir- 
ginia the building of a fort at I be junction of the Tennessee and 
llf-lstoTi rivers, and was actively engaged in building the fort at 
C;;mberland Gap as previously ordered by the Governor. 

The Continental Congress and the oflicers of the Continental army 
having ascertained the value of the mountain militia, a pressing 
application from General Greene for men was received by Colonel 
A'-thur Campbell, tlve county lieutenant of this county. Colonel 
Campbell immediately ordered ont the militia of tliis county, not- 
withstanding their circumstances were ill-suited to such an expedi- 
tion, as matters with the Cherokees were still nnsettled and the 
Indians fi-om the northward were constantly imading the settle- 
ments. On the Soth day of February, 1781, one hundred men under 
Colonel William Campbell set out to join the militia of Botetourt 
and Montgomery counties, on their march to General Greene's army. 
Colonel Arthur Cam])bell. in a letter to the Govemor on the 28th 
(lav of this month, said: "A large nnmber would have gone, were 



350 Southwest Virginia, 17-^.6-1786. 

it not for the daily apprehension of att<acks from the northward 
and soiithern Indians." 

Colonel William Campbell and his men marched to a point at or 
near the Lead j\Iines, wliere they were joined by the Montgomery 
nijlitia. 

In the month of March, 1781, Colonel Arthur Campbell, county- 
lieutenant of Washington county, made a return of the militia of 
this county, from which it appears that there were, at this time, in 
this county, .2 battalions, G field officers, 55 commissioned officers, 
4S non-commissioned officers, 953 rank and file. In addition, there 
were about one hundred men residing between Walker's and Hender- 
scn's lines, who did duty at times as their inclination led them." 

Colonel Campbell, with his company of one hundred men pro- 
ceeded from i^lungdon by the Lead Mines and on into North 
Carolina, where, on March 2d, he joined General Clreenc with four 
luindred volunteers. Colonel Campbell was now to oppose Lord 
Gornwallis, who had imbibed a personal resentment towards him 
as the commander at King's mountain, and who had threatened that, 
should Colonel Campbell fall into his hands, he would have him 
instantly put to. death, for his rigor against the Tories, evidently 
tl(>,ngning to hold him personally responsible for the execution of tlie 
Toi} leaders at Bickerstafl^. This, instead of intimidating Colonel 
Cfimpbell, had the contrary effect, and Campbell, in turn, resolved 
that, if the fortunes of war should place Cornwallis in his power, he 
should meet the fate of Ferguson. It was not long until Campbell 
and his men were called into action. 

The Virginia militia, other than Colonels Preston's and Camp- 
beU'b commands, while on the march to join General Greene, were 
threatened with an attack Jl'om Colonel Tarleton's cavalry, with 
foi.i hundred infantry and two pieces of artillery sent out by Corn- 
■w'allis to intercept them. General Gi'eene had dispatched Colonel 
Otho Williams to protect the advancing reinforcements from his 
camp at Speedwell's Iron Works, on the upper waters of^Rrouble- 
some creek. The Virginia militia were marching on a hig!Hray, 
running west from a point below Hillsborough, to General Greene^ 
headquarters. Cornwallis was in camp on the Alamance creek, about 
thirty miles west from Hillsborough. The command of Colonel Wil- 
liams was between the camp of Cornwallis and the advancing mili- 
tia. The roads leading from Cornwallis's camp and Williams's camp 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 351 

to tlic position occupied by the militia, intersected each other at 
Whitsill's Mill, which was the nearest point at which Cornwallis 
could attack the advancing militia. 

It was the design of Cornwallis to attack and scatter this militia 
force and to destroy the three thousand arms they were bringing 
to General Greene's camp. 

General Greene moved his camp to Boyd's Mill, within fifteen 
miles of Cornwallis, and Colonels Williams and Pickens were on the 
flank of the enemy. General Greene anxiously awaited results at 
his camp, seven miles above Whitsill's Mill. Thus matters stood on 
the fith of March, when Cornwallis made a sudden dash north, 
expecting to reach Whitsill's Mill in advance of Williams, and, 
passing north ten miles further, to intercept the militia reinforce- 
uu'nts at TTigh Eock Ford on Haw river, hut Coi'nwallis had hardly 
left his eaiup before Colonel Willinins received the news, and the 
Vino for \\'hit8iirs ]\Iill began. They wore traveling on parallel 
](ia(l>', Williams with his light troops flying io the rescue of his 
friends, Cornwallis with his heavy wagon tivain, dashing through 
ever} ol^struction with reckless speed, hoping to intercept and 
desti-oy General Greene's reinforcements. "As the patrols and 
scouts passed from one column to the other, apprising each of the 
advance of his competitor, the race grew more animated, the com- 
petitors more earnest and resolute. The goal was now getting nearer 
and the excitement greater, when Williams, putting forth his whole 
energy, urged his men to a triumphant speed and dashed down the 
hill and across the Reedy Fork, as the enemy appeared upon the 
crest in their rear, entering from the other road."* 

Colonel Williams drew u]) his forces on the north bank of the 
stream, Avhero he attacked the r>ritiph and checked tlioin in tlieir 
onward march. 

Colonel A\'illianis' command was com])osed of some North Caro- 
lina troops and the Virginia militia under the command of Colonels 
Campbell and Preston, who, as previously stated, had joined General 
Greene on ^Vfarch 2d, and the cavalry corps of Washington and Lee. 
The position occ\ipied by Colonel Williams' forces was in front of 
the ford and some two hundred yards below the mill. 

As the British forces approached, their riflemen formed the front 
rank and fired at a distance, continuing to advance toward the creek 



♦Schenck's North Carolina, 1780-1781. 



352 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 

until tlie}^ were within eighty yards of the American line^ when 
Campbeirs and Preston's riflemen fired npon them with deadly 
effect. One of the British officers, when shot, boimding np several 
feet fell dead. The enemy continued to advance, and when within 
forty- five yards of the American line, they were again fired upon 
liy the riflemen. The enemy used their small arms and field pieces, 
but, in every instance, their firing was too high, and took effect only 
among the limbs of the trees. 

The enemy's forces were on the hill, and their view was greatly 
■obstiiicted by the smoke from the discharge of the guns of the 
Americans, who were below them. One of the principal object^; 
A\hich Colonel Williams had in view was the protection of Whit- 
sill's Mill for a time sufficient to enable the provision' wagons 
I)elonging to Oeneral Greene's army to load with ]irovision. wliicli 
A\as effected, and to prevent Cornwallis from surprising the rein- 
forccMuents on their way to General Greene. The iVmericans, hav- 
ing aceniii]ilis]ied tlieir object, retired over the forrl. which was about 
tjiree feet deep, with a rapid ciirrent, a slij)pery, rocky l)ottoni and 
a precipitous brushy bank on the northern side. 

While crossing the ford. Major Joseph Cloyd observed Col'vucl 
William Preston, his commander, on foot. Preston having lost his 
horse in the skirmish, whereupon Cloyd dismounted and assisted 
Colonel Preston into his saddle, when both escaped. 

The principal part of the fighting in this skirmish was done by 
Campbell's and Preston's riflemen and Lee's Legion. 

Colonel Campbell, in speaking of this engagement, said : "John 
Craig, one of his riflemen, acted with his usual courage," and Gen- 
eral Greene, in speaking of the battle, said : "The enemy wei'e band- 
somely opposed and suffered considerably." 

Cornwallis immediately withdrew his forces from the Alamance 
to ?. position on Peep river, not far from Jamestown, ISTorth Caro- 
lina, and the militia reinforcements proceeded on their way and 
reached General Greene's camp at High Eock Ford, on Sunday, 
March 11, 1781, four days before the battle of Guilford Courthouse. 
All preparations were made by General Greene to give Cornwallis 
battle at the first opportunity, and while Colonel Campbell took 
fewer men upon this expedition than any other commander, he was 
assigned one of the conspicuous parts in the subsequent campaign, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 353 

and all of the forces under his command have been since spoken of 
a.s "Campbell's Corps/' 

The aggregate number of the Virginia militia, outside of the 
regular army, that participated in the battle of Guilford Court- 
house, was as follows : 

Colonel William Preston's command, 300 

Colonel William Campbell's command, 60 

Colonel Charles I^ynch's command, 150 

Watkins's dragoons, 50 

V^irginia militia 1,693 

Total 2,253 

It is ef.fjmated that the number of forces commanded by General 
Greene at the battle of Guilford Courthouse was not less than 4,500 
men. 

General Greene, having collected an army of not less than 4,500 
men at the High Eock Ford of Haw river, began his march from 
that place, on Monday, the 12th day of March, determined, to give 
battle to the enemy upon the first opporininity, and reached Guilford 
Courthouse on the evening of the 14th. He encamped about a mile 
above the town that night, while Corwallis was stationed about eight 
miles above the Courthouse. 

Guilford Courthouse, at the time in question, was the capital of 
Guilford county, North Carolina, and contained a population of 
about two hundred people. Its principal buildings were the court- 
house, jail and a large coppersmith shop. In recent years, it is noth- 
ing more than an open field, the county seat having been moved to 
Greensboro. 

General Greene had inspected the battlefield at Guilford court- 
house on the 10th of February, and pronounced it very desirable for 
his army. "It afforded a forest where the militia could fight from 
tree to tree, for shelter, and be protected from the charge of cavalry, 
and for the same reason, a solid column of bayonets could not be 
kept together, among the undergrowth of the trees. The roads that 
concentrated from the north, northeast and east, all afforded safe 
lines of retreat for his army to his supplies and reinforcements."* 

General Greene, in forming his line of battle, placed Campbell's 

*Sclienck's North Carolina, 17S0-1781. 



354 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

corps, consisting of about five Imndred and forty men, under the 
command of Colonel William Campbell, of Virginia, on the left of 
Butler's line and obliquelj^ to it in the woods, and in the rear of the 
angle formed by these two lines was placed Ijee's Legion, and in 
the rear of this line, on the gentle slope of the hill and about three 
hundred yards distant to the east, were posted the Virginia militia. 

On the evening of the 14th of March, Colonels Campbell and 
Lynch, each in command of a corps of riflemen, and Lieutenant- 
Colonels Lee and Washington, in command of the Light Dragoons, 
were advanced about a mile in front of the army and within seven 
mile'^ of Cornwallis's camp. The next morning early, it was ascer- 
tained that the enemy was in motion and advancing toward Guilford 
Courthouse, wdiereupon Colonel Lee, with his Legion and about 
thirty of Campbell's riflemen from Washington county under cora- 
juand of Captain William Tate, of Augusta county, advanced to 
meet the enemy, while the rest of the riflemen, with Colonel Wash- 
ington's Horse, formed at their place of encampment on the pre- 
ceding night, to support Lee and Tate upon their retreat. Lee and 
Tate with their men met the enemy within two miles of their 
encampment and began to skirmish with them, and continued fight- 
ing and retreating for about half an honr, which disconcerted and 
delayed the enemy very much. In the skirmish between the forces 
of Lee and Tate and the forces of Colonel Tarleton, a loss of about 
fifty men was inflicted upon the British forces, while the light 
infantry of the guard, after losing about one hundred of their num- 
ber at the hands of the riflemen, were relieved by a portion of Tarle-- 
ton's cavalry, wdiich were ordered to their assistance. 

"\i\'hile this skirmish was in progress, the main body of Greene's 
army was formed about three-quarters of a mile in the rear of the 
position occupied by Campbell and Washington; and, upon the 
arrival of Lee and Tate, the advance guard was ordered back and 
directed to take the position assigned them in the line of battle by 
General Greene. Lee's Legion and Campbell's riflemen formed the 
corps of observation on the left flank, while the riflemen occupied 
a woodland position. About this time the enemy began a cannon- 
ade in the center, which lasted about twenty minutes, during which 
time they formed their line of battle by filing off' to the right and 
loft, and then immediately advanced upon the American troops, 
The battle lasted about two and one half hours. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 355 

While the militia on the left of the American line had been driven 
from tlicir position. Colonel ('aiii])1)oll, with his riflemen, made 
such a spirited attack on tJie British regiment on the right wing, 
that it was driven back, and tlic fire l)ecamo so deadly that Colonel 
Norton, in command of the first battalion of British guards, was 
directed to join the British line on the right and oppose the advance 
of Campl)ell's Corps; and at this point the strnggle became des- 
perate, 

"As the Hessian regiment passed the line of militia, it wheeled to 
iiie right, and, in line with Norton, faced Campbell. Campbell 
was reinforced by many of Butler's brigade, who retreated in that 
direction, and by all of Forbes' men, who formed on Campbell's 
right. Leo's Legion was on that flank. The Seventy-first Eegiment 
of Highlanders continued on its course up the road and soon engaged 
Stevens' brigade of Virginians. 

"It had been the intention of Campbell to fall back and put his 
corps in lino on the left of Stevens, but the Plessians passed so 
rapidly in the front as to cut him off. He was also delayed by his 
conflict with Norton on the left. The riflemen, retiring deeper 
into the forest, took to the trees, and made it so hot for the guards 
tliat they were compelled to retreat in great disorder. Cornwallis 
came in person to their rescue, and by riding in their front and 
e-- posing himself to imminent danger, succeeded in rallying them. 
The Hessians, being now joined again by the guards, made a com- 
bined charge and drove Campbell to the south, and entirely sep- 
arated his command from the American arni}^, so that, in fact, two 
distinct battles were raging at the sam.e time. 

"About one-cpiarter of a mile on the southeast of Campbell's first 
position Cornwallis, who was following up Norton and the Hes- 
sians, had a large iron gray horse shot under him. The spot is now 
nuirkod by a persimmon tree, a century old, whose identity is well 
authenticated by tradition. 

"Campbell would retreat and fire, then the British would fall 
back, and, using the bayonet, push the riflemen back again; so it 
raged and alternated between them until Campbell was driven to 
a high rantrc of hills, or a little mountain range as it is sometimes 
called, about one mile from Campboirs first position. Here the 
riflemen began to gain a decided advantage and to drive tlie Hes- 



366 Souflnrrsf Vln/iiiin. 17Ji6-17S6. 

slans before tlieiii, wlieii Lee, mie.xpeetedly, left Campbell's flank 
and Tarleton appealed on the scene.*'* 

Lee suddenly left Campbell without warning, and was now an 
idle spectator of this scene from the conrthonse liill, across Hunting 
creek, without notifyinp- Cr.(H"'ne of his ])resence or olTering to cover 
the flanks. 

Colonel Tnrh'ton liad Ix'cii sent by Coi-nwallis to rescue Colo- 
nel Norton- wlio was cniiagcd liy Caiiipl)ell. and Tarlctoii, finding 
Cani|)bcirs icar un])rotected. ordered tlie Hessians to fire, and 
rnslied bis cavalry on the I'iHenien under cover of smoke and cut 
them to piec(»s. 

"Colonel Cam]il!ell, with liis \'irginia and Xorth Carolina rifle- 
men, was the last to fire a gun on this l)]onily field, and was still 
firing A\dien Creene sounded the retreat. 'I'hey t)ecame scattered 
after Tarleton's charge npon them, and made their way as best 
thev coubl to the cam}) of Clreene next day.''* 

Colonel Campbell was very mnch angered at Colonel Tjce, and 
freelv expressed hi< opinion of his conduct, charging that Colonel 
Lee, with his c-avalry, ro(h' olT just as Tai'leton began his charge 
npon the flanks of the riflemen. It is the opinion of numy that, 
had Colonel TjCc acted well his juii't in this battle, (\-)rnwallis 
would have l)een defeated and possibly captured, instead ot the 
American army b(nng forced to retreat. 

Crcneral Greene, with his arjny, retreated in good order to Speed- 
well's Furnace, abont ten miles below the battlefield, not being 
pnrsued by the enemy further than the heights above Gnilford 
Conrthonse. 

Cornwallis, with iiis army, remained on the l)attleground fi'om 
Thnrsday nntil Sunday, and on the evening of tliat day l^egan a re- 
treat to the sonth. 

The loss of General Greene in this battle was o'^O men killed and 
wounded, while the British killed and wounded exceeded (iOO. 

General Greene, on the 19th day of j\Tarch, addressed the fol- 
lowing letter to Colonel Campbell : 

"HE.'vDQrAirrFiis, ^March 19, 1781. 

' ''Sir, — Yonr faithfnl services and the exertions which yon made 
to second the efforts of the Southern armv, on the l.")th inst.. 



*Schenck's North Carolina, 1780-1781 



Wash in;/ 1 on (^nuntij. n77-JS70. 357 

•clnim my wannest thanks. It would 1)C \ingeneroiis not to ac- 
knowlcil'jc iiiv f'utii-c a])prol)ation of your conduft, and the spirited 
and inanlv Ix'havior of the ofTicors and soldiers under you. Sensi- 
iilc of youi- merit, 1 Ice! a ]il('asuro in doing justice to it. Most 
of the i-iHemeii lia\in,ii ,i;one liome. and not liavinu' it in my power 
t<i make u|) anotlier command, you liave my permission to return 
home to your friends, and shouhl the emergency of tlie southern 
operations rei|uire your t'urthei- exertions. 1 will advertise you. 
■'! am. sir. with ureat esteem, your most liumhie servant, 

''XATH'L GREENE. 

''("()! 0\i:i. C.VMIMU'.l.l.." 

.\iid Cojoiu'l irenry Lee, the officer wlio liad so ingloriously de- 
.>^erted Colonel C'amphell during tlie hattle. had the audacity to ad- 
^ dress the folloAving letler to Colonel Camphell: 

":\lar(h ir, i;si. 
"f am very happy in informing you that the hravery of your hat- 
talioii. displayed in the action of the ir)tJi. is particularly noticed 
hy the (ieneral. It is much to he lamented that a faihire took 
l)laee in the line which lost the day. se])arat.ed us fi-om five main 
hody and exposed oui' I'ctreat. 1 hope your men are safe and that 
the scattered will collect again. l>e pleased to fa\<ir me with a 
i-etuiai of your loss, and pi'ejtarc youi- men for a second hattle. 
"1 am. most n^sjiectfully, your obedient servant, 

"IIENEY LEE, Jux. 
"('oi,o\i:l Campheil." 

r.ut. notwithstanding the kiiul woi'ds s]ioken and many urgent 
(•(•(piests made, Geueral Camphell, on the "^Oth of the montli, re- 
-igned his commission and i-e(urned to his home, declaring he 
could not longer serve his countrv in the army with honor: and he 
would not serve in the ai'iuy longer where Colonel h(X^ held a com- 
mission. 

('oi-nwalli<, while he succeeded in forcing (ieneral Greene to re- 
treat, was really the loser in this hattle, and on tlie Sunday fol- 
lowing, for the preservation of himself and army, he began an in- 
glorious retreat that terminated at Yorktown, where he was com- 
pelled, on the lIMli day of October, 1781, to sui'ix'nder his sword 
and ai'my to the .\merican forces. 

Colonel William Campbell, immediately upon his return to his 



358 Soiithircst Virginia, 1746-1786. 

lioino. nniiotinfOfl liim?elf a candidate for the House of Delegates, 
to wliieli position he was elected in the spring of the year 1781. 
The General Assembly met in Richmond in May of that year, but 
were forced to adjourn their proceedings first to Charlottesville and 
afterwai'ds to Staimton to prevent capture by Colonel Tarleton. 
On th.e 1-lth day of June the Fonse of Delegates appointed Colo- 
nel Canii)l)cll a hrigadior-gcneral of militia, to serve under Mar- 
quis de Lafayette, who was tlien in command of the Continental 
forces in Virginia. 

General Campbell immediately obtained a leave of absence and 
repaired to tlie army, wliere General Lafayette assigned him to 
the command of the Light Infantry and Riflemen. 

General Campbell became a great favorite Avith Lafayette, who 
]'hH-ed a great deal of confidence in Itis judgment and al)ility. Gen- 
eral Camiibell was in command of a brigade mai'cliing in the di- 
rection of Yorktown througli Cuml>erland county. Virginia. 

*0n(> niglit he eucamj^ed liis men near the residence of an old 
English ])arson by the name of McRea, who had been drawing hi^ 
10,000 pounds of tobacco for many years, and was quite M'calthy. 
"When tb.e regiment pitched their tents General Campbell went a 
few miles to spend th.e night with a friend. The next morning 
wlien he returned, his otRcers informed him that old ]\rcRae had been 
down, and said all he could to discourage the soldiers. He had 
told them that they had not the most distant idea of the dangers 
they \\ere aliout to encounter ; that Comwallis had a very large army, 
composed of the finest troops that had ever left England, and it 
was perfect folly to think of encountering them. He Avound up by 
saying that they were going to a slaughter-pen, and his Lord Corn- 
Avallis Avould slaughter them like a parcel of becA^es. As soon as 
Campbell heard this he sent tb.ree of his soldiers up to the house of 
McEea, Avith directions to tell him that he wished to see him, and 
if he refused to come they nmst bring him by force. McEea soon 
arrived at the camp. Campbell informed him that he had during 
his absence said all that could have been said to discourage his 
men, that he deserved corporal punishm'^nt. but on account of his 
old age he Avould not inflict that on him. Imt Avhen his men started 
he AA'ould show him hoAv his men and the rest of the patriots Avould 
serve his Lord CornAvallis. When the regiment was ready to start 



*Col. John Redd MSS. 



W.asUngton County, 1171-1870. 359 

Campbell comiiianflod McEca to lie dowu and stretch himself out 
full length across the road. As soon as the parson was stretched out 
full length every man stepped over him. Campbell informed him 
tbat Mas the way be intended to serve bis Lord Cornwallis. The 
])arson left our gallant general in sucli an ill buuior (bat 1 am afraid 
his ])raycrs did not accompany the gallant couimandcr of the regi- 
. * 

\\h\\Q TiOi-d Coruwallis was encamped at Williamsburg and La- 
fayette was six miles distant towards Eichmond, Greneral Camp- 
b''ll. wbo was in command of a brigade of light troops connected 
witli Lafayette's army, posted a picket guard at the Three Burnt 
CbimneyS' about midway between the hostile camps. Upon several 
oceasious tlio eiiomy sent out a superior body of horsemen and drove 
in Ibc Anicritnu pickets. Colonel Campbell saw in this an oppoT- 
tiinitv t.» strike tlie enemv a severe blow, and on the following 
inoriiiiiij- be posted a large body of mounted riflemen with himself 
at Ihcii' bead in a grove by the roadside, a short distance in the 
I'car of tlie Bui-nt Chimneys, and, as usual, the pickets were posted 
at tlie Cbimncys, with instructions to retire on the approach of tlu' 
r>i'itisli cavalry. As usual, a large force of British cavalry was sent 
to (lri\e in tbe pickets, and in doing so they pursued them under 
v.liip and sjuir, but when tliey reached the grove they met with an 
unexpected reception. Camptveirs rifk^meii welcomed tliem witli a 
\iilley of rifle balls, Avbich killi'd move tbaii twenty of their cavalry 
and forty of their horses. It is useless to say that tbe American 
pickets were not again disturbed. 

Soon thereafter General Campbell was atllicted with a pain in his 
breast, which disabled him, when he was conveyed to tlie residence 
of Cobmel John Syme at Eooky j\Iills, Hanover county, where, 
after a f(!w days' illness, he expired on ^August 22, 1781, in his 
ibirty-sixth year. Wlien General Lafayette received the intelligence 
of tlie death of General Campbell he issued the following order : 

"The general has no doubt that the army will unite with him in 
regretting General Cainpbell's death, an otficer whose services must 
bave endeared liim to every citizen, and in particular to every 
American soldier. Tbe glory which General Campbell acquired in 
the aiTairs of Kimj's mountain and Guilford Courthouse does his 



*Iohn Redd MSS. 



3G0 South west Virginia, 17Jf6-178G. 

meiuorv everlasting honor and insures liirn a high rank among the 
defenders of libert}' in the American cause. 

"The general wishes it had been possible for himself and the 
officers of the ann\' to ])a.v him those honors to -which his rank, but 
particularly bis morit. so highly entitled him. but his great distance 
from the ai'iiiy and (»ur pi'cscnt situation reii(h'i' it imjiossible. 

"The lieutenant of tlic county will assciiiblo a coi-ps to ])av mili- 
tary honors to the deceased general, (icnci'al Stephens is re- 
(|uesti>d to name a deputation of four field otticers, and will im- 
mediately repair to "Rocky Mills, and, in the name of the army, pay 
(h'ueral Campbell their last respects." 

General Campludl was buried in Hanover county, hut his hodv 
was afterwart's removed to Aspinvale, his home, near Seven-Mile 
Ford. 

The seltlemeiils on the ITol<ton were now being constantly as- 
sailed by the Indians. C'a])tain Closes Loony was captured and car- 
ried into ca])tivity, where he remained with the Indians until Au- 
gust of this year, when he was seid^ hy them to inform the authori- 
ties that they bad collecteil all the prisoners they had taken, al)out 
fifty in nundier, at ("bote, and were I'eady to deliver them to Colo- 
nel ^tartin ; also that tiie Indian chiefs weic i-eady to attend any- 
where, and the whole nation was ready to make peace. 

Tn March of this year Colonels John Sevier and Isaac Shelby 
undertook an ex])edition against the Chickamogi^a Indians, and to 
assist in this undertaking "v'oO of the militia of Washington county 
joined Colonel Isaac Shelby and marched to the Big Island in the 
French, Broad ri\er. where the troops were rendezvoused, from 
which ]ioint they marched for the sources of the ^lohile river, and 
after tbe third day they crossed the Tenness(»e river at Scitico. at 
which point they held a council \\\\\\ the friendly Indians. On the 
(ith day they encam])ed on the Iliwassee river, and on the Tth (hty 
they crossed tbe ri\'er and ])assed into the territory of tlu^ hostile 
Indians. Colonel Se\iei'. with his f(n"ces. marched immediately 
against \'ann's Towns, which he reduced to ashes, and thence to 
Bull Town, at the head of Chickamogga creek. After the destruc- 
tion of this town they marched to the Coosa river, wdiere thev 
killed a white man by the name of Clements. u])on whose person 
was found pa])eis from which it was ascertained that he was a ser- 
geant in tlie British army, and it was believed that he instigated 



Wds/iingloii Cniiiili/. 1777-1S70. 3G1 

tile Indian,- in tlicij' depredations against the frontiers. T]\v army 
then iiKieeeded to .Spring- Frog Town, thence \ip tlie Coosa i-iver to 
I'vStanohi, an Indian town. Avhieh they destroyed. .M'ter thus div 
stroying the Indian towns and killing- all tlie Indian warrioi's they 
could find, the troops returned to ('hole, wliere a council was hehl 
with the friendly Indians, at thi' conclusion of whieli the troops 
wei'c dishanded and ictui-ned to their honies. 

This luay l)e said to lie th(> last expedition against tlie Indians 
in which the militia of \\'a<hin;.';t(Ui county in an\ nuniho's ])arti- 
cipated. Washington county was not niuch longer to lie considered 
a portion of the front iei-s, and lu-i' citizens soldiei'v was soon to 
h<' de]iri\('i| n\' an occupation which they always followed with 
a\ idity — that (d' w aging war against the Indians and Tories. 

In .\pril of this year a party of Northward Indians came into the 
settlement on Clinch and killed and scal])e(l two^ daughters of Cap- 
tain dohn Maxwell's and took niiu' ])iisoners. ()n the same occa- 
>ion they \i>ited the hoiue of Captain h'ohert Moll'ett near tlie 
Cliiuh river. Two sons of Captain Moll'ett"s heing at a sugar cam)) 
neai' their home, were killeil and st-aljied hy the Indians. 

Tlnnnas Inglis. who was reared at Hraper's Meadows, had. with 
his family, some tinu' ))revious to this time, settled in Hui'k's (lar- 
den on a ])iecc of land that had heen patented hy his father. William 
Inglis. ahont tliii'ty years ])re\ionsly. IFis nearest and only neigh- 
Itor at this time was Joseph Mix, who lived ahout two miles from 
his honu'. .\ large ])arty of Indians under the connnand of "Black 
\\<df," a noted Indian warrioi-, in .\])i'il of this year visited Burk's 
(iai'den. and while Inglis \\as out on his fai'ui suri'ounderl his house 
and took his wife and three children and a negro man and woman 
prixmers. and. after loading the negi'(»es with as much i)ro])ei'ty 
as tliev could carrv. they hunied the house. Inglis, ohsei'ving the 
size of the pai'ty, decided to make his way to the nearest settle- 
ment and oljtain hel[t. He. with a coloi'ed man, cross(>d the moun- 
tains to the settlement in the Bich A'alley (now Smyth county), 
and ai'rived at that iioint at a very opjjortune time, the day heing 
the muster day for the militia of the community. .\s soon as 
Tnglis gave information of what had occui'red, ahout twenty men 
volunteered in l;o 'u pursuit of the Iiulians, ami immediately he- 
yan the march for Inglis' home, which they I'eached the next morn- 
inir alxml davhreak. to find nothing hut a heap id' ashes wlieiv In- 



362 Southwest Yirginia, 174-6-1786. 

g]is' house had formerly stood. Joseph Hix, Inglis' neighbor, dis- 
covering the presence of the Indians in the comnmnity, immedi- 
ately made his way to a small settlement, about six miles away,, 
where he obtained about six volunteers and returned to Burk's 
Garden and joined the forces from Eich Valley. The company thus 
composed immediately began the pursuit of the Indians. Captain 
James Maxwell, who had during the same month lost two of his 
daughters at the hands of the Indians, was placed in command of 
the pursuers, and, after five days' cautious marching, the Indians 
were discovered in camp in a gap of Tng mountain. The pursuers 
were at once divided into two companies. Captain Maxwell, with 
about one-half the number, undertook to get in front of the In- 
dians, while Thomas Inglis, with another party, was to attack them 
in the rear. Captain Maxwell failed to get in a position to attack 
the Indians by daylight, and Inglis and his party attacked them 
alone. As soon as a shot was fired tlie Indians began to tomahawk 
the prisoners. Thomas Inglis rushed into the Indian camp and 
reached the side of his wife. At that moment she received a terri- 
ble blow on the head with a tomahawk from an Indian, and in fall- 
ing she protected the infant she held in her arms by covering it. 
In addition to Mrs. Inglis' injuries, Mary Inglis and William Inglis, 
children of Thomas Inglis, were scalped. The Indians, in making 
their escape, passed near Captain Maxwell and his men, upon whom 
they fired, one ball striking Captain Maxwell and killing him in- 
stantly. He wore a white hunting shirt, and was a good target for 
the Indian fire. The pursuers encamped upon the ground foT the 
night, and proceeded to bury Captain Maxwell and William Inglis, 
the young boy Avho died from his wounds. The number of Indians 
killed at tbis time is not known. 

Maxwell's Gap, in the Tug Eidge, is the locality of this occur- 
rence. Mary Inglis, the little girl, died a few days after the skir- 
uiish, but ]\frs. Inglis entirely recovered from her injuries. 

In the same month the Indians killed a man on Bluestone and a 
woman at Culberson's Bottom, on New river. It is a remarkable 
fact that of the five houses visited by the Indians in this month 
four belonged to militia officei'S, and some of them were a con- 
siderable distance within the frontier settlements; from which fact 
it is reasonable to suppose that the Indians were prompted and led 
by Tory sympathizers in their assaults upon the frontiers. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 363 

Major John Taylor, who was in command of the militia on the 
upper waters of the Clinch, pursued the different parties of invading 
Indians, but did not succeed in overtaking them, and Colonel Pres- 
ton was compelled, for the protection of the settlements, to direct 
Colonel Joseph Cloyd to call out the militia and to station them at 
"David Doak's Mill" to protect the settlements. The consternation 
produced along the frontiers from Powell's Valley to the head of 
the Clinch was so great that the Governor directed Colonel William 
Preston to assemble the field officers of ]\Iontgomery and Wash- 
ington counties at the Load j\Iincs at once to devise waj^s and means 
to protect the frontiers. This meeting of the field officers took 
])lace on July G, 1782, on which day the following proceedings were 
had : 

At a meeting of the field officers of the militia of Montgomery 
and Washington counties, in conformity to instructions received 
from Ilis Excellency, the Governor, etc., to concert and settle some 
proper plan for the defence of both counties. Present : 

Field Officers for Montgomery County. 
William Preston, Daniel Trigg, 

Walter Crockett, John Taylor. 

Joseph Cloyd, Abraham Trigg. 

Field Officers for Washington Count)-. 
Arthur Campbell, Aaron Lewis, 

William Edmiston, James Dysart, and 

Major Patrick Lockhart, District Commissioner. 

It is the unanimous opinion of the Board of Officers that tho 
200 men permitted to be dra\^•n out by His Excellency, the Governor, 
for the defence of the frontiers be disposed of into the following 
ilii^tricts. namoly, on New river, in the neighborhood of Captain 
Pearis, 30 men: Sugar Pun, 20; Ca])tain ]\Ioore's, head of Blue- 
stone, 25; head of Clinch, 25 men. 

In Washington, at Eichland, 20; Castle's Woods, 30; Eye Cove, 
20; Powell's Valley, 30 men. The extent of the different districts, 
from Captain Pearis's to Sugar Pun, 10 miles ; to Captain Moore's 
head of Bluestone, 30; to Captain Maxwell's, head of Clinch, 16 
miles, which is nearest the Washington line; to Pichland's, 24; to 
Castle's Woods, 30; to Eye Cove, 28; to Powell's Valley Fort. ?(; 
mill's, ill all 164 mil(?s. 



364 Soathivesi Virginui, 17J,6-17SG. 

We find the greatest difficulty in making any provision for the 
support of these men wliile on duty, as tliere is no specific tax 
brought into tlio place appointed for that ])urpose in either of the 
counties; the olficers have therefore reconmiended Major Lockhart, 
the District CV)nimissioners,to purchase 200 bushels of corn in Mont- 
goniery county, at the most convenient places where the militia are 
to do duty, at three shillings a bushel, being the current price, and 
an e(pial quantity in tlie county of Washington, for the use of the 
troops, etc.. whicli \vc ai'o convinced will be a great saving to the 
State, as the transporting from Botetourt, where there is some 
belonging to the pul)lic on hand, to the several districts where the 
militia are to do duty, will be attended with very great expense, the 
distance being from (iO to inO miles, &c. 

As objections ha^e been made to that ])art of the (xovernorV 
instructions ordering the direction of the militia of both counties 
while on duty, under tliat of tlie I'oinity-licutenanf of ^lontgomerv. 
who lives upward of one hundred and eighty miles from Powell's 
A'alley and not less than ninety uiilcs fn>m TJichland District, in 
Washington, whicli I'eudei's it iiii))ossil)le and useless for him to have 
these men under ])is directions, for which reason he declined that 
])art of the command : Let it therefore ])e humbly recommended to 
His Excellency the (lovernor. to alter that ])art of his orders, by 
giving the superintendence of the troops in each county to the com- 
manding officer of the same, as it will save the expense of a field 
officer being on duty, which otherwise would be necessary, and the 
defense of the frontier will in all ])robability be better conducted. 

The Board of Officers are unanimously of o]iinion that the coun- 
ties of ]\Iontgomerv and Washington will provide the number of men 
ordei-ed for their defense, without calling on any of the neighboring 
counties for assistance, unless there is a real reason for doing so in 
some emergency or on the a|)proaeh of a large body of the enemy. 

They also beg leave to suggest that the usual manner the Indians 
conduct their attacks on our sett1eme:nts nuikes it necessary tJiat a 
proper number of scouts be employed in each district to discover 
their approaches, for wliic-h reason it had induced the officers to 
direct that twn be emjiloved in each district for the immediate 
safety of the inhalvitants. 

I'nrsiiant to the I'ecommcndation thus made liy the Held olficers 
of the two counties, the numbei- of militia rccoinniende(l were sia- 



Washiii(j(on Cininiij. r:77-lS70. 365 

tioiied at the places desii^uated, and all placed undci' the command 
of Colonel Arthur C'amphell, of Washington count}-. 

Alioiit this time tlie frontier settlement in Powell's Vallev was 
iiiiiili iiarassed hy small parties of Cherokee Indians from the 
( 'hickamogga towns, who, in the spring of this year, killed two 
jiii'n. and Iiad almost niiiiod the inhahitants hy destroying or cai'- 
ryiiig (ilT ihcir slock. Caplain Samuel N^ewell, wiio was in com- 
Miaiid <)|' the militia in tlial locality, pursued the Indians en se\-ei'al 
occasions, and at one time had the good luck to overtake two of 
tlieir parties, one ahoiit forty-five miles al)ove the Cuttawa or Cum- 
berland ({a]». and firing upon tlicin in cauip. wounded some and 
retook everything. The otlu'r ])arty was overtaken when asleep; 
when one was killed and another M-onnded. and the rest of the party 
were forced to maki' llicii- way home nak(>d. 

Ai)out this time, as two IViendly Indians were coming up the Hols- 
ton rivei-, with a canoe loaded with skins for Colonel Joseph Mnv- 
tin at Long Island, they wei-e killi'd hy two of the settlers, who, 
in attempting to dispose of their skins, were detected, but the 
inhahitants in the community of Long Island would not permit the 
criminals to he brought to justice, alleging against the Indians in 
general the late depi'cdations on the fi'ontiers. 

Tn the yeai' KSl. a company id' ideven Indians visited tin* home 
of a Mr. Ilamblin.on Clinch i'i\er, near Castle's Woods. ^Irs. Ilam- 
blin, who was at home, baried the doors to her house and defended 
it against the attack of the Indians with an old musket-gun that 
woidd not lire. Hut in the spring of the year 1782, the Indians 
I'clei-ned to her home, at which tinu* they succeeded in killing and 
scalping Mrs. Ilamblin and all her childi'en exce])t one, a little 
boy. wliom they cai-ried a prisoner into (^anada. 

In July (d' this yeai'. Oconostato. who was tlu^ principal cldef of 
the Cherokee Indians, resigned his authority to his son, an Indian 
chief by the name of Tuckasee. and the frontier settlements had 
great hope of pt'ace. On the 2tith day <d' duly, h'llis llarland, a 
notinl Indian trader, returned from the Chickamogga Indians with 
the information that they desir(Hl peace, and that they were to set out 
for Chote with all theii' pi'isoneis. the day he left them; and, in a 
few (lavs thereafter. Springstone, an Indian trader, brought to the 
settlements two ]u-isoners, one a woman takcm from Green river 
in Kentuckv. her name being Stanley, the other a boy about ten 



3G6 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

years old, a son of Thomas Steward, who was killed going down the 
river with Colonel Donaldson, when on his way to Cumberland. 

But, notwithstanding these professions of peace, a party of north- 
ward Indians penetrated this county in the niontli of August and 
killed two men; and on the 11th day of September, 1782, a party of 
northward Indians came as far as the settlement on the head of the 
Moccasin oreek, within twelve miles of Abingdon, and attacked a 
family of fourteen persons, killing the husband on the spot, cap- 
turing the wife and six little children, three of whom were shortly 
afterward inhumanly murdered. One of the three, a young woman, 
survived the blows received from tlu' Indians long enough to tell 
the tragic tale. Two, the wife and one child, made their escape 
the first day and night. 

A considerable booty in horses Avas carried off by the Indians. 
When news of this invasion reached the settlement, tlie militia on 
duty, with perseverance in pursuing through a most rugged and 
difficult way, overtook the Indians and wounded several of them, on 
McClure, in Buchanan county, Virginia, and recovered unhurt the 
wife and child, with the Indian baggage and all the plunder they 
had taken. 

In September of this 3'ear, the Chickamogga Indians met Colonel 
Joseph Martin, at clie Indian town, Chote, and delivered to him all 
tlie white prisoners in their possession^ except three, whom they 
could not possibly get to the Indian town by the time appointed ; and 
Colonel j\lartin, in addressing Colonel Campbell in regard to this 
subject, said : "I believe that never people were more desirous of 
peace than the Cherokees." 

IsTotwithstanding the disposition of the Cherokees, and their efforts 
to bring about peace, their warriors were being constantly persuaded 
by the Tories, residing in their nations, to commit depredations 
upon the frontier settlements, and, during this year, in Kentucky 
county alone, eighty-five people were killed and scalped by the 
Indians. Colonel Campbell in the fall of this year, in a letter 
addressed to a Virginia official, said: "What if it should be the 
policy of the British ministry to drive from the other side of the 
Appalachian mountains all the settlers, before the signing of the pre- 
Jiminaries of peace?" and, in the same letter, he advised a strong- 
expedition against the northward Indians, and declared that the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 367 

state of our western affairs calls for the united wisdoni and most 
serious attention of the Executive.' 

While the Continental arm}^, with the assistance of the regular 
quota of troops from the Tranalleghany settlements, v/ere repelling 
the attacks of tlie British and winning the liberty of our country, 
the frontiersmen of Western Viriginia and ISTorth Carolina were 
winning the great West and were repelling the assaults of the Brit- 
ish and tlieir Indian allies. 

On Christmas day, 1782, a party of Indians attacked the house of 
John Inglis, on Clinch river- and scalped and otherwise grievously 
wounded a young man by the name of Cox, whom they overtook in 
a field, and two days thereafter, near the head of Sandy river, this 
same company of Indians overlook three hunters, two of whom they 
killed. 

hlarly in the year 1783, about twelve years aflrr ilie first settle- 
ment at Ciistle's Woods, a party of nortliward Indians invaded the 
settlement and attacked the fort at Ilamldin's ]\lill. 

This fort was erected by Henry Hamblin, one of the first set- 
tlers in that section, in the year 1776, with the assistance of Henry 
Dickinson, Charles Bickley, William Eoberison, William Eussell, 
Patrick Porter, Henry Neece, William Wharton, Humphrey Dick- 
inson, Frederick Fryley, James Bush, Archelas Dickinson, Samuel 
Ritchie, Jerry Harrold, Eichard and William Long and AVilliam 
Bowlin, the first settlers in that section. 

The home of Henry Hamblin had, previously to this time, been 
twice invaded by the Indians, and in the s])ring of the year 1782, 
l)is entire family, with the exception of a little boy, who was carried 
into captivity, were killed and scalped, and now tliis fort was 
ngiiin assailed by a coinpan}^ of Tndiims nninljcM'ing seventeen. 

The Indians first appenred in the comnninity at the house of 
Joseph l»ay. whoin tlicy killrd and scaljied along with several of his 
family and a neighbor by the name of Samuel Hughes, who hap- 
pen(Ml to be at Eay's house at the time: besides killing these per- 
sons tlicy made several others prisoners befoi'C they ri-nched the fort. 
.\s they apjiroaehed the fort tliey met a young woman by the name 
of Ann Xeeee, whom they tomahawked and scalped and left for 
dead. "They then a])proaehed the fort and were discovered by 
Simon Oscher, Henry Dickenson and Charles Bickley, whO' hap- 
pened to be working at a mill near by. The Indians observing them 



368 Southwest Virginia^ 1740-1786. 

about the same time and the Avliite men being- unarmed, their sit- 
uation was a fearful one. It was now to be a struggle which partv 
should get to the fort first. Charles Bickley remarked, "Boys, follow 
me," and they all started for the fort at full speed, the Indians halt- 
ing to fire upon them. They got safely into the fort through a 
shower of balls, without receiving a scratch, thus literally rumiing 
the gauntlet. There were but two guns in the fort, and witli these 
Ocsher and Dickenson, eacli, killed an Indian. Tlie Ijalanco of the 
savages knowing nothing of the strength of the fort, and their guns 
l)eing empty, hastily picked u]) their fallen companions and fled 
into the woods. ^Meeting with a colored man who was hunting sheep, 
and who l^elonged to Henry Dickenson, they captured him and he 
Mas never heard of afterwards. 

Some hours after their departure, and while there were still appre- 
hensions of their return by the few persons in the fort, Ann Neece 
was seen sloM'ly approacliing, as bloody as if she had been dipped in 
a pool of gore, with streams jetting from her head apparently as 
numerous as had been the hairs of her head before she was scalped, 
each jet al)out the size of a hair. She recovered, married and raised 
a family, and soine of her descendants are still living in Eussell 
county."* 

Colonel Daniel Smith, upon hearing of this invasion, gathei-ed 
a number of men and marched to Hamblin's Mill, expecting to pur- 
sue the Indians, but when he arrived upon the scene, he ascertained 
that a party of fifteen men had some time prior to that time pursued 
the enemy. 

On the 21st day of March of the same year, notwithstanding every 
precaution had been taken by the militia officers to protect the peo- 
ple, a party of Indians had gotten in, undiscovered by the inhab- 
itants of Clinch and Blue Lick, to Walker's creek, where they killed 
one man and took his wife and two children and two children of a 
widow prisoners. Two days thereafter a man was killed on Blue- 
stone by the Indians. The Indians who made this raid were imme- 
diately ])ursued by experienced woodsmen, but were not overtaken. 

The locality of this Indian raid on Walker's creek is in Bland 
county, and the family whose head was killed and whose wife and 
children were carried into captivity, was named White. The fol- 
lowing incident connected with the sid)sequent history of one of the 

*Cbarles B, Coale. 



Wiishiiir/fov Coiiiihj, 1777-1S70. 309 

cliiNlrcii caittiiird liv tin' Indians lluit day and cai-ricd into cap- 
tivity, is |iri'>cr\('d : 

"A niinilici' 1)^^ years allcr. during- one of the ('.\|)('ditions hy Gcli- 
"■lal Clarke to (jiiell tlie Indians in Kentucky, lie had (Micain])0(l on 
the haid'.s of the Ohio, await in,i;' tlie return of the scouts wlio liad 
IxHMi sent out to reconnoitre. One of his men hy the name of White, 
from Walker's creek, and hrother of tlie hoy that liad heen stolen, was 
out a short distance I'l-oni canip in search of iianie. when he saw 
a solitaJT Indian sittini:' on a lo-^- mending- his moccasins. His first 
ini])ulse was to shoot him, as all the Indians in that reo-ioii wore 
hostile, hut feai-inii' the icport of his i;iiii miizht start up a score of 
I'cd skins in the vicinity, and as the hack of the sava<i(' was towards 
him. he concluded to a|)pi'oach stealthily, and capture him alive. Hi? 
did so and took him into camp. From his hair and otlier indica- 
tions, they supposed him to he a white man, and after com- 
))eIlin,Lr him to scruh the paint ofl'. their sus])ieions were confirmed. 
They suhsetpiently leaiMied thiou^uh an interpreter, as the captixi? 
had forifotteii his native lan<i-uafi-e. that his name was White, and 
that he had \n'ru stolen hy the Indians ri'()iii his home in A'ii'u'inia, 
when a child. He cNcntnally proxcd to he the lu'other of the man 
who captui-ed him and tame so near takin^i' his life. 

"The hrothers li\cd inan\ years, settled in Kentucky, and he who 
had heen so many years anioni;' the Indians was a delegate in the 
liegislature in the early oi'uanization of the State'"* 

During the summei- of 17S(). Colonel William ("am])hell was 
recommended hv the county coni-t and conimissioned Itv the (iover- 
nor as Sheriffof \\'asIiington county, whicli ollice he declined, wliere- 
upon Daniel Smith was recommended and commissioned as SherifT. 
which ofTiee he accepted, and named ,lohn Yancey and Matthew 
Willouiihhy. as de])uty sheritfs of the county. 

In th(> spring of the yeai' 17S1, the militia of Washington county 
was reorganized and divided into two hattalions, which hattalicms 
were otlicered as follows: First hattalion, Cohuu'l. Walliam Cami)- 
hell ; Lieutenant-Colonel. William Fdmiston: Majoi'. Aaron Lewis. 
Second hattalion. Colonel, Daniel Smith: Lieutenant-Colonel, 
.lo-eph Mai'tin: ^lajor. Tiiomas Mastin. 

The lirst hattalion was comjiosed of tli(> militia soutli of the 
Clinch mountain, and the second hattalion of officers and men north 



*Charles B. Coale. 



S'J'O Southwest Virginia, nJf6-17S6. 

of Clinch mountain; which arrangements continued without inter- 
ference until the spring of 1782, some time after the death of Gen- 
rral William Campbell, when the officers of the first battalion were 
us follows: Colonel, William Edmiston; Lieutenant- Colonel, Aaron 
Lewis; Major, James Dysart, and this arrangement continued until 
the end of the Revolutionary war. 

In the spring of the year 1781, a number of gentlemen qualified 
as deputies to Robert Preston, surveyor of Washington county, tlieir 
names being: David Carson, Walter Preston, Andrew Lewis, Charles 
Campbell and Benjamin Sharp. 

Previously to the year 3 781, it seems that the ministers of the dis- 
senting churches were not authorized by law to perform the rite of 
matrimony between any of the citizens of the Commonwealth, and, 
if they did so, considerable doubt was expressed as to the legality of 
the marriage. It was necessary that the marriage ceremony, to be 
legal, should be performed by a minister of the Church of England, 
and that minister, in this portion of Virginia, was the Rev. Adam 
Smyth, who lived in Botetourt county, Virginia. 

I cannot ascertain whether our early settlers were united in mar- 
riage according to the prescribed method, or whether they were 
united by the dissenting ministers, but it is certain that the situ- 
ation was such that the General Assembly of Virginia, at its Octo- 
ber session, 1780, enacted a law declaring what should be consid- 
ered a lawful marriage. The preamble to this act declares its object 
to be to encourage marriages and for removing doubts concerning 
the validity of marriages celebrated by ministers, other than those 
of the Church of England. By the act in question it was declared 
that it should be lawful for any minister of any congregation to 
celebrate the rite of matrimony according to the usage of the con- 
gregation to which the parties to be married respectively belonged, 
and declared such marriage, as well as those theretofore celebrated, 
to be good and valid in law. But the act provided that no person 
should be married without lawful license first had or thrice pub- 
lication of bans in the respective congregations in which the parties 
to be married severally resided, and the fee of the minister was 
fixed at twenty-five pounds of tobacco, and no more. The minister' 
was required to make a certificate of the fact of marriage and return 
it to the court, there to be recorded by the clerk. 

This same act provided that the courts of the different conn- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 371 

ties shall, and are hereby authorized, on reconunendation of the eld- 
ers of the several religious sects, to grant license to dissenting min- 
isters of the gospel, not exceeding the number of four of eacli sect 
in any one county, to join together in holy matrimony, any persons 
within their comities only, which license sliall be signed by the 
judge, or elder magistrate under his hand and seal. 

Pursuant to this act, the following ministers of dissenting con- 
gregations were granted license in this county: 

Eev. Charles Cummings, Presbyterian, 

Rev. Thomas Woolsey^ Baptist, 

Eev. Simon Cockroll, Baptist, 

Kcv. Joseph Ehea, Presbyterian, 

Eev. Ebenezer Brooks, 

Rev. Timothy Burgess, Baptist, 

Rev. Thomas Brown Craighead, Presbyterian, 

Rev. John Frost, Baptist, 

Rev. Jacob Snyder, Reg. Reformed. 

At the June term of the county court of this county, the follow- 
ing orders were entered : 

"Ordered tliat Francis Beattie and Jonas Smith view the way for 
a road from near the junction of a path that now goes by the 
Ebbing Spring Meeting-llouse, and mark the said road, with blazes, 
and that Francis Beattie be the overseer of said road." 

"On motion of Ann Meek, leave is granted her to keep an ordi- 
nary at her own house- she giving bond and security according to 
law." 

"Ordered that Adam Hope have leave to build a mill on his own 
land." 

And at the August term, 1781, the folowing order was entered: 

"Ordered that John Yancy have a bar, clerk's seat, sheriff's box, 
the upper floor laid, one pair of stairs, three windows and shutters, 
for the courthouse, and prepare the prison and finish the stocks." 

And at the ]\Iarch term, 1782, the following orders were entered : 

"Ordered that two sixpence be levied on each tithable for the 
purpo<5e of purchasing a wagon for the use of the United States." 

At this time there existed a controversy between tJie citizens of 
Wasliington and ^lontgomory counties, as to the true location of the 
dividing line between the counties, and at the May term, 1782, the 
county court of this county, agreed with the court of Montgomery 



378 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

eoiuity to the appointment of Hugh Fulton to run the line divid- 
ing the two counties, which he did and made his report on the Gth 
day of ]\lay' ITSo. The following is a copy of the courses, dis- 
tances and boundaries between the counties of Washington and 
Montgomery, as fixed by this report : 

"Beginning at a white walnut and buckeye at tlie ford of IIol- 
ston next above the Royal Oak, and runneth thence — N. 31 W. over 
Brushy mountain, one creek, Walker's mountain north fork of Hol- 
ston. Locust cove. Little mountain. Poor Valley creek, Clinch moun- 
tain, and the sordh fork of Clinch to a double and single sugar trees 
and two buckeye saplings on Bare grass hill, the west end of Mor- 
ris' knob, fifteen miles and three quarters. Thence from said knob 
north crossing the spurs of the same, and Paint Lick mountain the 
north fork of Clinch by John Hines' plantation, and over the river 
ridge by James Eoark's in the Baptist Valley, to a sugar tree and 
two white oaks on the head of Sandy five miles, one quarter — twenty 
poles. 

"The beginning at said walnut and buckeye above the Royal Oak, 
and running south, crossing the middle fork of Holston, Campbell's 
mill creek, three mountains, the south fork of Holston above Jones' 
mill, his mill creek, four mountains. Fox creek to six white pines on 
the top of Iron mountain by a laurel thicket, eleven miles, three 
quarters and sixty poles. " 

"The distance of said line from the head of Sandy to the top of the 
Iron mountain is tlurty-three miles. 

"Executed and returned, :^Lay th.e 6th, 1783. 

,^ "HUGH FITLTOX." 

In the spring of the year 1783 there was a requisition upon the 
county lieutenant of Washington connty for a troop of horse, which 
troop Avas raised, and by order of the county court entered at the 
March term, 1783. Robert Campbell, William Dryden aiul Robert 
Kennedy were appointed officers of said company. 

In the early days of our history, when any one of our citizens was 
sued for debt, he was arrested by the sheriff and required to give 
good security or go to jail, and it must be very interesting to the 
reader of the present day to understand the obligation that a secu- 
rity assumed at that day, and we give the following order for the 
information of the reader. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 373 

In the suit, of William Houston vs. Thomas Smith, for a debt the 
following order was entered on the 19th day of September, 1782: 

"Abraham Fulkerson of this county came into court, and under- 
takes for the defendant, that in case he shall be cast in this suit, 
he shall satisfy and pay the condemnation of the court or render 
his body to prison in execution for the same, or that he, the said 
Abraham Fulkerson, will do it for him." 

The General Assembly of Virginia, by an Act passed in the year 
1781, permitted certain citizens of the Commonwealth to pay their 
taxes in snch stock and provisions as could be used by the Conti- 
nental army, and in April of the year 1783 John Campbell was 
appointed a commissioner to receive these commutable articles at 
t)ie town of Abingdon. At the same terra of the court a gentle- 
man qualified to practice law, who afterwards became distinguished 
in the history of Kentucky, the Honorable John Brown. 

In the early days of the history of this county, it was customary 
for the overseers of the poor to apprentice the poor orphan children 
of the county, and the order of the court authorizing such, is clearly 
sliown by an order entered at the May term, 1783, in the county 
court of this county, which is as follows: — 

"Ordered that James Stuart, an orphan child of Elizabeth Baker, 
be bound to John Greenway for the term of seven 3^ears to learn the 
art and mystery of blacksmith and cutler, during which time he is 
to learn him, the said Stuart, to read and write and the five com- 
mon rules of arithmetic, and at the expiration of his apprenticeship 
lie is to give him a good suit of clothes, and to get part of his learn- 
ing in the three last years of his time." 

The members of our countv court in those early days detested 
the law-breaker and never failed to impose upon the guilty the 
l)unishment prescribed by law, and their orders indicate that they 
insisted upon a speedy execution of their judgments. 

The following order was entered by the court on the 15th day of 
July, 178.S, u]inn the trial of a citizen of the county: 

"This day came as well the attorney for the Commonwealth as the 
»;',id defrndnnt, whereupon, Mary Henderson was sworn and 
examined, and the defendant heard in his own defence, on consid- 
eration whereof, it is ordered that the said defendant pay ten pounds 
in half an hour, or receive twenty lashes on his bare back well laid 
on, at tlie common whipping post, &c." 

The Continental ConCTess of the United Colonies received from 



374 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



the British goverumont, early in the fall of 1783, a proposal for 
peace, and provisional articles were signed at Paris on the 13th day 
of November, 1782. A proclamation declaring a cessation of hos- 
tilities was published by the Continental Congress at Philadelphia 
on the 7th day of April, 1783, and by the Governor of Virginia 
on the 21st day of April, 1783; and a permanent treaty of peace 




Whipping Post. 



was concluded on the 19th of April thereafter, by which treaty tht; 
independence of the colonies was recognized. 

Our people had demonwStrated to the world that they were patriots 
and worthy of their independence. They were now to demonstrate 
to the M'orld that they were capable of forjning a national character 
and that they were worthy of the l)lessings of liberty. 

The Continental Congress of the United Colonies, by a proclama- 
tion at a meeting on the 18th day of October, 1783, recommended 
to all the people of the colonies the celebration of the 2d day of 



Washington Countij, 1777-1S70. 375 

December, 1783, as a day of public thanksgiving, in token of their 
gratitude to Almighty God for their deliverance and independence, 
and pursuant thereto, the people of the colonies celebrated the day 
in an appropriate manner. 

For some cause tliat I cannot now explain, William Edmiston, 
who was coniiiiissicmed sheriff of Washington county, in the year 
1 783, refused to give security for the collection of the tax as directed 
i)y law, but he seemed to have Ijeen permitted to execute the duties 
of the office during the year and until the 16th of March, 1784, on 
whieli day, James Dysart produced the Governor's commission bear- 
ing date the 8th day of December, 1783, appointing him sheriff of 
Wasliington county, and took the oath of office, naming Alexander 
I )()naldson, James Craig, Christo]iher Acklin and Joseph Snodgrass, 
deputy sherifTs. all of -whom took the oath of office. At the same 
time the court i'('((uir('(l tlie slieritr to give security for the collection 
of the public tax for the year 1783, which security he refused to 
give, whereupon the court directed that the clerk certify this fact 
to the Governor, along with the names of the two next oldest magis- 
ti-ates in the commission of peace and who had not yet l)een com- 
missioned sheriff, whereujwn, the clerk, complying with the order of 
th( court, certified to the Governor, the names of John Kinkead and 
• lames Montgomery, whereupon James D3'sart excepted to the action 
i>r the court, by his counsel, John Brown, and gave the following 
ri'asons for his non-com})liance, to-wit : 

"That he did not receive his commission until some time in Feb- 
I'liary, and no court being held until the present date it was utterly 
nut of liis power to comply with the law in making the collection 
for the year 1783; that he is ready and will exert himself, if con- 
tinued in office, to nuike the collection for the present year in which 
lie received his commission, and would willingly undertake to col- 
lect arrears, if sufficient time would be given by amendment of the 
revenue law at the next meeting of the Assembly; that he humbly 
conceives that neither tJie letter nor the spirit of the law can operate 
so against him as to deprive him of his right secured by the constitu- 
tion, the authority of which he trusts will always be deemed para- 
mount to any particular act." 

The order of tlie court recommending Jolm Kinkead and James 
^fontgomery for the position of sheriff for the coimty is as follows: 

"Ordered that John Kinkead and James Montgomery be recom- 



376 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

mended to His Excellency the Govcmor as fit and capable persons 
for sheriff of Washington county, also, that Joseph Martin stands 
first in the commission of the peace, but he being a senator for Sul- 
livan county in the State of North Carolina, we leave it to the 
Executive to judge right." 

ISFotwithstanding the protest of Ca])tain Dysart, he lost liis posi- 
tion, and the Governor, on the 5th day of June, 1784, commis- 
sioned John Kinkead, but he, in turn, failed and refused to give 
tlie bond required by law, whereupon, the county court of this county 
reconimended James Montgomery and Thomas Mastin, as fit and 
capable persons for sheriff of the county, and James Montgomery 
was commissioned as such, and gave the bond required by law, on 
the 18th day of January, 1785. 

When Montgomery assumed the duties of this position, the peo- 
ple of Washington county had not paid their taxes for three years. 
While the reason is not known, it is fair to suppose from other facts 
that are laiown, that Colonel Arthur Campbell induced Edmiston, 
Dysart and Kinkead to refuse to give the security for the collec- 
tion of the taxes, and that he prompted the people in their refusal to 
pay their taxes. 

Archibald Scott was one of the pioneers of that quiet and beau- 
tiful little valley that nestles between Powell's mountain and 
Wallen's ridge in Lee county, along which Wallen's creek winds 
its noisy and meandering way, and which is now the home of so 
many happpy and prosperous families. This little valley was 
selected by the first settlers for its fertility, its water facilities, its 
superior range, romantic surroundings and remoteness from the 
usual route of predatory bands of Indians, who, at that day, occa- 
sionally left their towns beyond the Ohio to prey upon the scattered 
settlers on the Holston. Mr. Scott had married Miss Fannie Dicken- 
son, of Eussell county, many of whose relatives are still living there. 
Being the daughter of one of the brave and hardy pioneers of Castle's 
Woods, she had been reared among the dangers and excitements of 
frontier life, and hence was a companion upon whose coolness and 
fortitude her fearless and enterprising husband could depend in their 
new home on the verge of civilization. They removed to it in 1783 
just five years after Daniel Boone had passed along the same trace 
with his family on their way to the wilderness beyond the Cumber- 
land, and twelve years before the Indian raid on the Livingston 



Washington Countij, 1777-1870. 377 

family on Holston. He located a corn right to all that valuable 
tract of one thou.sand acres subsequently owned by Mr. Eobert DufF, 
and still in the possession of Mr. Duff's descendants. Mr. Scott 
erected his cabin on the head waters of Wallen's creek, near the spot 
now occupied by the residence of ]\rr. Thomas D. Duff. 

Here, witb bis wife and little ones, he was living on the rewards of 
honest toil, and doubtless looking forward with prophetic vision to 
the day, not far in the future, when that rich and romantic valley 
reposing so quietly among the mountains, would teem with wealth 
and a happy population. Ifo bared his brawny arm and cleared the 
forest, and for three years his cabin was the home of contentment, 
plenty and domestic joys. On June 20, 1785, the family, after a day 
of toil and after partaking of their frugal meal, had retired to rest, 
without a thought ]iorhaps of impending danger, and dreaming per- 
chance of the luxuriant harvest so soon to be reaped and garnered. 
That pleasant summer day, as Mr. Scott was toiling amid the grow- 
ing corn, he was seen and watched by a band of about twenty Shaw- 
nese Indians, who, by some means, had been diverted from their 
usual route, and, having observed the smoke rising from the cabin, 
were attracted towards it. and lay in ambush on the mountain side 
till night sju'oad lici- cui'tain over the valley. When all was quiet 
they approached and entered, and the first notice that the hus- 
band and fatlior hnd of their presence wa.s the gleam of the toma- 
liawk that killed liiiu in liis bed. The leader of the band was the 
notorious and cruel balj'-bi'ct'd Bcnge, who was killed six years there- 
after, not many miles from the same place, as he was making his 
way to r>ig Stone ("la]), with the Tjivingston captives. After scalping 
Mr. Scott tliev iiiurdereil and scali)ed his five cliildi'eii, idundered 
and burned the cai)in, took Mrs. Scott prisoner, and started back on 
their long journey to their towns beyond the Ohio. Her suffering 
during this journey over steep nu)untains and through deep and 
rapid streams was indescribable. Wben faint and weary and foot- 
sore, she failed to travel as rapidly as her captors desired, they would 
slap her in the face with tlii' l)loody scalps of her husband ami 
children. Being a wonum of great strength, activity and nei-ve, she 
bore wyi wonderfully, and even surprised the savages by her endu- 
rance. 

After traveling about two hundred miles and reaching one of their 
faxtirite hunting grounds in Kentucky, not far from the Ohio, they 



378 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

stopped a few days to rest and hunt. It was decided among them, 
that one of the Indians, when they reached their town on the Miami, 
shouki have tlieir captive for a wife, and hence he was designated 
to guard her while the rest were engaged in the hunt. Some hours 
after they left, the Indian on guard fell into a profound sleep. See- 
ing which and making a noise that did not seem to disturb his slum- 
bers, she determined to kill him with his own tomahawk which lay 
by his side, and then try to escape. She took the weapon and raised 
it above his head> but, being weak and nervous from fatigue and 
distress of mind, she feared she might not be able to strike a fatal 
blow and concluded to make an effort to escape. She made her way 
to a spring a short distance from the camp, waded along the branch 
to conceal her trail, and was soon safe from the pursuit of her 
guard in a thick cane-brake. Hearing those who were hunting not 
a great way off, she waited until their whooping died in the dis- 
tance, when she started out on the long and perilous journey towards 
the Cumberland mountain, the dim outlines of M^hich she had seen 
as she crossed an elevation. For weeks ^he wandered through the 
unbroken forest without food and almost destitute of raiment, sub- 
sisting on berries, barks and roots, and many days wandering so 
much out of her way as to make but a mile or two. Finally coming 
to a riA^er (supposed to be the Kentucky), she found a path on the 
bank which she followed. One morning while following the path 
up the stream, she heard a hunting party meeting her, and seeing 
a large sycamore near the path, she stepped behind it and fortu- 
nately found it hollow where she concealed herself, until the Indians 
had pa-ssed. A day or two after this and before she had reached the 
head waters of the stream, she heard the Indians on her trail with 
dogs. She- crawled into a hollow log that lay across the path, over 
which some of them jumped their ponies, and others passed around 
the end without discovering her. 

After the Indians had disappeared, she followed on very cautiously 
till she came to where the path forked. This perplexed her some- 
what, not knowing which to take. She finally took the left, which 
seemed to be the plainest, when a bird flew past, touched her shoulder 
and lighted in the other path. She kept on, however, but had pro- 
ceeded but a few steps when the bird repeated its singmlar action. 
"This led her to stop and reflect, and, coming to the conclusion that 
the bird was the spirit of one of her murdered children come to 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 379 

guide liLT throii,i:li the Mildcrnos?, she took the other path, which 
proved to be the right one, and led her tlirongh what is now known 
as Pound Gap. She eventually made her way into Castle's Woods, 
where many of her relatives resided and still reside. 

After some years, Mrs. Scott married Mr. Thomas Johnson, for 
w h<tiii tli(^ connty of Johnson in Tennessee was called. She raised a 
family of children, all of whom married and became useful and 
icspectable members of society. She lived to an advanced age, and 
her ashes now repose on a little hillock near the old blacksmith shop, 
not far from the l)ase of Clinch mountain at Hayter's Gap, in Rus- 
sell county, A'irginia."* 

In addition to the facts contained in this account as preserved by 
Mr. Coale, we are able to give from reliable documentary authority, 
the following: 

"Another house stood by the residence of Archibald Scott, in 
which was a little girl eleven or twelve years old, with lier brother 
some years younger than herself. 

"Into this house tJie Indians did not enter for some reason, but 
shot tlirough the door and klHcd iho l)oy. whereupon the girl 
s])rang out at a window and liid in a nursery of young peach trees 
till the Indians were gone. She then re-entered the house, laid out 
her dead brother, and sat by him all night, and till late the next day, 
when a party of men arrived to bury the dead.'' 

The history of Washington county from tliis time henceforth, will 
be uninteresting as coinjiared w itli that portion of our history witli 
which we have been dealing. 

In Api-il of tlie year 1784, a number of depredations were com- 
mitted by the Indians in Powell's Valley and on the Kentucky road. 
A boy was killed and a girl taken prisoner in Powell's Valley, and 
a man ami a woman and two children were killed in the winter of 
1T8-J. on the Kentucky road l)y a party of Cherokees under a young 
hulian chief by the name of Iiattlesnake, and within the same year 
three men were killed near Cumberland Gap, by the Creeks, and a 
bov killed and scal|i(Ml and an arrow left in liis breast on Powell's 
river. 

In the year 1783, tlie Governor and Council of Vii-ginia authorized 
the building of a fort at Cumberland Ga]>, on the Virginia side of 
the line, wliicli fort was erected under the supervision of Colonel 



*Cliailes B. Coalf. 



380 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

Joseph Martin in the fall of 1783. This fort was intended to be 
the residence of Colonel Joseph Martin, the Virginia Commissioner 
to tlie Indians, who of necessity had to remove from Long Island, 
then ascertained to be in the State of N'orth Carolina. Into this 
fort there gathered about one hundred persons, and npon the out- 
break of hostilities, it was with difficulty that they could be prevented 
from breaking up. Captain James Shelby had been killed near this 
station on his way to Washington county, and a man had been killed 
on the north fork of Holston river on the 5th of April, and ten days 
afterward a man was wounded with arrows on the head waters of 
Clinch. 

In Septeml^er of the year 178-i, a party of Shawnese Indians 
ascended the Sandy river and, passing over to the head of Clinch, 
divided into small parties to steal horses and annoy the settlers. One 
of these parties came to tlie present location of Tazewell courthouse, 
where they visited the home of Andrew Davidson. Davidson's fam- 
ily consisted of a wife and three children, two small girls and a boy 
and two orphan children by the name of Broomfield. Mr. Davidson 
was absent from his home at the time of which we are speaking. 
When the Indians appeared at the house they informed Mrs. David- 
son that she must go with them to their home in the West, and there 
being nothing else that she could do, she took up her youngest child, 
tlie Indians carrying the others, and began the journey. Mrs. 
Davidson received kinder treatment at the hands of the Indians than 
she expected, and proceeded on the way to their homes beyond the 
Ohio. But, when the Indians arrived at their homes they took Mrs. 
Davidson's two little girls, tied them to trees and shot them before 
her eyes. The boy was given to an old Indian squaw and was soon 
afterwards accidentally drowned, Mrs. Davidson was sold to a 
Frenchman living in Canada, where she Avas found by her husband 
after several years and returned to her home. Another company 
of Indians at the same time killed William Whitley, who lived in 
Baptist Valley. They mutilated his body in a terrible manner; his 
bowels were torn out and stretched upon the bushes ; his heart was in 
one place and his liver in another. Another company of this same 
band of Indians discovered Henry Harman and his two sons, Greorge 
and Mathias, and George Draper hunting in a section of country 
through which the Indian trail led. Harman and his associates 
were not expecting Indians so late in the season, and early in the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 38i 

morning they l)uilt their camp. Harman's two sons liad gone out 
In see wlietlu'i' thev could find game, wlien, to their surprise, they 
discovered an Indian cam]) hut a slioi-t distance from tlieir own, 
\\ itli every indication of the very recent presence ol' the Indians. 
'I'licy i-cturjied to camp and reported what they liad found; where- 
iipuu the hunters immediately proceeded to ictiirn to the settlements, 
'i'hcy lind not ]irocoodod far before they were llred upon by the 
Indians from Ix'liiml a log. whereupon, the Indians immediately 
advanced on Henry Jjai'man. wlio fell back to where his sons stood 
ready to meet the Indians. A right bi-isk fight took place, a 
(lescri])tion of which is as follows: 

"'l'\\o Indians immediately suri'ounded the white men. who had 
Inrmed a triangle, eacli man looking out. cA' what would have been 
with nu^n enough, a liollnw si|uare. The old gentleman bade Mathias 
to I'csei'vc his iii'c. while himself and George fired, wounding, as it 
would seem, two of the Indians. George was a lame man from hav- 
ing had white swelling in his childhood, and after firing a few rounds 
the Indians noticed his limping, and one who had fired at him, 
rushed i;pon him thinking him wounded. George saw the fatal 
tonmliawk raised, and drawing back his gun prepared to meet it. 
When the Indian had got within striking distance, George let down 
upon In's head with the gun, which hioughl him to the ground ; he 
soon recovered and made at him again, half bent and head fore- 
most, intending, no doubt, to ti'ip him up. Imt as he got near enough, 
George sprang u]i and jumped across him. A\hich bi-ought the Indian 
lo his knees. VFeeling for his own knife and not getting hold of it, 
he seized the Indian's and ])hmged it dee]) into his side. Mathias 
struck hint on Ihc head with a tomahawk, and finished the work 
with him. 

"Two Indians had attacked the old man with bows, ami were 
inanceuvering around him, to get a clear fire at his left breast. The 
ilarmans. to a man, wore their bullet pouches on the left side, and 
with this and his arm he so completely shielded his breast, that the 
Indians did not fire until they saw the old gentleman's gun nearly 
loaded again, when one fired on him and struck his elbow near the 
joint, cutting one of tlie principal arteries. In a second more the 
fearful string was heard to vibrate, and an arrow entered j\Ir. Har- 
man's breast and lodged against a rib. He had by this time loaded 
a gun, and was raising it to his face to shoot one of the Indians, 



382 Southwest Virginia, 110^6-1786. 

when the stream of blood from the wounded artery flew into the 
pan, and so soiled his gun that it was impossible to make it fire. 
Raising the gun, however, had tlie effect to drive back the Indians, 
who retreated to where the others stood with their guns empty. 

"j\Iathias who had remained an almost inactive spectator, now 
asked permission to fire, which the old man granted. The Indian 
at whom he fired appeared to be the chief and was standing under 
a large beach tree. At the report of the rifle, the Indian fell, throw- 
ing his tomahawk high among the limbs of the tree under which ho 
stood. 

"Seeing two of their number lying dead upon the ground, and two 
more badly wounded, they immediately made off, passing by Draper, 
wlio had left his horse, and concealed himself behind a log."* 

Draper, as soon as the Indians had passed him, fled to the set- 
tlements and reported that liarman and his sons were killed. A 
number of people set out the next morning to bury the dead, when to 
their surprise they met Harman and his sons returning to their 
homes. 

This same body of Indians sent three of their number into Abb's 
Yalley, where resided Captain James ]\Ioore and Jobn Poage. Near 
the home of Captain James ]\Ioore, they captured his son, James 
Moore, Jr., a bo}^ fourteen years old. They took the young man to 
a field where his fathers horses were running at large, and tried to 
capture the horses, failing in which they proceeded on their jour- 
ney to the Ohio. When they came near their towns in Ohio, the 
Indians painted themselves black, but did not paint the boy. The 
chief sold young Moore to his half-sister, who afterwards sold him 
to a French trader at Detroit, where young Moore met a trader 
from Kentucky, who knew his father and whom he requested to 
write to his father and inform him of his situation. He remained 
in captivity until October, 1789, and returned to his home in Taze- 
well county three years after the murder and captivity of his father 
and family. 

Early in the year of 1786, another party of Indians visited the 
home of Captain James Moore in Abb's Valley, an account of which 
visit has been preserved, which I give in full : 

"In July, 1786, a party of forty-seven Indians, of the Shawnese 
tribe, again entered Abb's Valley. Captain James Moore usually 



Bickley's History of Tazewell. 



Washington County, 1771-1870. 383 

kc'])t Jive or six loaded guns in liis lionsc, whicli was a strong log 
building, and Iiojxm], by the assistance of his wife, who was very 
active in loading a gun, together with Simpson, a man who lived 
with them, to l)e able to repel the attncks of any small party of 
Indians. IJelying on his prowess, lie had not sought refuge in a 
fort, as many of the settlers had ; a fact of which the Indians seemed 
to be aware, from their cutting out the tongues of his horses and 
eatth\ and partially skinning them. It seems they were afraid to 
attack him openly, and sought rather to drive him to the fort, that 
they might sack his house. 

"On the morning of the attack, Cajjtain Moore, who had pre- 
viously distinguished himself at Alamance, was at a lick bog a short 
distance iVoiu his house, salting his horses, of which he had many. 
\\"illiaiii {'lai-k and an Irislnuan were reaping wheat in ^ront of the 
hoiix'. !\Iis. Mooi-e and the family were engaged in the ordinary 
Imsincss of housewoi-k. A man named Simpson was sick upstairs. 

"The two men who wer(^ in the field at work saw the Indians 
coming at full speed dow n the hill toward Captain Moore, Avho had, 
ere this, discovered them and started in a rr;n for the house. Ho 
was, however, shot through his body and died immediately. Two 
of liis children, William and Eebecca, who were returning from the 
spring, were killed about the same time. The Indians had now 
a])])roached near the house and were met by two fierce dogs, which 
fought manfully to protect the family of their master. After a 
severe contest the fiercest one was killed and the otlier subdued. 

"The two men who were reajiing, b.earing the alarm and seeing the 
house siuTounded, fied and alarmed the settlement. At that time 
the nearest family was distant about six miles. As soon as the 
alarm was given ]\rrs. l\roore and ]\Iartha Ivens (who was living in 
the family), barred the door, but this was of no avail. There was 
no man in the house at this time except John Simpson, the old 
I'jiglishman already alluded to, and he was in the loft sick and 
in bed. There were five or six guns in the house, but, having been 
sliot off the evening before, they were then empty. They intended 
to load tlu^m after l)reakfast. "Martha Ivens took two of the guns 
and went u]tstairs where Simpson was. and. handing them tc 
him. told him to shoot. lie looked u]), but had been sliot in the 
head througli a crack and was then near his end. The Indians then 
proceeded to cut down the door, which they soon effected. During 



384 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

this time Martha Ivens went to the far end of the house, lifted up a 
loose plank, and went under the floor and requested Polly Moore 
(then eight years old), who had the youngest child, called Margaret, 
in her arms (which was crying), to set the child down and come 
under. Polly looked at the child, and clasped it to her breast, and 
determined to share its fate. The Indians, having broken into the 
house, took Mrs. Moore and her children — viz.; John, Jane, Polly 
and Peggy, prisoners, and having taken everything that suited tliem, 
they set it and the other buildings on fire, and went away. Martha 
Ivens remained under the floor a short time and then came O'Ut 
and hid herself under a log that lay across a branch not far from 
the house. The Indians having tarried a short time with a view of 
catching horses, one walked across on this log, sat down on one end 
of it and began to fix his gunlock. Miss Ivens supposing that she 
was discovered and that he was preparing to shoot her, came out 
and gave herself up. At this he seemed much pleased. They then 
set out for their towns. Perceiving that John Moore was a boy, 
weak in body and mind and unable to travel, they killed him the 
first day. The babe they took two or three days, but, it being fret- 
ful on account of a wound it had received, they (Jashed its brains 
out against a tree. They then moved on with haste to their towns. 
Pot some time it was usual to tie very securely each of the prisoners 
at night, and for a warrior to lie beside each of them, with toma- 
hawk in hand, so that in case of pursuit, the prisoner might be 
speedily dispatched. 

"Shortly after they reached the towns, J\Irs. Moore and her daugh- 
ter Jane were put to death, being burned and tortured at the stake. 
This lasted some time, during which she manifested the utmost 
Christian fortitude and bore it Avithout a murmur, at intervals eon- 
versing with her daughter Polly and Martha Ivens, and expressing 
great anxiety for the moment to arrive when her soul should wing 
its way to the bosom of its SaA'iour. At length an old squaw, more 
humane than the rest, dispatched her with a tomahawk. 

"Polly Moore and Martha Ivens eventually reached home, as 
described in the narratiA^e of James Moore. 

"Several incidents in this narrative have been left out. When the 
Indians set fire to the house and started, they took from the stable 
the fine black horse Yorick. He was a horse of such a vicious nature 
that no one but Simpson could manage him. The Indians had not 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 385 

])io<'C('(l('(l fa)- wlicn one mounted him, but soou the horse had him 
on tlio ground and was pawing him to death with his feet; for this 
|uii|iose a few strokes were sufficient. Another mounted him and 
was served in like manner. Pei'feclly wild with rage, a very large 
Indian mounted him. swcaiing to ride him or kill him. A few 
])hniges and the Indian was under the feet of the desperate hoTse- 
his teeth buried in his flesh, and uttering a scream as if he intended 
to avenge the death of his master, he bad just dispatched the Indian 
Avhen another, running up, stabbed Inm. and thus |Hit an end to 
the conflict. 'Alas I poor Yorick.' 

"It is said that Mrs. Moore had her l>ody stuck full of lightwood 
splinters which were fired, and she was thus tortured three days 
before she died. 

"When Martha Ivcns and VoWy ^loore were among the French 
they fai-ed much ^\orse than when among the Indians, The French 
had ])liMitv, but were miserly, and seemed to care little for their 
wants. The Indians had little, but would divide that little to the 
last partich'."* 

In .\])ril, 1?S0, ^[athias TTarman and Benjamin Thomas, two 
scouts em])loyed by the authorities of Russell county, visited the 
house of a man by the name of Dials, now in Tazewell county. 
Dials kept liquor for sale, and Thomas and Harman were soon intox- 
icated. ^Irs. Dials was making ]u*eparations for dinner, wdien Dials 
ami Thomas left the house to ol)tain wood, ^^'hen they reached the 
mouth of a lane about two hundred yards from the house, they were 
lired upon by a party of six or seven Indians; several of the shot 
struck Dials, and one of the warriors pursued him, in the direction 
of his house. When they approached the house the Indian gave 
up tlie pursuit, as he was aware of Harman's presence at the house, 
and Dials reached the corner of the house, where he fell dead against 
tlie chimney. • Thomas was fired at, but was not shot ; he was, how- 
ever, during the pursuit, knocked down by the Indian, scalped and 
left for dead. Thomas died seven days thereafter. 

Harman, who was very much intoxicated at that time, ran out 
of the house, mounted his horse and pursued the Indians, challeng- 
ing them to stop and fight, which they declined. x\bout this time 
some Cherokee Indians killed two men near the the end of Clinch 
mountain. The militia from the surrounding country combined 

*Bickley's History of Tazewell. 



386 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

and inarched within fifteen miles of their town, when they sent for 
Old Tassel, The Hanging Man and other Indian chiefs, to 
come to them, which they did, and informed the white people that 
this murder was done hy two or three Indian fellows who lived in 
a town called Caw-a-tie, about twenty miles below Chote, and that 
they had been hired to do so by an old fellow from Chickamogga, 
who had two sons killed by the white people last spring. The 
Indian chiefs informed the white people that their desire was for 
peace, but the white people answered that they would have their 
lands, to which the Indians replied that they had no right to give 
them their land, whereupon the whites immediately marched into 
their towns, which they destroyed, along with a part of their corn, 
and killed and shot several Indians. About this same time, 
William ]\[artin, a son of Colonel Joseph Martin, was killed by the 
Creek Indians while on his way to Georgia, and a Avhole company 
of settlers, except a woman, were killed near Chickamogga; and a 
son of Tom Wallen was shot near his father's home, but made his 
escape. 

The settlers on the Blue Stone (now in Tazewell county, Va.), 
being the principal sufferers by the Indian invasions, in August of 
this year forwarded a petition to the Executive of Virginia, stating 
their position on the frontiers and asking for protection against the 
Indians, "from whose cruelties they had lately been great sufferers. 
The settlement had become much weaker on account of these attacks 
and was not able to protect itself longer without prompt aid from 
the government. Upon the approach, of danger, the inhabitants are 
required to betake themselves and families to the forts, thus expos- 
ing their effects and property to the marauders, and, being few in 
number and scattered, they are unable to pursue and punish their 
enemies. Unless some suitable and regular method for J:he defence 
of the county be adopted at once, they should be obliged to abandon 
their homes, and thus expose to the savages the more interior parts 
of the country." 

In answer tO' this petition, the Governor of Virginia directed the 
county-lieutenant of Eussell county to call out forty men for the 
protection of the frontiers of the county and three sets of spies, one 
for the upper part of the county, one for the lower part of the county, 
and another at Castle's ^Yoods. The frontiers of Eussell county, at 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 387 

this time, wcve 140 miles iu length, extending from the Montgom- 
ery county line to ]\lartin's Station in Powell's Valley. 

On the 17th day of March, 1785, the Indians visited the honse 
of John Wallen, about fifteen miles from Martin's Station, and 
killed and scalped his wife, and a Mrs. Cox was shot at by three 
Indians. On the 2-lth day of March two families were captured by 
three Indians in New Garden, about twenty miles from Abingdon, 
the two families consisting of fifteen persons. 

In the fall of this year the smallpox broke out in the Indian 
nation, spreading rapidly and causing so much distress that the 
"Eavcn of Chiekamogga," the chief of the Chickamogga Indians, 
addressed a peace talk to the Virginia Commissioner, wliich was as 
follows : 

"Brother, — I am now going to speak to you about powder. I have 
in my towns six hundred good hunters, and we have very little pow- 
der. I liope you will speak to my elder brother of Vii'ginia, to take 
pity on us, and send us as much as will make our fall's hunt. He 
will hear you. We are very poor, but don't love to beg, which our 
brother Icnows, as I have never asked him for anything else before. 
1 thank him however for all his past favors to the old towns. I 
hope he will not refuse this favor T ask of him, I have taken A^irginia 
by tlie liand, and I do not want to turn my face anotlier way, to 
a strange people. The Spaniards have sent to me to come and speak 
to them. I am not going, but some of my people have gone to hear 
what they have to say. I am sitting still at home with my face 
towards my elder brother of Virginia, hoping to hear from him soon. 
1 will not take of any strange people till I hear from him. Tell him 
that when I took hold of your hand, I looked on it as if he had 
been there. The hold is strong and lasting. I have with this talk 
sent you a long string of white beads as a confirmation of what T 
say. My friendship shall be as long as the beads remain white. 

«A STEINCt." 

Colonel Martin was disposed to listen to the professions of the 
Indians and was making preparations to furnish them with the pow- 
der wliich they rwpiested, when a party of Indians appeared upon 
tlie Clinch and chased a son of Frederick Fryly and ran him until 
within sight of his father's house. Numerous signs of Indians were 
discovered down Sandy river, and the whole of the frontiers was 



388 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

thrown into great disorder. In July of the year 1785, several mer- 
chants from Baltimore opened a very large store at North Fork, 
two miles below the Long Island of Holston, this being the first store 
opened in that section of the country. At the election held in the 
year 1785, for Washington county, Colonel William Russell and 
xindrew Kincannon, were elected to represent Washington county, in 
the House of Delegates. One of the first measures proposed by Col- 
onel Russell, upon the assembling of the General Assembly in tlie 
fall of that year, was a bill having for its purpose the division of 
Washington county, which bill was favorably reported and after- 
wards, on January 2, 1786, passed by the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia and approved by the Governor. By this bill it was provided 
that, from and after the first day of May, 1786, the county of Wash- 
ington shall be divided into two distinct counties, that is to say : all 
that part of said county lying within a line to be run along Clinch 
moimtain to the Carolina line, thence with that line to the Cumber- 
land mountain, and the extent of the country between the Cum- 
berland mountain. Clinch mountain and the line of Montgomery 
county, shall be one distinct county, and called and known by the 
name of Russell, and the residue shall retain the name of Washing- 
ton. The same bill directed the first court of said county to be held 
at the house of William Roberson in Castle's Woods, on the second 
Tuesday in May, 1786. 

Pursuant to this Act of the Assembly, the first court of Russell 
county assembled at the house of William Roberson, in Castle's 
Woods, on May 9th, which court was composed of the following 
gentlemen : 

Alexander Barnett, Henry Smith, 

David Ward, Andrew Cowan, 

Samuel Ritchie, Thomas Carter, 

Henry Dickenson, John Thompson, 

and, subsequently within the same year, the following gentlemen ' 

were commissioned and added to the court : 

Charles Bickley, James Wharton, 

Richard Price, John Frazer, 

William Martin, Charles Cocke, 

(Thristopher Cooper, Jolm Tate, 

John Bowen. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 389 

At the same time the following officers qualified : 
Sheriff, David Ward. 

Deputy Sheriffs, Eobert Craig, Charles Carter and John Carter. 
Clerk County Court, Henry Dickenson. 

Commissioners of the Eeveriue, Samuel Eitchie and Patrick Por- 
ter. 

County Surveyor, Henry Smith. 
County Lieutenant, Alexander Barnett, 
Colonel of Militia- Henry Smith. 
Lieutenant-Colonel of Militia, Andrew Cowan. 
]\Iajor, Charles Cocke. 

Captains of Militia. 
David Ward, William Thompson-, 

William Dorton, Charles Bickley, 

Francis Browning, James Davidson, 

Saninol Eitchie, Josiah Fugate, 

William Martin. 
Lieutenants of Militia. 
John Bowen, Charles Hays, 

John Tate, James Osbourne, 

Samuel Eoherson, l-^lisha Farris, 

Thomas Carter, Moses Skeggs, 

John Van Bebber. 
Ensigns of Militia. 
Samuel Young, John Thompson, 

Eobert Tate, Henry Hamblin, 

Solomon Litton, William Byrd, 

Benjamin Nichalson. Joseph Johnston, 

William Ewing. 
Coroner, Francis Browning. 

The following lawyers qualified to ])ractice in the court of Eussell 
in the year 1780: 

Andrew Moore, Francis Preston, 

Ephraim Dunlop, James Blair, 

David Dunnan. 

The county court proceeded to select a permanent location for the 
coiirthoiise, when Henry Dickenson, the clerk of the court, offered 
to give to the county a tract of land at what has since been known 
as Dickensonville, which offer the court accepted, and proceeded tq 



-390 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

erect the necessary buildings thereon, and the court of Eussell 
coimty aSv'^embled at Dickensonville or Russell's old courthouse on 
the 20th day of September, 1787. 

B}'' the organization of this new county a great extent of coun- 
try and many valuable citizens were lost to Washington county. 

Information in regard to the history of Washington county sub- 
sequent to the year 1786 is exceedingly hard to obtain, as the minute 
books of the county court from the year 1786 to the year 1819 and 
from the year 3 821 until 1832 were destroyed along with the court- 
house by the Federal troops in December, 1864. 

Such history as I have been able to obtain for the period men- 
tioned has been derived from the records at Eichmond and from an 
examination. of the files of the Holston Intelligencer and the Politi- 
cal Prospect, newspapers published in Abingdon and covering the 
period from 1810 to 1815. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 391 



CHAPTER VIII. 

EFFORT TO ESTA15T.TSH A NEW STATE. 

Tn the month of Jaiuiarv, 1781, the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia passed a resolution expressing her willingness to cede her 
northwest territor)'' to the Congress of the colonies, for the benellt 
of the United Colonies, npon the following condition, to-wit: that 
the territory so ceded shall be laid out and formed into States con- 
taining a suitable extent of territory, and shall not be less than 
one hundred nor more than one hundred and fifty miles square or 
as near thereto as circumstances will admit. That the States so 
formed shall be distinct republican States and be admitted mem- 
bers of the Federal Union, having the same right of sovereignty, 
frix^doni and independence as the other States. 

Colonel Arthur Campbell, immediately upon his acquisition of 
this information, with a vision that was almost prophetic, set about 
to organize a new State and to include Washington county in the 
same. He immediately proposed a scheme for obtaining the sense 
of the inhabitants of the western country on the subject of the Vir- 
ginia resolution and the resolves of the Congress upon the same sub- 
ject, his scheme being as follows : 

"First. That Selectmen or Deputies be chosen for the five south- 
western coimtics of Virginia and tlie coimties of Washington and 
Sullivan in Xorth Carolina, to meet at Abingdon the third Wed- 
nesday in A])ril, 1783. 

"Second. That in order tliat the representation be adequate, let 
the Deputies be in number in proportion to the number of farm- 
ers above eighteen years of age, allowing one Deput}^ for every hun- 
dred such farmers. 

"Third. That the election be held at the respective Court Houses, 
the third Tuesday in the month of March next, 1783, by the same 
officers and under the same regulations as elections for delegates 
are held. 

"Fourth. That the business and power of the deputies when con- 
vened be confined to the consideration of the late resolves of Con- 
gress respecting the Western Country, and that they adopt such 
measures as may be adjudged proper by a majority, for the interest 
and safet\- of their constituents as members of the American Union. 



392 Southtuest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 

"Fifth. That the representation continue one year, in which time 
the Deputies may adjourn from time to time, and to such places 
within the Western Countries as may be found most convenient. 

"The day appointed for the election is the second Tuesday in 
March, 1783.'^ 

I am unable to state that the election was held at the time pro- 
posed by Colonel Campbell, on the third Tuesday in March, 1782, 
or that the Assembly proposed by him met at Abingdon on the 
third Wednesday in April, 1782, as therein proposed, but I can say 
that an election was held and that an Assembly met at Abingdon 
in this or tlie following year in the manner proposed by Colonel 
Campbell. I am of the opinion that this election was held in 1782, 
as proposed by Colonel Campbell, as four members of the Assembly 
that met at Abingdon were citizens of Sullivan county. North Caro- 
lina, and it is reasonable to suppose that liad the State of Frankland 
been proposed or organized at the time of this election the Sullivan 
co'unty citizens would have united with that State. 

The Assembly that met at Abingdon in the year 1783 
adopted a memorial, which they addressed to the Congress of the 
United States of America, and which was as follows : 

MEMOEIAL. 

To the Honorable the Congress of the United States of America: 

The memorial of the Freemen inhabitating the Country Westward 
of the Alleghany or Appalachian mountain, and Southward of the 
Ouasioto* Humbly sheweth : 

That having been made acquainted with the several resolves and 
other Acts of Congress, respecting Western Territory, and having 
considered maturely the contents of the same, we are highly pleased 
with that equal respect for the Liberties of the people, which seems 
to influence the Councils of Congress. That nothing but a firm ad- 
herence to the principles of the Confederation, and a sacred regard 
to the rights of Mankind could produce the late Eesolves for laying 
off new. Independent States, thereby pointing out such effectual 
measures, to prevent the encroachments of arbitrary power on the 
Asylums of Freedom. 

That we are happy to find so large a part of Territory already 
ceded to the United States for National purposes, and trust that 



*Tndian name for Cumberland mountain. 



WasJiington County, 1777-1870. 393 

every obstacle will speedily be removed for the completion of that 
business by the individual States affected thereby. That we are too 
much elated at the prospect before us not to wish that we may 
speedily enjoy the advantages of such a Government as will be ex- 
ercised over a convenient territory, not too small for the support of 
authority, nor too large for the security of Freedom. 

That our situation is such, inhabiting valleys intermixed with 
and environed by vast wilds of barren and inaccessible mountains, 
that the same compensation of latitude allotted to the new States 
ISTortliwcst of the Ohio, might prevent us from ever being on an 
equal footing with our neighbors, blessed with so many natural ad- 
vantages, navigable waters, and a level, fertile country. 

That the state bounded by a meridian line that will touch the 
confluence of Little river, near Inglis' Ferry, thence down the Ka- 
nawha to the Eonceverte or Green Briar river, thence Southwest to 
latitude 37 North, tbence along the same to the meridian of the 
rapids of the Ohio, South along the Meridian until it reaches the 
Tenasee or Cherokee river, down the same, and eastwardly on that 
parallel to tlie top of the Appalachian mountains, and along the 
highest parts of the same, and the heights that divide the sources of 
the waters that fall into the Mississippi from those that empty into 
tlie Atlantic to the beginning. This, though not equal in quantity 
of habitable lands with the adjoining States, yet may be sufficient 
territory for a society that Avishes to encourage industry and tem- 
perance as cardinal virtues. 

Tliat in our present settlements we have maintained our ground 
during the late perilous war, and frequently gave effectual aid to 
our Brethren to the South and Westward ; that we are first occu- 
pants and aborigines of this country, Freemen, claiming natural 
rights and the privileges of American citizens. 

Our prayer therefore is, that your Honorable Body, with a gen- 
erous regard to the Bights of Mankind, would speedily erect the 
aforesaid described Territory into a free and independent State, 
subject to the Federal Bond, and likewise confirm and guarantee to 
its inhabitants all their equitable rights and ])rivileges acquired 
under the laws of tlie States lately claiming this Territory; that 
llio disposition of the vacant lands be under the power of the Leg- 
i^^lature of the new State, in as full a manner as that exercised by 
such (if tlio 7'>astern States having unappropriated lands, with this 



394 So^dhwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

Eeservation, that the monies arising from the sale of vacant lands 
shall be faithfully paid to the order of Congress, towards the pay- 
ment of the jSTational debt. 

And yonr Memorialists shall ever pray, &c. 

Approved and subscribed by ns in behalf of ourselves and the 
Freemen of our Eespective Districts, whom we represent. 
Charles Cummings, Chairman. 

John Jameson, Jolin Campbell, 

Alex'r "Wiley, Eobert Buchanan, 

George Finley, William Tate, 

Arthur Campbell, John Kinkead, 

John Campbell, S'n'r, E. 0. Thomas Woolsey, 
John Davis, Eichard Brownlow, 

Gilbert Christian, Matthew Willoughby, 

David Looney, -John Anderson, 

John Adair. 

At a subsequent meeting this x\ssembly addressed the Freemen of 
Washington county on the subject of their public affairs, which ad- 
dress is as follows : 
"To the Freemen of Washington County: 

"Your Deputies, after mature consideration, have agreed to ad- 
dress you on the subject of your Public Affairs, well knowing that 
there is only wanting an exact and candid examination into the 
facts to know whether you have been well served or abused by your 
Eepresentatives, whether Government has been wisely administered 
and whether your rights and Liberties are secure. As members of 
the Civil Society, 3^011 will acknowledge that there are duties of im- 
portance and lasting obligation which must take place before indi- 
vidual conveniences or private interest, but it must be granted that 
in free Communities the laws are only obligatory when made con- 
sonant with the constitution or Original Compact ; for it is the only 
means of the surrender then made, the power therein given and the 
right ariseth to Legislate at all. Hence it is evident that the power 
of Legislators is in the nature of trusts to form Eegulations for the 
good of the whole, agreeable to the powers delegated, and the de- 
posite put into the General stock, and the end proposed is to obtain 
the greatest degree of happiness and safety, not for the few but 
for the many. To attain these ends and these only, men are in- 
duced to give up a portion of their natural Liberty and Property 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 395 

when they enter into society. From this it is plain that Eulers may 
exceed their trust, may invade the remaining portion of natural 
liberty and property, which would be a usurpation, a breach of 
solemn obligation and ultimately a conspiracy against the majesty 
of the people, the only treason that can be committed in a common- 
wealth. A much admired writer on the side of Liberty begins 
liis work with the following remarkable sentence, which we tran- 
scribe for your informal inn. and entreat you to read and ponder 
well: 

"In every human Society there is an effort continually pending 
to confer on one part the height of power and happiness, and re- 
duce the other to extremes of weakness and misery. The intent of 
good laws is to oppose these Efforts, and to diffuse their influence 
universally and equalh'. But men generally abandon the care of 
tlieir most imiwrtant concerns to the uncertain prudence and discre- 
tion of those whose interest it is tx) reject the best and wisest in- 
structions, and it is not until they have been led into a thousand 
mistakes in matters the most essential to their lives and Liberties, 
and are weary of suffering, that they can be induced tO' apply a 
remedy to the evils with which they are oppressed. It is then they 
begin to conceive and acknowledge the most palpable truths, which 
from their very simplicity commonly escape vulgar minds, in- 
capable of analyzing objects, accustomed to receive impressions with- 
out discretion, and to be determined rather by opinions of others, 
than by the result of their own examination." 

A few plain Questions you may honestly put to yourselves when 
in retirement, or when your heads are reclined on your pillows : For 
what end hath the Almighty wrought out such a wonderful revo- 
lution in the affairs of men as that of the Independence of America? 
What part ought I to act through the remaining part of my life, so' 
as to be most pleasing to my Creator and the most useful to So- 
ciety? Whether are my head and heart so enlightened and in such a 
frame as to attend to and receive the truth, whether it comes from 
a person I dislike or not? Is not the duty we owe the succeeding 
generati(m equal to that we owe the present; Several Mediums of 
knowledge are open to all diligent inquirers. The productions of 
the Printing Press, Tjiterary Schools, and the meetings of the peo- 
ple to debate on public measures. The inliabitanfs of this county 
have, as hitherto. lieen peculiarly circumstanced. They became 



396 Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 

possessors of a Wilderness at a perilous Era: The greatest part of 
their time since has been necessarily employed merely to provide 
subsistence, coarse clothing and cheap dwellings, to defend their 
families from the inclemency of the weather, no time or money to 
spare to build elegant or convenient houses, to erect suitable places 
for public worship, to found Seminaries for classical learning, to 
promote the education of youth, that most indispensable of all obli- 
gations to children. It is also a prior duty to any you owe the state 
to provide food and raiment for your families. Plain fare and 
coarse clothing you might be content with, if it was necessary to 
part with all the superfluities to answer the real exigencies of the 
State, and did you see your fellows in more favorable situation pur- 
suing the same course and also could you be persuaded that a judi- 
cious economy pervades all the disbursements of all the public 
money, then, and not till then, ought you to part with the produce 
of your Industry at the call of Eulers. It may be alleged by your 
enemies that yon do not mean to contribute anything to alleviate 
the burthens of the ISTation and support Government. This charge 
will vanish on a fair enquiry into the various schemes of finance 
and the present state of the Public Funds. 

The following estimate of Taxes, and what has operated as taxes 
in the Western Country, will prove that you have contributed some- 
thing, probably your full share. 

Treasury and pre-emption warrants, 16,000,000 pounds 

Taxes collected in the years 1778, '79, '80, '81,. 180,000 pounds 
Bills lost, sunk or funded, 5,000,000 pounds 



Paper money, 21,130,000 pounds 

Cash paid commissioners in hard money reduced, $10,000 

Composition money sent in with the plots, 70,000 

One-sixth of the surveyor's fees, 5,000 

Hegisters' fees prior to 1784, 30,000 

Eegisters' fees prior to 1784, 3,000 

Eegisters' fees prior to 1785, 10,000 

Additional tax of 5s. per hundred on land, 25,000 

Duty on salt will cost the western consumption 6s. per 

bushel, • • • • 1.500 

Duties on imports on foreign goods and enumerated articles 2,500 

Loyal Company's claim on W. & M. counties, 8,000 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 397 

Taxes on &c., may produce annually, 2,000 

Assessment subsequent to 1781, an enormous sum that it 

is impracticable, if iu4 imjust, to collect, 172,000 

Should the Lcgislahiic abolish assessment, and the above not be 
sufficient, 3-ou mi-lit endure taxing a few luxurious articles and 
some vices, that woidd im-rcase the sum, and make it equal to your 
just proportion of cx|;onditures. 

If your eastern ncighbois were .ueneious. tliey would make some 
allowance for the great losses sustained ]>y tlie depredations of the 
Indians, and for the many \aliia!ilc lives lost to keep them safe. 
The appr<ipriations of your public money ought also to be a subject 
of serious en(|iiiiy. foi- if at any time it should be applied to the 
purposes of vtmality and corruption, you would then be feeding your 
di'stroyei's, and enable tliem to make further invasions on your 
]-emaining rigiits and liberties, until you would have left nothing 
worth contending for, and you and your posterity would be obliged 
to stoop to an abject vassalage. 

"All is not lost yet, therefore beware in the future of the objec- 
tion of either weak or interested men who A\'ould persuade you to 
a passive conduct under all the Measures of Government. Your 
Ihders, as well as those of other nations, are only fallible men. 
When they act well, honor and a])plaud, when wickedly, impeach 
and juinish them. Disregard (heir impotent threats and ridicu- 
lous fallacies, and let tliem know that the little selfish cry of an 
indi\idual is not to be h(\nrd when the loud sounds of the peo- 
ples' are publishing their wrongs. 

'"Signed by order, 

"CHAELES CUMMINGS, Cii'm." 

A copy. 

This document is tlius endorsed by the Governor: 
""Memo. James Montgomery put this paper into my hands, and 
can prove its authenticity, and that Arthur Campbell personally 
explained, enforced and inculcated its contents on the people, par- 
ticulai'ly the State of Taxes p'd by that conntry." 

Colonel Arthur Campbell and a large majority of the citizens of 
Washington county, (nnw this liiiu^ forward, made every possible 
effort to secure the approval of the Congress of the United States 
of their views in regard to the formation of a new State, and their 



398 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

views seemed to permeate and m:eet with the approval of all the 
citizens, with but few exceptions, living on the western waters. 

In the month of June, 1784, the General Assembly of North 
Carolina passed an Act ceding to the Congress of the United States 
all her western lands, including the counties of Sullivan, Washing- 
ton, Greene and Davidson, now within the present limits of the 
State of Tennessee, and at the same session of the North Carolina 
Assembly, the Western Land Office was closed. 

Immediately upon the adjournment of the North Carolina 
Assembly, the four delegates from the western counties returned 
to their homes and gave intelligence to the people of the proceed- 
ings of the General Assembly of North- Carolina, whereupon, it was 
proposed that the people should elect two representatives in each 
captain's company in the counties of Washington, Sullivan and 
Greene, as committeemen to deliberate upon the state of public 
affairs and to recommend a plan of action suited to the occasion. 
These committees met and recommended the election of delegates 
from the several counties, to meet in convention at Jonesboro, with 
j'OM'er to adopt such measures as they thought necessary. 

The delegates were elected and assembled at Jonesboro on 
August 23, 1784, and elected the following officers: President, 
John Sevier; Secretary, Landon Carter. 

The convention immediately proceeded to appoint a committee 
to take into consideration the state of public affairs and the ces- 
sion to Congress by North Carolina of her western territory. 

This committee, after a resolution had been offered by a member 
declaring the three western counties independent of North Caro- 
lina, unanimousl)' adopted the following report, which was submit- 
ted to the convention,: 

EEPOET. 

"Your committee are of opinion and judge it expedient, that the 
counties of Washington, Sullivan and Greene, which the Cession 
Bill particularly respects, form themselves into an association and 
combine themselves together, in order to support the present laws 
of North Carolina, wliich may not be incompatible with the modes 
and forms of laying off a new State. It is the opinion of your 
committee that we have a just and undeniable right to petition to 
Congress to accept the cession made by North Carolina, and for 
that body to countenance us in forming oairselves into a separate 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 399 

government, and either to frame a permanent or temporary con- 
stitution, agreeably to a resolve of Congress in such case made and 
provided, as nearly as circumstances will permit. We have a right 
to keep and hold a convention from time to time, by meeting and 
convening at such place or places as the said convention shall 
adjourn to. When any contiguous part of Virginia shall make 
application to join this association, after they are legally permitted, 
eitJier by the State of Virginia or other power having cognizance 
thereof, it is our opinion that they be received and enjoy the same 
privilege that we do, or shall enjoy. This convention has a right 
to adopt and prescribe such regulations as the particular exigencies 
of the times and the public good may require; that one or more 
persons ought to be sent to represent our situation in the Congress 
of the United States and tliis convention has just right and autho- 
rity to prescril)e a regular mode for his support." 

This report was received by the convention and adopted, and 
the convention, by a vote of 28 to 15, declared in favor of forming 
a separate and distinct State at this time, and appointed Messrs. 
Hardin and Ccx^ke to draw Tip articles of association, which they 
did and which articles were approved by tJie convention. Pursuant 
to tJie Articles of Association, the first members of the General 
Assembly of the State of Franklin were chosen, and assembled at 
Jonesboro in the month of March, 1785, at which time officers were 
elected and laws adopted for the government of the State of Frank- 
land. The officers elected were as follows: 

Covernor, John Sevier. 

Secretary of State, Landon Carter. 

Treasurer, William Cage. 

Surveyor-General. Stockly Donaldson. 

Brigadier-Generals, Daniel Kennedy and William Cocke. 

Council of State, William Cocke, Landon Carter, Francis A. 
Ramsay, David Campbell, Daniel Kennedy and Colonel Taylor. 

Member of Congress, General William Cocke. 

The government as thus organized, proceeded in an orderly way 
to administer the affairs of the people. 

There can be but little question, that Colonel Arthur Campbell, 
the author of the idea of a new State, played a leading part in the 
organization of the State of Frankland. During the years 1783- 
1784, he was constantly engaged in organizing this new govern- 



400 Southwest Virginia, 17JfG-17S6. 

ment and enlisting the sympathies of the people of Washington and 
Montgomeij counties in behalf of the same. He drew up a Decla- 
ration of Rights and a Constitution for the new government, and 
while I am unable to obtain a copy of the Constitution that he 
proposed for the new State, still I am able to give the Declaration 
of Eights prepared by him, which is as follows : 

A DECLx\EATION OF RIGHTS. 

1st. That all political power is vested in and derived from the 
oeople only. 

2nd. That the people of this State ought to have the sole and 
exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police 
thereof. 

3d. That no mau, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive or 
separate emoluments or privileges from the community but in con- 
sideration of public services. 

4th. That the legislative, executive and supreme judicial powers 
of government ought to be forever separate and distinct from each 
other. 

5th. That all powers of suspending laws, or the execution o[ 
laws, by any authority, without the consent of the representatives 
of the people, are injurious to tlieir right and ought not to be 
exercised. 

6th. That election of members to serve as representatives in 
General Assembly ought to be free. 

7th. That in all criminal prosecutions, every man has a right 
to be informed of the accusation against him and to confront the 
accusers and witnesses with other testimony, and shall not be com- 
pelled to give evidence against himself. 

8th. That no freeman shall be put to answer any criminal 
charge but by indictment or impeachment. 

9th. That no freeman shall be convicted of any crime but by 
the unanimous verdict of a jury of good and lawful men in open 
court, as heretofore used. 

lOtii. That excessive bail should not be required, nor excessive 
fines imposed, nor cruel nor unusual punishments inflicted. 

11th. That general warrants, whereby an officer or a messenger 
may be commanded to search suspected places, without evidence 
of the lact committed, or to seize any person or persons not named, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 401 

whose ojffences are not particularly described and supported by evi- 
dence, are dangerous to liberty and ought not to be granted. 

12th. That no freeman ought to be taken, imprisoned or dis- 
seized of his freehold, liberties or privileges, or outlawed or exiled, 
or in any manner destroyed or deprived of his life, liberty or prop- 
erty, but by the law of the land. 

13th. That every freeman restrained of his liberty, is entitled to 
a remedy, to enquire into the lawfulness thereof, and to remove 
the same, if unlawful ; and that such remedy ought not to be denied 
or delayed. 

14th. That in all controversies at law, respecting property, the 
ancient mode of trial by jury is one of the best securities of the 
rights of the people and ought to remain sacred and inviolable. 

loth. That the freedom of the press is one of the great bul- 
warks of liberty, and therefore ought never to be restrained. 

16th. That the people of this State ought not to be taxed, or 
made subject to payment of any impost or duty, without the con- 
sent of themselves or their representatives in General Assembly 
freely given. 

17th. That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence 
of the State; and as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous 
to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the military 
should be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by, the 
civil power. 

18th. That the people have a right to assembly together, to 
consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, 
and to apply to the Legislature for redress of grievances. 

19th. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to 
worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own con- 
sciences. 

20th. That for redress of grievances and for amending and 
strengthening the laws, elections ought to be often held. 

21st. That a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles 13 
absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty. 

22d. That no hereditary emoluments, privileges or honors 
ought to he granted or conferred in this State. 

23d. That perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the 
genius of a free State and ought not to be allowed. 

^4th, That retrospective laws punishing acts committed before 



402 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

the existence of such laws, and by them only declared criminal, are 
oppressive, unjust and incompatible with liberty; therefore no ex 
post facto law ought to be made." 

James Montgomery, when he accepted the commission of the 
Governor as sheriff of Washington county and gave security for the 
collection of the taxes due for the three preceding years, incurred 
the displeasure of Colonel Campbell and the majority of the citi- 
zens of the county, and, in turn, he became the bitter enemy of 
Colonel Campbell. 

The people had been advised and expected that they would be 
released from the payment of their taxes for the preceding years, 
upon the organization of the new State, which they confidently 
believed would take place. Early in the year 1785, James Mont- 
gomery, William Edmiston, Arthur Bowen, James Kincannon, 
Samuel Edmiston and James Thompson addressed the following 
communication to the Governor of Virginia, preferring charges 
of malpractices and misconduct, in his office, as justice of the 
peace, against Arthur Campbell. 

"Sir : — Viewing with concern the present situation of affairs in 
this country, through attempts of ambitious men, thereby intend- 
ing to incense the good people thereof against the laws of the State 
and proceedings of government requisite thereto, finally to effect a 
new State in this quarter of the country, we cannot any longer 
remain tacit beholders of the evils already generating among us, 
without the most alarmed sensations, which we think the ties of 
humanity and obligations to oiir country lead us to disclose. 

Most secret plans have been laid to delude the people, holding out 
to them the idea of oppressive acts imposed by the General Assem- 
bly, intended to burthen them unjustly with a weight of taxes. 
Small committees were contrived and convened by Colonel Arthur 
Campbell, the leader of this disorder, as early as February and 
March last, under pretext of seeking redress of grievances in behalf 
of the county the present year, and decrying the laws in general of 
tlie last Assembly. Notwithstanding every opposition made to his 
measures, he continued to convene his committees, and, not long 
after, in one of his committees at Major Dysart's disclosed his plan 
of representation to Congress, thereby aiming to fix a boundary to 
include a part of Virginia in the Frankland State. 

It is also notoriously known that Colonel Campbell did, in a con- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 403 

ventiou of the North Carolina people^ publicly propose to separate 
himself with the citizens of Washington and Montgomery in Vir- 
ginia, and joining them declare themselves immediately independ- 
ent of the States of Virginia and ISTorth Carolina, and moreover, 
stand in the front of the battle between these people and Virginia 
when necessary. His declaration to the people of this county at the 
March court, to elect no delegates to the General Assembly this 
year, togetlier with, his late oppo?Nition, at the July eo'urt, to the 
proclamation issued by your Excellency in Coamcil the 10th of 
June last, may be sulTicient to satisfy your Excellency and Hon- 
orable Council that the mischievous spirit prevailing here in oppo- 
sition to the present collection and other proceedings of govern- 
ment, may have arisen from tJie licentious spirit of Colonel Camp- 
bell, conve3'ed to them through his artful insinuations daily since 
iast court, exercised by public meetings in this county, intended to 
overset the designs of the Executive in the present arrangement of 
the militia; and there is reason to believe he is now aiming to 
effect associations to oppose the collection when attempted to be 
made. The charges herein contained can undoiibtedly be supported 
by General "Russell, Captain Andrew Kincannon, Captain Henry 
Smith and Captain William Cocke, of the Frankland settlement. 
We rest the charges herein contained for the discussion and ulti- 
mate decision of your Excellency and the Honorable Council, that 
if necessary he may be cited to answer the charges against him." 

When the attention of Governor Henry was called to the situation 
of affairs in this county, he removed the suspension of the opera- 
tion of the militia law adopted by the Assembly at its session in 
the year 1784, and removed from oifice Colonel Arthur Campbell, 
the county lieutenant of this county, and such of the field officers, 
in the militia of this county, as were active partizans of the new 
State. Colonel William Eussell was commissioned a brigadier- 
general of militia with a full quota of officers who were opposed to 
the formation of the new State. By this act, the Governor removed 
from office many of the men who had served at King's moi;ntain, 
and such was the dissatisfaction produced by this action, that a 
number of the leading citizens of the county who had not taken 
part in the previous disturbance^;, addressed the following petition 
to the Governor and Council of the State: 



404 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

To His Excellency, Patrick Henry, Esquire, Governor of the Com- 
monwealth of A'^irginia, and the Honorable Council of State : 
The petition of sundry freemen whose names are thereunto sub- 
scribed humbly sheweth, that being pleased with the name and 
wishing to glory in the reality of being citizens of a Commonwealth, 
it is with infinite concern that we are constrained to address your 
Excellency on a subject that we apprehend will eventually endanger 
our liberties — we mean the adoption of the new militia law. 
That we believe the Constitution is imperfect in some particulars; 
but whilst we retain it as an acknowledged plan, springing from a 
higher source than the ordinary Legislature, we ought to consider 
it, until altered by the same authorities, as the basis of the laws and 
all legitimate government, and besides our allegiance points out 
to us as a duty, to maintain it inviolate, that former examples both 
ancient and modern, our own experience and the reason of things 
tell us that if an infraction is once made, and that by a delegated 
power, then there will be no right, however sacred, that is possessed 
by the citizens, but may be usurped, and our government ere long 
terminate in anarchy or despotism, those mournful calamities that 
too soon befall the human race. 

To avert such direful events, to recur to first principles and to 
reinstate our liberties in their pristine vigor, we are encouraged to 
approach, with freedom and truth, a patriotic Chief Magistrate, 
and an enlightened Council, humbly praying that the powers with 
which your Honorable Board are invested may be now exercised by 
refusing to execute the aforesaid Act as being unconstitutional and 
oppressive; or, if need be, assemble the Legiskture, at an earlier 
period than it stands adjourned to, that we may have an opportu- 
nity to seek redress from a legal tribunal. And your petitioners 
shall pray: 

Andrew Willoughby, Jr., James Logan, 

James , Eobert Montgomery, 

James Craig, Joseph Acklin, 

Charles Cummings, George Finley, 

Era. Allison, Eobert Campbell, 

Thomas Cummings, Samuel Acklin, 

John Trousdale, Samuel Houston, 

James Dunlop, John Preston, 

John Campbell, James Cummings, 



Washington County, 1777-1810. 405 

John Davis, J)civid Kinkead, 

James Moore, Andrew Davison, 

Gilbert Watson, Thomas Osburn, 

John Christian, liobcrt Johnston, 

Robert Craig, Nath. Willonghby, 

Micliael Iliggins, David Watson, 

Samuel Davis, William Bradley, 

John Cummings, William Craig and others. 

The Governor being slow to act upon the charges preferred by 
James Montgomery and others against Colonel Arthur Campbell, 
in the summer of the year 1785, William Edmiston, James Kin- 
cannon, Samuel Edmiston, James Tliompson and Arthur Bowen 
addressed the following letter to the Governor of Virginia, prefer- 
ring additional charges against Colonel (\ampbell : 
"Please Your Excellency and ihc Itnnoi'aMc; Council: 

"Sir, — A coni])1aint being cxliihiled during the course of last 
summer against Colonel Arthur Camphcll foi- mal-conduct, con- 
trary to the most sacred ties of governnicut. as well under his late 
county lieutenancy as judge of the court of Washington, in which 
he continues to act, wc have consequently thereto, been honored by 
advice from our Tiieutenant-Governor, that the charges would bo 
attended to by tlie Executive wliich we still hope will meet your 
patronage in due season and the offender in your wisdom cited 
before a proper triljunal to answer the charges against him. Rely- 
ing that the Executive will not suffer such atrocious insult to the 
Commonwealth of Virginia to pass unnoticed, we think it neces- 
sary to add fresh matter of complaint against Colonel Campbell 
that with the former now in your jwsscssion, his wicked and per- 
severing conduct may be more clearly explained to your Honorable 
Board. When the decision of the Executive made it necessary to 
arrange the militia of Washington county under the law of eighty- 
four, and the Governor's proclamation was issued for that purpose, 
Avhich being accompanied with the field officers' commissions were 
laid before Washington court. Colonel Campbell on the bench 
objected to the proclamation and power of the Executive, under 
the law, and quitting the bench addressed himself to the court, tell- 
ing them that the militia law was arbitrary, tyrannical and oppres- 
sive; and after condemning the last Assembly for enacting the law, 
said that the power of enforcing the law was in the court, not in 



406 Southivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

the Executive, and that the court should by no means suffer the 
field officers to qualify ; he also hoped that the court and people of 
the county would pay no obedience to the la\y or proclamation. 
Colonel Campbell finding some opposition to his measures by the 
court, alleged that the Executive having suspended the operations 
of the law till January, 1786, he had not a right to take off that 
suspension, by which time, he made no doubt, the law would be 
repealed ; and after finding some of the court opposed to his pro- 
positions, plead, (notwithstanding the danger of the frontiers) 
that the court should not suffer the field officers to qualify at that 
time. His constant endeavors to prejudice the citizens of this 
county ever since against the law. will appear from a petition to 
the Assembly which he promoted." 

And at the same time James Montgomery, who was a member 
of the Legislature from Washington county, preferred the fono\y- 
ing charges against Colonel Campbell : 

"1st. That he advised persons chargeable with public taxes to 
refuse payment thereof. 

2d. That he advised freeholders against electing members to the 
General Assembly. 

3d. That he attempted by various means, openly and secretly, to 
induce the inhabitants of Washington county to separate from this 
Commonwealth. 

4th. That he left the bench on a day when the court was sitting 
and attempted to persuade the court that no regard ought to be 
paid to the militia law, or the Governor's proclamation for enforc- 
ing it." 

The Governor and Council, upon consideration of said charges, 
directed that the first Monday in April, 1786, be set apart for 
enquiring into, the charges aforesaid, at the Council chamber in 
the city of "Richmond, and that the said Arthur Campbell have 
notice of sueli intended inquiry and be furnished with a copy of the 
charges exhibited against him on or before the first day of February 
next, and that the parties be at liberty from that period to the 15th 
day of March next, to take depositions of witnesses, respecting the 
charges aforesaid, giving ten days' previous notice of the time and 
place of taking the same, and that when taken they be transmitted 
to His Excellency the Governor, under the hand and seal of the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 407 

magistrate or magistrates who attended the taking of such deposi- 
tions. 

In answer to Governor Henry's proclamation enforcing the mili- 
tia law. Colonel Arthur Campbell, who had been particularly named 
therein, addressed the following letter to the Governor : 

"Sir, — After having been honored lately with the receipt ol sev- 
eral of your Excellency's letters, particularly that of the 17tli of 
IMay last, and the several communications made in consequence of 
tliem, particularly my letter of the 13tli of June, the principal offi- 
cers and the Whig interest in this county seemed to rest satisfied 
that an amicable and enlightened administration would pave the 
way to the Legislature and to Congress for the eflicient and per- 
manent redress of the principal, and in some cases the almost 
intolerable grievances of the western inhabitants. Birt, wflijile 
secure in this confidence, we have to lament that the voice of 
calumny and faction has reached the scat of supreme rule, and 
that, withoat a constitutional enquiry, without a fair hearing, it 
lias been in some degree listened to, and had effect. It is hard to 
defend when it is not known what we are charged with, and at 
all times who can disarm private pique, or be able to withstand 
malice and envy without feeling some smart. But political fury, 
engendered by Tory principles, knows no bounds and is without 
a parallel. Bernard and Hutchison have exhibited to Governors 
and the world, examples that ought to teach wisdom to this and 
succeeding generations. We are told (but it is only from report) 
that we have offended government on account of our sentiments 
being favorable to a new State, and our looking forward for a sep- 
aration. If such a disposition is criminal, I confess there are not 
a few in this county to whom guilt may be imputed, and to many 
respectable characters in other counties on the western waters. If 
we wish for a separation it is on account of grievances that daily 
become more and more intolerable, it is from a hope that another 
mode of governing will make us more useful than we are now to the 
general confederacy, or ever can be whilst so connected. But why 
can blame fall on us, when our aim is to conduct measures in an 
orderly manner, and strictly consistent with the Constitution. 
Surely men who have bound themselves by every holy tie to sup- 
port republican ])riiiciplo«, cauuot on a dispassionate consideration 
blame us. Our want of experience and knowledge may be a plea 



408 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

against us. We deplore our situation and circumstances on that 
account, but at the same time firmly believe that our advances to 
knowledge will still continue slow, perhaps verge towards ignorance 
and barbarism, without the benefit of local independent institutions. 

But, sir, why may we not take courage and say we are right when 
adverting to our o-\^ti constitution, to the difTerent Acts of Con- 
gress, that of different legislatures, the opinion of the first states- 
men in America, among whom we can number an illustrious com- 
mander, a great lawyer and judge in this State, and a Governor of 
Virginia liimself ? 

All that I have to ask, and it is all that I uiay ever crave, is 
that your Excellency may not, from invidious information, form 
such rash measures, so urge matters, at an untimely day to extremi- 
ties, which only might gratify an angry individual, but would, by 
no means, promote the interest and peace of the Commonwealtli, 
or its honor and dignity. 

I am, sir, with respect, your most obedient servant, 

AETHUE CAMPBELL. 

The agitation continued until tlie meeting of the General Assem- 
bly of Virginia, on October, lIS-j, at which time, the Governor 
transmitted to the General Assembly a message in regard to the 
action taken by the peo]3le of this portion of Virginia, praying the 
establishment of an independent State. 

Accompanying the message was tiie memorial adopted by the 
Assembly that met at Abingdon, addressed to the Congress of the 
United States as heretofore given. The message of the Governor 
to the General Assembly was as follows : 

MESSAGE OF GOVEENOE PATEICK HEFEY. 
"I transmit herewith a letter from the Honorable Mr. Hardy, 
covering a memorial to Congress of sundry inhabitants of Washing- 
ton county, praying the establishment of an independent State, to 
be bounded as is therein expressed. The proposed limits include 
a vast extent of country, in which we have numerous and very 
respectable settlements, which in their growth will form an inval- 
uable barrier between this country and those, who, in the course 
of events, may occupy the vast places westward of the mountains, 
some of whom have views incompatible with our safety. Already 
the militia of that part of the State is the most respectable we have, 
and by their means it is that the neighboring Indians are awed 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 409 

into professions of friendship. But a circnnistanee has lately hap- 
pened, which renders the possession of the territory at the present 
time indispensable to the peace and safety of Virginia; I moan tlio 
assumption of sovereign power by the western inhabitants of North 
Carolina. If the people who, without consulting their own safety 
or any other authority known in the American Constitution, have 
assumed government, and while unallied to us and under no 
engagements to pursue the objects of the Federal government, shall 
be strengthened by the accession of so great a part of our country, 
consecpiences fatal to our repose will probably follow. It is to be 
observed that the settlements of this new society stretch into a 
great extent in contact with ours in Washington county, and there- 
by expose our citizens to the contagion of the example which bids 
fair to destroy the peace of North Carolina. In this state of things 
it is that variety of information has come to me stating that several 
persons, but especially Colonel Arthur Campbell, have used their 
utmost endeavors, and with some success, to persuade the citizens 
in that quarter to break off from this Commonwealth, and attach 
ihemselves to the newly-assumed government, or to erect one dis- 
tinct from it. And to effect this purpose the equality and authority 
of the laws have been arraigned, the collection of the taxes impeded, 
and our national character impeached. If this most important part 
of our territory be lopped off, we loose that barrier for which our 
people have long and often fought; that nursery of soldiers, from 
which future armies may be levied, and through which it will be 
almost impossible for our enemies to penetrate. We shall aggran- 
dize the new State, whose connections, views and designs, we know 
not: shall cease to be formidable to our savage neighbors, or respect- 
able to our western settlements, at present or in the future. 

Whilst these and many other matters were contemplated by the 
Executive, it is natural to suppose, the attempt at separation was 
discouraged by every lawful means, the chief of which Avas dis- 
placing such of the field officers of the militia in Washington 
county as were active partizans for separation, in order to prevent 
the weight of office being put in the scale against Virginia. To 
fin's end a proclamation was issued, declaring the militia laws of 
the last session in force in that county, and appointments were 
made agreeable to it. 

I hope to be excused for expressing a wish that the Assembly, in 



410 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

deliberating on this affair, will prefer lenient measures in order 
to restrain our erring citizens. Their taxes have run into three 
years and thereby gro\m to an amount beyond the ability of many 
to discharge; while the system of our trade has been such, as to 
render their agriculture unproductive of money. And I cannot but 
suppose that if even the warmest supporters of separation had seen 
the mischievous consequences, they would have retraced and recon- 
sidered that intemperance in their o^^vn proceedings, which oppo- 
sition in sentiment is too apt to produce. 

The limits proposed for the new government of Frankland, by 
Colonel Arthur Campbell and the people of Virginia who aimed at 
a separation from this State, were expressed in the form of a con- 
stitution which Colonel Campbell drew up for public examination, 
and were these : Beginning at a point on the top of the Alleghany 
or Appalachian mountains, so as that a line drawn due north from 
thence will touch the bank of the N"ew river, otherwise called 
Kenawha, at the confluence of Little river, which is about one 
mile above Inglis' ferry, down the said river Kenawha to tlie 
mouth of the Eoncevcrt, or Greenbrier river, a direct line thence to 
the summit of Laurel mountain, and along the highest part of the 
«:j:me to the same point where it is intersected by the parallel of 
37° north latitude; west along that latitude to a point where it is 
met by a meridian lino that passes through the lower part of the 
river Ohio; south along the meridian to the Elk river, a branch of 
the Tennessee; down said river to its mouth, and down the Ten- 
nessee to the most southwardly part or bend of said river; a direct 
line from thence to that branch of the Mobile, called Tombigbee ; 
do^^Ti said river Tombigbee to its junction with the Coosawattee 
river, to the mouth of that branch of it called the Hightower; 
thence south to the top of the Appalachian, mountain, or the highest 
land that divided the sources of the eastern from the western wat- 
ers; northAvardly along the middle of said heights, and the top of 
the Appalachian mountain, to the beginning. It was stated 
that the inhabitants within these limits agree with each other 
to form themselves into a free, sovereign and independent 
body politic or State, by the name of the Commonwealth 
of Franldand. The laws of the Legislature were to be enacted by 
the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Frankland ; and all 
tlie laws and ordinances which had been before adopted, used and 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 411 

approved in the different partvS of this Stote, whilst under the juris- 
diction of Virginia and JlSTorth Carolina shall still remain the rule 
of decision in all cases for the respective limits for which they were 
formerly adopted, and shall continue in full force until altered 
or repealed by the Loo;iplatiire ; s^uh pints only excepted, as are 
repugnant to the rights and lihorties contained in this Constitution, 
or those of the said respective States." 

As heretofore stated, early in the year 1785 the Governor 
removed Colonel Arthur Campbell, county lieutenant of Washing- 
ton county and all the militia officers who advocated a new State, 
and commissioned General Eussell as brigadier-general of militia 
and a number of other gentlemen M'ho were opposed to the forma- 
tion of a new State, as militia officers in Washington county; but 
when Colonel Russell and the other gentlemen holding commis- 
sions under the Governor appeared before the court and offered to 
qualify as required by law. Colonel Campbell, who was the pre- 
siding officer of the court, demanded of Colonel Eussell and his 
friends to know by what aiifhority ihoy sought to qualify, when 
the commissions were produced, and Colonel Campl)ell, having 
read the commissions, left the bencli and declared that he would 
not tamely submit to the orders of the Governor, and immediately 
prfK-(>edod to address the court, declaring the militia law to he in 
the highest degi-ee oppressive aud tyrannical, and that the Gover- 
nor, having suspended the law u]itil January, 178G, had no right 
to enforce it at this time. He jironounced the Governor's proclama- 
tion illegal, declaring the Governor and Council had exceeded their 
power, and that they had no right to enforce tlie militia law at 
that time, -ind he assured the court that the power to enforce law 
was in them and not in the Executive; and, notwithstanding the 
earnest protest of Colonel Russell, the court declined to permit 
the Governor's appointees to qualify. 

The General Assembly convened on the 3d day of October. 1785. 
and the first act passed by the Assembly was to amend the militia 
law enacted at the session in 178-], and to provide that the officers 
of the militia, who were dis])laced and removed from office by vir- 
tue of said act, are hereby reinstated and shall take precedency of 
rank agreeably to dates of the commissions tliey severally held prior 
to the passage of said Act. 

And this same Assembly passed several Acts having for their 



412 Southwest Virginia, 17^0-1786. 

object the removal of the grievances complained of by Colonel 
Campbell and his followers in Washington county. 

By the Act of the Assembly above given, Colonel Campbell, once 
again, prevailed against his enemies and continued to discharge 
the duties of county lieutenant of Washington county for many 
years. 

The measures adopted by the Legislature were exceedingly mod- 
erate and conciliatory, and, as a result, all active opposition to the 
authority of the Virginia government ceased. 

The idea of forming a new government out of the western terri- 
tory originated with C^olonol Arthur Campbell and was adopted by 
the citizens of North Carolina at his suggestion. He was com- 
pelled to submit to the authority of the State of Virginia some 
time previous to the. dissolution of the State of Frankland in 
North Carolina, because of the circumstances surrounding the two 
peoples. Colonel Campbell and his Virginia followei-s lived in 
that portion of the Commonwealth of A'irginia which the State 
had never agreed to cede to the Continental Congress, and the sov- 
ereignty of which the Commonwealth, at no time, was willing 
to surrender to any other power, while the situation in North 
Carolina was entirely different. The General Assembly of that 
State had ceded all that portion of her territory embraced in the 
State of Frankland to -the Congress of the United States, and the 
citizens of North Carolina felt but little interest in the matter, anrl 
as a result of this condition the Virginia seceders were promptly 
suppressed, while those in North Carolina were for some time per- 
mitted to pursue the even tenor of their way. 

Tiie prosecution of Colonel Campbell continued with unabated 
vigor, and numerous dopositiojis were taken to sustain the charges 
made against him. The deposition of Colonel William ^Russell, 
the chief prosecutor in the case, was as follows: 

"General William Eussell, deposeth and saitli : On the 13t]i 
day of January, 1785, at the house of William Colly in Wash- 
ington county, your deponent attended a meeting of a number of 
inhabitants of said county. The people assembled. Colonel Camp- 
l>ell addressed them, saying he had called them together to explain 
to them the enormous su7ti of money paid by the people of this 
county to the State of Virginia, which he said repeatedly amounted 
to nearly two million more than was due from this county to the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 413 

government. He said he was exceedingly alarmed to find that taxes 
were to be demanded of the people of Washington that year, then 
reduced to absolute certainty, the sheriff having given security for 
the collection. Your deponent well remembers Colonel Campbell 
told the people that sum of money operated upon them as a tax, 
and that the people ought to pay no tax till that sura was accounted 
for by the government to the people here. Your deponent then told 
the people that Colonel Campbell's deductions were drawn from 
erroneous calculations by the lump, intended to mislead and incense 
them against government. Your deponent then tirged the people 
to pay half the tax then called for, and further told the people their 
compliance with that in future might perhaps favor them to pro- 
cure an abatement, if not a final remittance, of the arrears by our 
Assembly. Colonel Campbell immediately replied, truly the gen- 
tleman preaches up to you passive obedience and non-resistance. 
Your deponent then informed the people the sheriff would take 
beef cattle for the collection, to make it easy for those who could 
not raise money to pay their tax. Colonel Campbell instantly 
replied, he liked such men who would take up arms rather than 
submit to so unjust a tax. Colonel Campbell then proposed that 
all for his measure should choose a committee, and with these 
retired aside. Your deponent attended a meeting at Major Dysart's 
on the 14th of the same in.stant, when Colonel Campbell addressed 
the people then present with the same explanation of statements he 
had offered on the 12th at William Colly^s, urging that the people 
of this county had paid two millions money more than their just 
quota, and alleged it was unjust for us to pay tax till that was 
accounted for. Your deponent attended one other meeting at Sink- 
ing Spring Meeting House, on the loth of the same instant, being 
Washington February court day, and your deponent supposetli 
nearly three hundred people were present at said meeting. Colonel 
Campbell addressed them as before in opposition to the collection of 
the taxes, and again alleged this county had paid nearly two mil- 
lions over and above what ought to be paid to government, and 
recommended the people ought to pay no tax until that was settled 
by the State. Colonel Campbell said he was surprised to find in 
what manner measures had been taken to precipitate the collection 
by the slieriff and his sureties. Colonel Campbell observed, we had 
but lately escaped from British tyranny and he feared it was likely 



414 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

to take place in oiir own State. He exclaimed generally against the 
laws passed by the General Assembly in 1784, as tyrannical and 
oppressive. Your deponent once more observed to the people that 
Colonel Campbell's inferences led them to secede from government ; 
that his insinuations and refusal to pay taxes led to rebellion, in 
which predicament, if led by him, we must either subjugate Vir- 
ginia, or Virginia would reduce us. 

At July Washington court, 1785, the G-overnor's proclamation 
being- read near the courthouse door, by the sheriff intended to 
enforce the militia law of 1784, your deponent and field officers, as 
by a late appointment by the Governor, went before tlie court, and 
applied to l)e qualified to their commissions. Colonel Campbell, 
then on the iK'nch and judge of the court, he enquired to know what 
commission, of which your deponent informed him, and handed 
him the Governor's proclamation; lie liaving read it, or part of it, 
took his hat, and leaving tlie bench, declared he wo\dd not tamely 
submit to it so. 

' Colonel Campbell tlien addressed the court, and said thai the 
Governor and Council had exceeded their power. He told the court 
the Governor's proclamation was not law. Your deponent observed 
to the court it was a power sufficient to enforce a law. Colonel 
Campbell then observed the militia law was in the highest degree 
oppressive and tyrannical, and the Executive having suspended the 
law till January, 1786, had no right to enforce it at that time, and 
he assured the court the power to inforce that law or not, was in 
them, and not in the Executive. 

It api)eared to your deponent, that Colonel Arthur Campbell, 
supposing that he would be overruled by the court in his proposi- 
tion, then proposed to the court to postpone the qualification of the 
officers till the August court. Your deponent then observed to 
the court the risk of the frontier would not admit of that delay, 
as depredations had been committed not long before on our fron- 
tiers by the savages. 

Colonel Campbell then replied that was not of iinich consequence, 
and further your deponent saith not. 

Depositions pi'o and con were taken in this case, at the town 
house, on March 6, 178(), at the house of Captain Thomas Price on 
Clinch, on the 10th day of March, and at Henry Herkleroads, on 
the 14th of said month. The following witnesses were examined 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 415 

aga/inst Colonel Campl)ell : Joseph Cole, Andrew Kincannon, 
Thomas Berry, James Thompson, Charles Bowen, Arthur Bowen, 
AVilliam Crabtree, Andrew Cowan, George Clark, James Kincan- 
non and Robert Preston. And the following witnesses were sworn 
in behalf of Colonel Campbell : John Latham, Benjamin Sharp, 
James Dysart, Elisha Dnngan, Greorge Finley, Alex. Breckinridge, 
James Snodgrass, Joltn Kinkead, Joseph Black and Robert Craig. 

These do))ositions wovo taken before David Ward, Andrew Cowan, 
John Latham, John Kinkead, John Tiowry, James Fulkerson and 
Joseph Black. 

The principal deposition given in behalf of Colonel Arthnr Camp- 
bell, and the one that best illustrates his defence, was that of Caj)- 
tain Robert Craig, which is as follows: 

"And the deponent furtlier sailh; that at July court, 1785, he 
was sent for to come into court, and when he camo in saw Arthur 
Campbell standing on the floor, and after the said deponent, taking 
his seat on the bench. Colonel Russell, produced to the bench a 
commission which he was desirous of swearing in. Colonel Camp- 
])ell wished the bench to consider the matter maturely first. Col- 
onel Russell told the court they could not get over swearing the 
officers into this commission, as there was the Governor's procla- 
mation enforcing the new militia law in this county. A member 
of the court was desirous of seeing the proclamation, upon which 
it was handed to the court, when Artliur Campbell raised some 
objections against it as it was an unusual manner in which it came; 
but however. Colonel Russell still insisted to swear into the commis- 
sions, urging that there was a necessity for swearing into them, 
as the frontier was in danger of being harassed by Indians. Arthur 
Campbell made answer that every necessary measure had been 
taken fm- ili(> defence of flic frontier, and said that the officers 
which bad acted would not neglect doing every duty for the fron- 
tiers in tlicir power until the August court, which was the longest 
lime be wanbvl. ''Hiat the tlien officers which were to swear into 
their commissions should not be opposed, if nothing was done by 
the Executive favoral)le to the old officers, for he was certain, he 
said, that there had been some misrepresentation sent to the 
Executive, or they never would have thrown out oflRcers who had 
never been called to an account for any misconduct. He likewise 
further said that he would leave it to the choice of the people which 



416 • Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

could be known against the August court, and if the new militia 
law was the choice of a majority of the people, he would be heartily 
agreed, and could shoulder his musket as well as any of them ; and 
then the said Arthur Campbell retired out of the house, and he does 
not remember of his returning into the house that day. He con- 
sidered Arthur Campljell as acting as a private citizen merely in 
his course, and had never known of his having been guilty of mis- 
conduct as a justice of the peace, &c., &c. 

"The deponent being interrogated, what information James 
Montgomery gave, one of the days of the last court, respecting his 
reasons and motives for accusing Arthur Campbell for malprac- 
tices in his office as Justice of the Peace; Answers, on Wednesday 
the Snd day of the court in conversation with Jam.es Montgomery, 
said Moutgomery often urged that lie had been ill used by Ar- 
thur Campbell, and particularly for that judgment which was 
obtained agaiust him for liolding a false Election in 1785, aud for 
not getting justice in recommendations. As a Militia Officer, the 
said Deponent observed, that no judgment was yet ol)tained against 
liim in Court, but he still insisted there was, aud he blamed no 
other man but Arthur Campbell for it. And s'd Deponent asked 
said Montgomery why he and Artliur Campbell had so many dis- 
putes, as they were once good friends, and why they might not 
cordially drop these disputes and commence good friends again : 
said Montgomery answered that he had been Avilling to be good 
friends with him, but it was too late now, and if it had not been 
purely out of ambition and revenge he would never have raised a 
charge against Colonel Campbell. 

"And being further interrogated, if Avliat he heard him say 
in his opinion, was in a dispute, depending before this Court or 
relative to the charges now pending before the Executive? The 
said Deponent answered that he understood it to be that which 
kiy before the Executive. Be'ing further interrogated, if he 
thought James Montgomery was in his proper senses, or if he 
thinks he was disguised with licjuor at tlie time they had this Con- 
versation ; the deponent answers that he drank a share of a quai't 
bowl of whiskey grog, and seemed as if he had been drinking freely 
befoTe, but the said deponent cannot say he was drunk, although 
he expressed himself very noisy, but as sensil)le as usual. 

"The first depositions taken in this case were suppressed by the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 417 

Governor and Council. The order of the Council suppressing 
these depositions was as follows : 

"Arthur Campbell, appearing in person and being attended by 
James Tnnes and Archibald Stuart, Esquires, his counsel, the 
Board resumed the consideration of the charges exhibited against 
him as a Justice of the Peace for the county of Washington, and, 
the charges being read, the said Arthur Campbell by his Coun- 
sel, objected to the jurisdiction of the Board to proceed to the en- 
quiry, under the Act entitled 'An Act to extend the powers of the 
Governor and Council,' as being repugnant to the eighth article 
of the declaration of rights, and the principles of the Constitu- 
tion, whicli ol)jection being overruled by the Board, the Counsel 
for the said Cain])t)('l] proceeded to object to the nature and pro- 
priety of the testimony by Depositions, alleging the witnesses 
should personally ai)]iear and be examined 'viva voce,' and that 
tlie dei)f)siti()ns were taken in a partial manner, declaring at the 
same time that their client meant not to shrink from the charges 
being enquired into, if impartial persons should be appointed to 
take depositions respecting the charges, and transmit them to the 
Board. 

"Whereupon, the Board delivered their opinion, that as the 
cei-tificate of the judges annexed to the depositions did not state 
the place as well as the time where the depositions were taken, in 
conformity to the notice given, they were not sufficient evidence. 
It was therefore ordered by the consent of the said Campbell and 
Alexander ]\Iontgomery, attending on the part of the accusers, that 
depositions res|">ecting the charges aforesaid, as well on the part of 
the Commonwealth as the said Arthur Campbell be taken by either 
party at the Court House of said Washington County, between 
the first and last of next month, giving ten days' notice of the time 
and place of taking them, and tliat David Ward, Andrew Cowan, 
John T.atham, John Kinlcead, John Lowry, James Fulkerson and 
Joseph Black, Gentlemen, or any three of them being the commis- 
sioners chosen by the parties, attend the taking of the depositions 
of such witnesses as shall be produced, and that the commission- 
ers transmit the depositions so taken, under their hand and seal, 
to the Governor on or before the second Tuesday in June next, 
at which time the parties are to be heard in the Council Chamber 
touching the charges aforesaid." 



418 Southivest Virginia, lHJ^G-llSe. 

These depositions were retaken pursuant to the above order of 
the Council and returned to the Governor of Virginia, whereupon 
Colonel Carnpboll addressed the following memorial to the Gov- 
ernor and Council : 

To His Excellency, the Governor of Tirginla, and the Honorable 
the Cou7icil of Slate: 

THE MEMORIAL OF ARTHUR CAMPBELL. 

"Sheweth : that conscious of the purity of his intentions and 
tlie inoffensiveness of his transactions in 1785, he, last April, 
waived his undoubted privilege of viva voce testimony being pro- 
duced against him before your Honorable Board. That he should 
not have waived such a benefit had it not been for the apparent 
sense of the Board in April last, and in confidence that the same 
rule for admitting evidence would be adopted before the commis- 
sioners appointed to take depositions, as are alwaj^s adhered to in 
the Courts of Law, that such rules have been disregarded and such 
persons admitted to swear, who are parties in the dispute, and 
others interested and not credible witnesses — That as all your 
Memorialist's conversation complained of happened at public 
places, where were a large number of the inhabitants generally as- 
sembled, several of whom must have heard what words were spoken, 
as well as Colonel Russell, or any of the avowed complainants. 
That he has no objection, and it was really his desire to have a 
number of the most credible, disinterested persons in the county 
to say on their oath what they knew of the charges brought against 
your memorialist. However, he believes there are a sufficient num- 
ber of such persons already qualified to make the truth appear to 
your Plonorable Board, without being obliged to resort to the tes- 
timony indirectly obtained, and coming from such persons under 
the influence of sxich passions as always vitiate testimony in 
the Courts of Law. Your Memorialist therefore prays, that none 
of the depositions taken before the Commissioners, in Washington 
County, dated the third, fourth, and fifth days of this instant, may 
be admitted against him, because, however secure he may now con- 
clude himself from the attack of malice, yet the precedent would 
be a dangerous one, and might one day return on the heads of 



I 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 419 

those wlio are now so passionately anxious for the destruction of 
one who has really done the public no wrong. 
"And your Memorialist will ever Pray, &c., &c., 

"ARTHUR CAMPBELL." 

As far as I can ascertain, the Governor and Council sustained 
the charges against Colonel Campbell and removed him from the 
oflicc of justice of the county court in August, 1786, but he was 
almost immediately reinstated upon the request of the court of 
this county. 

While Colonel Caiiipboll's conduct in this matter may liave been 
indiscreet and imprudent, there can be no question that he voiced 
the sentiments of a great majority of the citizens living in Wash- 
ijigton county. 

At the next election for members of the House of Delegates from 
Washington county, held in the spring of the year 1787, he, along 
with Robert Craig, was overwhelmingly elected from this county, 
and Colonel Campliell for many years thereafter, retained the con- 
fidence of the people of this county and tlie State officials at Rich- 
mond. 



420 Southwest Virginia, nJf6-1786. 

CHAPTEE IX. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, 1787-1840. 

On the 8th day of March, 1787, a small party of Indians came to 
the settlement in Castle's Woods, where they killed a woman and 
two children, and made their escape in such a manner that they 
conld not be pursued. 

A short while previous to this time the Indians had visited Lin- 
coln coimty, Kentucky, and stolen a number of horses, and com- 
mitted other depredations on the })eople, whereupon a company of 
militia, being about 100 in number, set out from Lincoln county, 
under the command of Colonel John Logan, to attack and destroy 
a small toM^n inhabited by the Cherokees, on the north side of the 
Tennessee and below the Cumberland mountain, who were blamed 
for the depredations on the Kentucky Path and in the Kentucky 
country. 

This company, after a few days, came on a fresh trace of In- 
dians, which they followed across Cumberland Gap, and they fell 
in with a company of Indians and killed seven, a chief and six 
warriors, and wounded several others, one of the Kentucky militia 
being killed and another wounded. This company of Indians 
proved to be from the friendly town of Chote. 

On the 9th day of July. 1787, a party of Indians came to the 
house of John Carter, on the Clinch, and killed his wife and six 
children, and, after phmdering the house, placed the dead bodies 
in the same and burned the whole. About the same time a family 
of thirteen or fourteen were murdered by the Indians on the^ 
Clinch. 

During the spring of this year the Indians killed five persons on 
the head waters of the Clinch, two men and three women, and every 
indication pointed to war. 

The Spanish Government and the American people were, at 
this time, engaged in a controversy in regard to the navigation of 
the Mississippi river, and a gentleman writing from the Cherokee 
country to his friend in Virginia, on the 2d day of August, 1787, 
said: 



' Washington County, 1777-1870. 431 

"Through a channel that may be credited, I am informed that 
Alexander McGillivray is using his utmost exertions to engage the 
Creek Indians in a War, not only with Georgia, but with the west- 
ern parts of Virginia and No. Carolina. He has said to some of 
his friends that his object is to make the war as hot as possible at 
first, which will induce overtures for peace, and make the United 
States glad to grant advantageous terms, such as to acknowledge 
the independence and sovereignty of the Creek Nation, and admit 
them as memliers of tlie Federal Union. 

"A groat number of Tories and otlior white desperadoes have 
taken refuge in the Crook country. McGillivray wns a noted one, 
but has lately ingi-atiatcd himself intO' tlie good gi'accs of the Span- 
ish commandant at Mobile; is now agent for his Catholic Majesty 
in the Crook Nation, and a Colonel in the Spanish pay, and of 
late has usurped the regal authority over the Indians. McGillivray 
seems to be possessed of abilities, has an insatiable ambition for 
lionor, and being aggrandized, and may not be much inferior to 
Kyder Ali had he the same opportunity. 

"Upon the whole there is reason to believe that the whole is a 
jilaii of the Court of Spain to curtail the United States in a part 
of their territory. If that be the case there cannot be too great care 
taken to disconcert them. If the Creek Nation was well humbled, 
and the nest of Tories that is settled among them routed and 
drove out of the country, I think we might have lasting peace; 
otherwise we may expect that, the longer it is delayed, our enemies 
will become more numerous and formidable." 

A large body of Creeks united and crossed the Hiwassee river, 
declaring their pur]iose to march for the Plolston settlements. 
Colonel .A,rthur Cnm]ibell, who was in command of the defences 
• if i1iis and l^ussoll couniy at the time, diroetod Captain Samuel 
Newell, with a detachment of men, to keep a vigilant outlook for 
tlie Creek Indians on the frontiers, and. for the purpose of retain- 
ing the friendship of the Cherokee Indians, he sent their chief the 
following talk : 

"Brother: — It is with great concern that we hear that a number 
of your Towns' people have lately been killed by some white men 
between Clinch river and Cumberland mountain, and that you 
blame the Virginians for it. As to who done it, I cannot cer- 
tainly sa}', but have heard that one hundred men from Kentucky 



422 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. '" 

had gone towards Chickamogga Towns to take satisfaction for the 
murder that was done on the Kentucky path last October, and 
^\■hat made the people exceediugly angry, was that they heard their 
Captives, mostly women, were all burnt in the Chickamogga Towns. 

''You know when the Americans go to war, they kill no prison- 
ers and try to save alive ail the women and children. ^Warriors 
will only seek to fight \\ith men ; cowards may go to war with 
women. 

"Brother, listen attentively; ever since the year 1781, when j^our 
towns were all destroyed tor joining the Englisli. the Virginians 
buried the tomahawk deep, and never wish to raise it again against 
their brothers, the Cherokees, hut are willing to live in friendship 
as long as the moon endures. It will be your fault if the friend- 
ship is broken. I venture to promise furtlier. that none of the Vir- 
ginians living on this side of the Cuml)erland mountains will mo- 
lest the Cherokees Avitlinut first obtaining orders from our Gover- 
nor, who is a good man, and Avill see that you have justice done 
if you remain peaceal)le. He \\'ill also call the Kentuckians to ac- 
count, if they have been guilty of destroying any of the friendly 
Cherokees. 

"Brother, call a Council of your head men, give them this 
Talk, exhort them to live peacealile, and wait imtil the Governor 
of Virginia can hear all the truth, and if his people are to blame, 
he will give him satisfaction and put a stop to former wrongs ; but 
if you rashly go to war and kill innocent people, there may be a great 
deal of blood shed, for we can send a great army against you that 
may destroy you altogether. 

"Listen well. You must see that I have now given you good 
advice both for von and your nation. Send me in return an answer, 
a very long talk. Tell me all there is in your heart. If you are for 
keeping the chain of friendship bright, I will be your friend as here- 
tofore, and do you all the good I can. It will give me pleasure to 
use means to heal the wounds and dry up th.e tears of those that 
have lost their friends, and be strong in endeavors to do justice to all 
the red people that keep the ])eace and love the Americans. 

"AETHUR CAMPBELL. 
"To ye Great Warrior of the Cherokees." 

In the month of December, 1787, the Indians killed and scalped 
Stephen English, near Laurel river, on the Kentucky path, and 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 423 

William English and a young woman on Holston, and at the same 
time took a woman and four children prisoners, and made an in- 
cursion into Powell's Valley. They killed also, several men, wo- 
men and children, and, with a number of horses, fled in the direc- 
tion of the Cherokee country. During this year a large quantity 
of powder and lead was sent from the Holston to the Kentucky 
country, but it liad to be guarded through the wilderness by fifty 
militia. 

In the fall of this year. Colonel Josepli Martin was discontinued 
from office as Indian agent for the State of Virginia, and was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. "White. 

With the opening of the spring of 1788, the Indians began again 
to disturb the settlements, and on the 20th of April, came into the 
Kye Cove settlement and carried off three boys and a negro man, 
iwo of the boys being the sons of Thomas Carter, who then repre- 
sented Russell county in the General Assembly. Early in the month 
of ]\rarch, a party of Cherokees visited the settlements on the lower 
Holston, wounded one man and carried off about one hundred 
horses, and in the month of June, 1788, four men were killed in 
Russell county, and three men were killed and scalped on the 
Black mountain. One of the Elmires, tliree of the Breedings and 
N'eal Roberts, from the New Garden settlements in Russell coimty, 
wore found on Black mountain, killed and scalped. 

In the spring of this year the Governor requested the representa- 
tives from ^Montgomery, Wasliington and Russell counties to recom- 
mend the number of militia and scouts necessary for the protection 
of their several counties, Avhen the following recommendations were 
sul)mitted : 

"1st. That only one troop of horse are necessarj' to each regiment, 
and in some counties that might be dispensed with, and that the 
appointment of officers may bo deferred until recommendations come 
from the respective counties. 

"2d. We believe six scouts will be sufficient for Washington and 
Russell, four for Montgomery, aiul tlie like numl)or for Greenbrier. 

"3d. We hope that at least one full company of Rangers under 
an experienced officer will be allowed to do duty towards the Ohio, 
and, if attacks are apprehended from the Southern Indians, another 
company may be necessary in Powell's Valley on Clinch. Or the 
last-mentioned company might be raised by occasional drafts from 



424 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

the militia or detachments from the light companies of Washington, 
Montgomery and Eussell. 

"We believe it would be an improvement were the ranging com- 
panies of one-half musket men, their guns and bayonets to be of a 
neat and light construction, something similar to those used by the 
British Highland regiments when in America. 

"The scouts ought to occasionally attend the ranging companies, 
and if Indians were to be pursued over the Ohio, horsemen, prop- 
erly armed, would be useful. These are cursory thoughts ; perhaps 
a more perfect plan and more economical might be formed, should 
your Excellency judge it proper to leave the consideration of the 
subject to a council of the field officers of the three Southwestern 
counties, to meet in February, except as to scouts, which we think 
ought to be ordered into service in February or early in March." 

In June of this year, a convention of delegates from the several 
counties of Virginia assembled in Richmond for the purpose of 
rejecting or ratifying the Constitution of tlie United States, as pro- 
posed by the Philadelphia Convention. 

The delegates from Washington county in this convention were 
Samuel Edmiston and James Montgomery. At this time such dis- 
tinguished Virginians as Patrick Henry opposed the ratification of 
the Constitution as submitted by the Philadelphia Convention, but 
the Virginia Convention ratified the Constitution by a vote of 89 
to 79, the delegates from Washington county voting against the rati- 
fication of the Constitution. 

Colonel Arthur Campbell and his followers were heartily in favor 
of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and no doubt opposed 
the election of Edmiston and Montgomei-y. 

In the fall of the year 178.S, Richard Peml^erton. with his family, 
lived in Baptist Valley about five miles west of Tazewell courthouse. 

"On a Saljbath morning late in August, he started to his field, 
accompanied by his wife and two children, to see that his fences 
wei-e not down and to repair any breach that might have been made. 
According to the custom of the times Mr. Pemberton had taken with 
him his gun, which was his constant companion. After satisfying 
himself that his crops were safe, the little party started back. They 
had gone but a few hundred yards, however, ^dien two Indians 
armed with hows and arrows, knives and tomahawks, came yelling 
toward them at full speed. In an instant the pioneer's gun was 



Washington Coutity, 1777-1870. 435 

leveled and the trigger pulled; it missed fire and in his hurry to 
spring the lock again, he broke it and of course, could not fire. See- 
ing him raise his gun to shoot caused the Indians to halt and com- 
mence firing arrows at him. Keeping himself between his wife and 
children and the Indians he ordered them to get on as fast as pos- 
sible and try to reach a house at which a Mr. Johnson lived and 
where several men were living. This house was some half a mile 
distant, but he hoped to reach it and save those whom he held dear- 
est, his wife and children. The Indians made every possible attempt 
to sei»arate him from his family, all of which proved vain. They 
would retreat to a respectful distance and then come bounding back 
like so many furies from the regions of indescribable woe. When 
tliey came too near, he would raise his gun as if he were really 
ii'serving his fire, which would cause them to halt and try to sur- 
i-onnd him. But at every attack they shot their arrows into his 
breast, causing great pain. 

For nearly an hour this running fight was kept up ; still the blood- 
thirsty savages pressed on. At last he was sufficiently near John- 
-i>n's house to be heai'd. He was 1ie;ird, when lie rais(>d his ]iowerful 
voice for succor. But no sooner did the men at the house hear the 
cry of '"Indians/" than thev took to their heels in an opposite direc- 
tion. At last he arrived at the house closely pursued by the Indians, 
and entering after his family, barred the door, and began to make 
preparation for acting more u])on the defensive, when the Indians 
made a rapid retreat. Pemberton reached his own hotise the fol- 
lowing day, where he resided many years, an eye-sore to those who 
had so ingloriously fled from his assistance. Many arrow points 
wliich entered his breast were never removed and were carried to t]i« 
end of his life, as the best certificate of his bravery and devotion 
to his family."* 

Upon the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. 
the General Assembly of A'irginia divided the State into ten con- 
gressional districts, the tliird district being composed of \ho follow- 
ing counties : 

Botetourt, Rockbridge, 

^Fontgomery, Greenbrier, 

Washington, Augusta, 

Russell, Rockingham, 

*Bicklev's History of Tazewell. 



426 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

and directed that an election be held on the 2d day of February, 
1789, at the conrt-houpe in each county in the district, for the elec- 
tion of a congi-essman. This election was held pursuant to the 
directions of the General Assembly of Virginia, and Andrew Moore, 
of Eockbridge coamty, was elected our first representative under 
the Constitution of the United States. 

On the 15th clay of May, 1789, the Indians visited the home of 
Joseph Johnson, in the Eye Cove settlement, and destroyed nine 
members of his family, Johnson and his two sons making their 
escape. His wife and child were found about one-quarter of a mile 
from the house, killed and scaljied, and the bones of another child 
were found burned in the house, and the rest were killed or carried 
into captivity. Johnson lived on Clinch river, where the old path 
crossed between the block-house and Eye Cove. 

On the first day of October, 1789, a party of Indians captured 
the family of one Wiley, who lived on the head waters of the Clinch. 
They killed and scalped four of his children and took his wife and 
youngest child into captivity. Mrs. Wiley soon made her escape, 
and upon her return made oath that the Indians told her that they 
would bring fo'ur hundred Indians against Clinch and Bluestone 
in the summer of 1790. 

In the fall of this year, William Whitely, who lived in Baptist 
Yalley, on the line dividing Eussell and Montgomery counties, had 
occasion to leave his home for a short distance in search of his 
horses, when a party of Indians fell on him and cut him intO' small 
pieces, whicli they strung on the bushes ; they cut out liis heart and 
flung it against the ground with so much violence that it covered 
itself in the soil. During this same year, a party of Shawnese 
Indians ascended the Dry fork of Tug river and fell upon the family 
of James Eoark, who lived at a gap in the dividing ridge between 
the Clinch and Sandy rivers. Eoark and two of his sons were not 
at home at the time. The Indians killed Mrs. Eoark and several 
children. Eoark's Gap, the scene of this massacre, is near Maxwell's 
station in Tazewell coimty, and the location of the house occupied 
by Eoark and his family is still pointed out by the citizens, to every 
passer-by. The house stood near a 'beautiful spring, and what is 
termed an "Indian mound" is found near by. 

During this same year, John Davidson, who lived on the head 
waters of the Clinch, was waylaid and killed by a band of Indians 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 437 

while feeding his horse at a cabin. The Indians were accompanied 
on this expedition by a white man, who robbed Davidson's saddle- 
bags of. tlieir contents. 

In October of the year 1789, Colonel Campbell made a return of 
the militia of Washington county, from which it was ascertained to 
consist of one county lieutenant, one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, 
one major, fifteen captains, thirteen lieutenants, eleven ensigns, 
tliirty sergeants, three drummers, two fifcrs, fiT.") I'ank and file, add- 
ing in his remarks, "no return from throe companies." 

"In June, 1790, a predatory party of Indians came from the 
Rockcastle hills in Kentucky and made their appearance at the cabin 
of Isaac Newland, on tlie Korth fork of Hols ton, the place subse- 
rpicntly owned by ]\Iichael Fleenor and still in possession of his 
descendants, some eight miles north of Abingdon. Mr. ISTewland 
and liis son were at work in a clearing near by, with no one at the 
cabin but his wife and her infant. The Indians captured the mother 
and infant, burnt the cabin and hurried away with their captives 
directly tlirough tlie mountains toward Eussell. Tlie alarm being 
given Jacob IMongle (fatlier of Colonel Al)rnm Mongle), being the 
nearest neighbor, gathered a com]\Tuy in ns short a time as possible 
and took tl:e trail, which liad been plainly marked by Mrs.jSTewland, 
mI.o had the presence of mind to l)reak twigs by the way and leave 
otlier signs. After reaching the valley in which Lebanon is now 
situated, and fearing that the powder in their flint guns had become 
dampened in passing through the thick undergrowth of the moun- 
tain, they discliargcd their gims for the purpose of reloading, in 
order to make sure work should they overtake the savages, but it 
unfortunately so happened that the Indians had halted, and hearing 
the report of firearms took the alarm; murdered their victims and 
made their escape. A few minutes after, the pursuing party came to 
where the mother and child Avere lying, tlio latter not quite dead. 
They brought them back to the settlements, Jacob Mongle carrying 
the infant, which died in his arms on the way. 

The alarm liaving reached the little settlement at Abingdon it 
produced great consternation and serious apprehensions as to what 
might befall the little community at Castle's Woods, as the Indians 
would probably return in that direction, it being in a line with their 
towns beyond the Cumberland. A young man by the name of Doug- 
lass living at Abingdon, a fearless and determined Indian fighter, 



428 Southwest Virginia, 1H6-1786. 

proposed to cross the mountains to Castle's Woods, for the purpose 
of warning the settlers of the impending danger, and a young friend 
by the name of Benham, volunteered, against the expostulations of 
his relatives and friends, to accompany him on this perilo'US 
journey, 

"Everybody in this country acquainted with the old road through 
Little Moccasin Gap, will remember the large, square, fiat, table-like 
rock, some five or six feet high, which stood on the lower side of the 
old trace along the creek not far from opposite the little mill now 
on the new road in the gap, the noisy machinery of which sends 
strange echoes along the surrounding peaks in these days of piping 
peace and corn dodgers. Douglass and Benham had reached that 
rock, and as was the custom of most wayfarers as long as that old 
road was the highway through the gap, had probably halted to eat 
a snack. At this moment the report of a rifle was heard, when 
Douglass fell mortally wounded. 

He at once told Benliam that the shot was fatal and urged him to 
dodge intO' the laurel bordering the stream, make his escape to Cas- 
tle's Woods and warn the settlers. Douglass saw the smoke of a 
rifle rise from a log between the stream and where the road now 
passes, and knowing that it was the habit of the Indian to lie still 
under such circumstances till the smoke cleared away, when he 
would cautiously raise his head to see the effect of his fire, he drew 
a bead upon the spot as he lay propped upon his elbow, and Benham 
afterwards stated that he had not gone fifteen yards when he heard 
the report of Douglass's rifle. Benham hurried on through the gap, 
reached Castle's Woods in safety, and gave the alarm. A company 
returning a day or two after found the body of Douglass lying where 
Benham left him, with his scalp gone, and on examining the place 
where the smoke of the Indian's rifle was seen, blood and brains 
were found upon the log, showing that Douglass at the instant he 
entered upon that journey from which no traveler returns, took an 
Indian with him on the solemn march. A grave was excavated 
among the rocks on the roadside where he fell, in which his body 
was deposited and still sleeps, amid the wildest and most romantic 
scenery of all our mountain gorges. It was the custom for each 
passer-by who Icnew the spot to drop a pebble upon the rude mound, 
to perpetuate the memory of the resting place of the brave pioneer 
who sacrificed his life for the safety of others perhaps unknown to 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 439 

him, but the vandalism of modern change, instead of rearing a inon- 
iimcnt to his memory on the spot, wantonly changed the location of 
the road to avoid a slight elevation, and thus obliterated forever 
the little hillock that marked the receptacle of the aslios of tlio hero 
and martyr.* 

Captain Isaac Newland was an active, thriving man, ambitious 
for preferment by his country, but the sad occurrence above given 
had such a bad effect upon him, that "grief for a time seemed to 
absorb all powers of his mind and body, and he settled down into a 
deep melancholy, regardless of every object or occurrence. He finally 
sought comfort in religion, and became a Baptist preacher."! 

In the spring of the year 1790, a little boy, the son of John Fra- 
zer, of Russell county, was taken prisoner, and in the fall of this 
same year, the entire family of John Frazer was murdered on tlie 
Kentucky road. About the middle of August, 1790, six persons 
were killed by the Indians on Clinch river in Russell county. 

In the year 1791, Ensign Simon Coekrcll recommended to the 
Governor the placing of ten men at Baptist's Valley, ten non at 
Richlands, ten men at New Garden, ten men at Glade Hollow, 
twenty men at Castle's Woods, ten men at crossing of Clinch and 
Kentucky road, ten men at Moccasin Gap, ten men at Rye Covin as 
a protection against the invasion of the Indians, and as far as I 
can ascertain, the people of this section were exempt from Indian 
attacks until the fall of 1792. 

In the fall of 1791, the Governor instructed Captains Andrew- 
Lewis and John Preston to recruit two companies of volunteer mili- 
tia for the defence of the frontiers of Montgomery, Wythe and lius- 
scll counties, and by the 7th of February, 1792, their companies, con- 
sisted of four musicians, two ensigns, eight sergeants, eight (.w- 
porals, six scouts and one hundred and thirty-two privates, besides 
the captains and lieutenants, and with this force Captains Lewis 
and Preston very effectively defended the frontiers during the sum- 
mer of 1792. 

In the year 1793, in the election for a representative in the Con- 
gress of the United States, the candidates before the people of ilie 
Fourth District of Virginia, which district was composed of the 
counties of Wythe, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lee, Russell, Montgomei-y, 



*Wilburn Watei-s and Chas. B. Coale. 
fCbas. B. Coale. 



430 Southwest Virginia, 17 46-17 S6. 

Grayson and Washington, were Abraham Trigg, of Montgomery 
county and Francis Preston, of Washington county. 

Abraham Trigg was a Jeffersonian Republican, while Preston was 
a Washingtonian Federalist, and the contest between the candidates 
representing these diverse principles was bitter. 

The result was the election of Colonel Preston by a majority of 
ten votes. 

Colonel Trigg was not satisfied with the result and contested the 
election of Preston, and assigned the following grounds to sustain 
his contest. 

First. That the sheriff of Leo county closed the poll at 2 P. M. 
on the day of the election and refused to reopen the same. 

Second. That the sheriff of Washington county adjourned the 
poll two days instead of one as required by the law, and that non- 
residents of the State voted for Colonel Preston in said election. 

Third. That Captain William Preston, a brother of Francis Pres- 
ton, was stationed near Montgomery courthouse with sixty or sev- 
enty Federal troops, and that on the day of the election. Captain 
Preston's troops were marched three times around the court-house 
and were paraded in front of and close to the door thereof. 

Fourth. That said troops were polled in favor of Preston. 

That a part of the troops stood at the door of the court- 
house and refused to let the electors favoring Trigg enter the house, 
and in one instance knocked down a magistrate who sought admis- 
sion, being an advocate of Colonel Trigg. 

This contest was as hotly fought before Congress as the election 
had been before the people. 

The Elections Committee of the House of Representatives on the 
17th day of April, 1794. reported in favor of unseating Francis 
Preston. 

This report was debated for many days, after which a vote was 
taken, which vote resulted in the report of the committee being 
rejected and Francis Preston was thereupon declared didy seated. 

Colonel Preston was returned a member of Congress from thid 
district by successive elections till the year 1797. 

Thus our district early in its history witnessed a contest before 
the Congress of the United States. 

At the election held for a presidential elector, on the first Monday 
in November, 1792, for the district composed of the counties of 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 431 

Wythe, "Washington, Russell and jMontgomery, Claiborne Watkins 
was selected an elector from this district to vote for President and 
Vice-President of the United States. 

In the month of December, 1793, Captain Tate and forty men 
were passing through the wilderness on their way to Kentucky, 
when they were attacked .by a company of Creek and Cherokee 
Indians, and, about the same time, several lesser encoimters oc- 
curred, but I cannot ascertain the casualties on either side. 

In the fall of 1792, the citizens of North Carolina provoked a 
war with the Indians, and, in the month of October, John Watts, 
at the head of a thousand hostile Indians, thi-eatened an invasion of 
the Holston settlenicuts and the settlements in Powell's Vallo.'v. 
Watts, with his forces, began his march for the settlements and 
reached Buchanan's fort within five miles of Knoxville, where ho 
v.as repidsed with a loss of fifteen men killed, Watts himself receiv- 
ing a l)ad wound. After this repulse, Watts's army dispersed in 
small parties, declaring their pur})Ose to invade the settlements and 
to attack the settlers out of their forts. It was the declared pur- 
j-ose of Watts and his followers, to drive off and destroy the whole 
of the inhabitants in Powell's Valley. 

The situation was truly alarming for the Virginia settlements in 
Powell's Valley, and the Governor of Virginia requested Colonel 
Arthur Campbell and Captain John Preston to submit to him tlieir 
views as to the proper manner to proceed to place the western fron- 
tiers in a defensive position. Colonel Arthur Campbell submitted 
the following proposal : 

''That a company of fifty men as rangers, be engaged for three 
months from the first day of December next, to do duty at or near 
Cumberland Gap. 

As it is in the contemplation of the Executive of the State of 
Kentucky to have a fort built about half way in the wilderness, and 
place a garrison of fifty men in it, our troops, after they fortify their 
camp, may meet those rangers occasionally, and to the southward 
meet those under the direction of Governor Blount, which would 
form a chain of connection that might preclude the necessity of 
troops being stationed on Clinch river. As to attempts of the South- 
ern enemy, the regidars on the Ohio may cover that frontier from 
the inroads of the Xorthern Indians. But it will be useless respect- 
ins: the Southern war. 



432 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The post at Cumberland Gap, besides covering a detached fro-itier 
settlement in Virginia, will divide the distance between Danv'ille 
and Hawkins Courthouse and of course will facilitate the tran-?- 
portation of the mail and secure our intercourse with the army on 
the Ohio by land. 

This is a plan of economy, on account of the idea of the Executive 
of the general government. A full company ought to be the numler 
for this service, as they may be assailed by large parties of Inditnis 
and as they will be more than one hundred mibs from the settle- 
jnent from which they can expect succour in case of extremity. 

It will be peculiarly mortifying, if the frontier of Virginia, 
exposed to the attacks of the Southern Indians, be nog^ected, vhen 
their neighbors in the Southwestern Territory, not so much in dan- 
ger, have an ample force ranging around the "ettL^ments. Tlie 
Virginians, without murmuring, pay duties to the general govern- 
nient; the citizens of the Southwestern Territory not a shilling; 
Georgia and South Carolina are arranging to oppose the sami» 
enemy, and will no doubt be paid for their services out of the Treas- 
nry of the United States." 

Captain Jolm Preston proposed, that there should be stationed: 

"At the mouth of Greenbrier, an ensign, sergeant and sixteen 
privates. 

"At tbe five-mile fork of East river, a lieutenant, one sergeant, a 
corporal and twenty-four privates. 

"At Lincolnshire, on Clinch, a captain, a sergeant, a corporal and 
twenty-four privates. 

"At Hawkins, in the Baptist Valley, a sergeant and eight privates. 

"At Brown's or Fugate's, in the Richlands, a sergeant, corporal 
and twelve privates. 

"At Wilkinson's, in the New Garden, a lieutenant, sergeant and 
sixteen privates. 

"At the mouth of Dump's creek, an ensign, two corporals and 
twelve privates. 

"At Eoberson's, in Castle's Woods, a captain, a sergeant, corporal 
and twenty-four privates. 

"At Blackmore's Station, a sergeant, corporal and twelve privates. 

"At Carter's, in Eye Cove, a captain, sergeant, corporal and 
twenty-four privates. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 433 

"At Turkey Cove, a captain, sergeant, corporal and twenty-four 
privates. 

"At Martin's old station, an ensign, sergeant and corporal. 

"At Cox's, an ensign, sergeant, corporal and sixteen privates. 

"At Martin's lower station, sometimes called the blockhouse, 
where Robinson lives, which is the lower settlement of Virginia, 
and where the Kentucky road enters this State, a captain, two ser- 
geants, two corporals and thirty-one privates. 

"At Blackwatcr branch, a place exposed to the south in Lee 
county, a lieutenant, sergeant, corporal and twelve privates. 

"And tlie scouts to be dispersed along the frontier as shall be 
deemed necessar}', and changed when required." 

1 cannot say which proposition was acted upon, but it is certain 
that steps were taken to protect the frontiers. 

Captain Matthew Willoughby and Ensign William Campbell 
were stationed in Powell's Valley. 

The trouble with the Indians began at the opening of spring in 
the year 1793. On Sunday about the first day of April, Ensign 
Moses Cockrell and two men were passing from Eye Cove to Powell's 
Valley, with several loaded liorses. On the top of Powell's mountain 
they were fired on by twelve Indians. The two men who accompa- 
nied Cockrell were shot dead on the spot, and Cockrell himself was 
pursued to tbe foot of ilie mountain. Two of his horses were killed 
and all the loads lost. 

Captain Neal, witli a pai'ty, pursued the Indians but did not suc- 
ceed in overtaking them. The Chief who led this company of 
Indians was a half-breed Shawnese by the name of Benge. A writer 
in speaking of this occurrence says : "He was remarkable for his 
strength, activity, endurance and great speed as a runner. He was 
a man of more than average intelligence also, as well as of great 
bravery and strategy, and had more than once approached the settle- 
ments so stealthily and by a route so secret that he fell upon the scat- 
tered settlers without an intimation of his approach and retired to 
his wig«-aras beyond the Cumberland without leaving a trace of the 
route he had traveled, though rangers were constantly on the lookout 
feu- bis trail. One of these rangers of the Holston settlements was 
a man by the name of Cockrell, and the writer must make a digres- 
sion io nx'ord an incident in his history. He was famoTis for his 
size, activity and handsome person. Benge and himself were rivals 



434 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

in manhood and woodcraft, each jealous of the otlier's prowess and 
courage, and both anxious for an occasion to mei't in single combat. 
]^ot many months before Benge's last incursion, they met on top of 
Powell's mountain, in what is now Lee county, each with a band 
of followers. The Indians were in ambush, having observed the 
approach of the whites, who were not aware of their proximity, and 
Benge instructed his companions not to kill Cockrell, so that he 
himself might run him down and capture him. At the crack of the 
Indian rifles two or three of Cockrell's companions fell; seeing 
which and at once comprehending the folly of a combat with a 
dozen savages, he sprang away down the mountain side, like an ante- 
lope, with Benge in close pursuit. Two miles away in the valley on 
Wallen's creek was the cabin of a pioneer, in reaching which Cock- 
rell knew was his only chance of escape. Having two hundred 
dollars in specie in a belt around him, he found he was carrying two 
much weight for a closely contested race, and that Benge was gain- 
ing on him. Making a desperate efi'ort, however, he increased his 
speed a little, and as he leaped the fence that surrounded the cabin, 
Benge's tomahawk was buried in the top rail before Cockrell reached 
the ground. Benge seeing that he had missed his aim, and not 
knowing how many men and rifles might be in the cabin, fled back 
to his companions, sadly disappointed, 

A few years after this Cockrell died on the north fork in this 
county, and during the "wake," while his body lay in the cabin, an 
old comrade who had been in many a hard pinch with him, thus 
gave utterance to his thoughts and feelings as he paced the punch- 
eon floor in great sorrow : "Poor Cockrell, he is gone ! He was a 
noble fellow after Injuns and varmints, and I hope he has gone to 
where there is as much game and as desperate good range as he 
had on Holston !"* 

During the same week, fourteen persons wei-e killed on the Ken- 
tucky road, near the Hazel Patch. The whites discovered the In- 
dians and attempted to secure the first fire, but failed, and only 
two of the whites made their escape. The Indians lost five dead, 
and one white man with them killed. Both parties broke and ran 
at the same time in opposite directions. 

About the loth of March, 1793, several emigrants were killed on 



*Coale's "Wilburn Waters." 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 435 

tlie Kentucky road. Captain Andrew Lewis, to appease tlie set- 
tlers who were about to break up, placed a sergeant and twelve men 
at Dump's creek. 

At Eye Cove, a sergeant and seven men. 

At St. Mary's, with the French, a sergeant and seven men, wliich 
left twenty men at Fort Lee. 

On the 20th day of March, 1793, a party of Indians numbering 
twenty-tliree appeared upon the frontiers of Wythe and Montgom- 
ery, frequently showing themselves, to the terror of the inhabitants. 
John Davidson was murdered by them and a number of horses were 
stolen from Wolf creek, Bluestone and Island creek. The Indians 
made theij- escape, except a small party entrusted with the care of 
about eighty horses, from Island creek. This company was pur- 
sued by a large party from Bluestone and another from the head of 
Clinch, and were overtaken the next day, at the mouth of Little 
Cole, at what is called the Island of Guyandotte, where they were 
attacked by the whites. Three of their number were killed and 
scalped, all the horses retaken, with the arms and blankets of a part 
of their warriors. The number of Indians concerned in the murder 
of John Davidson at the Laurel fork of Wolf creek was about twelve. 
This party of Indians carried off a number of horses from that 
neighborhood and passed with them in daylight through the heart 
of the Bluestone settlement. 

Colonel Arthur Campbell, in the spring of the year 1793, was 
com missioned by the President of the United States as Indian 
agents, and in April of this year, communicated to the Presi- 
dent of the United States a request from the Chickasaw Indians 
for tJie building of a fort and the settling of a strong garrison, at 
the Muscle Shoals,* and, in commenting upon this request wrote: 
"I will observe on this invitation, that I am of opinion, from the 
best information, that the United States had never so great an offer 
made thorn, for the point of position which they will give peaceably 
into our hands commands a portage of sixteen miles only, between 
the Tennessee and the navigable waters of the Mobile, as well as an 
immense extent of country, which must shortly become the bone of 
Spanish contention, and facilitate the route to many angles on the 

*Near Chattanooga, Tenn. 



436 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

Mississippi. It is Nature's masterpiece for an immense and power- 
ful city. It intercepts the main communication between the hostile 
tribes of the North and South. It secures the Chickasaw and Choc- 
taw Nations as effective light infantry in our service. It places the 
troops where they can be supplied with every necessary, even with 
native productions from the respective western settlements, and puts 
UP in a condition to convey heavy artillery of our owu casting as 
"well as arjiiy and military supplies, with a degree of facility unsus- 
pected by the Spanish, whenever the threatening harms shall burst 
on this devoted countr}'^, this iield of contest." 

This extract from the writings of Colonel Campbell, is given to 
illustrate his character and foresight. 

In the same letter he says : "I have nearly completed a new map 
of all this country, as well as that of Kentucky and a part of the 
northwestern territory, and shall go on in a few days to lay it before 
the President." I am sorry indeed that I cannot find this map in 
any of the lecords I have been able to obtain. 

C'olonel Isaac Bledsoe was killed on Cumberland in the month of 
April, and on the 30th of the month, a skirmish took place between 
twenty Indians and eight white men at Laurel river, in Ken- 
tucky, in which skirmish the white people were all killed, except 
McFarland, who escaped, and a number who were wounded. 

In the month of March, 1793, a considerable band of Indians 
were seen on the headwaters of the Clinch river attempting to 
steal horses. The Indians finally succeeded in steaimg eigiiu 
horses, and made off toward the Ohio. In the meantime Major 
Eoljert Crockett proceeded to gather a company to pursue the In- 
dians, and while engaged in gathering them in he directed Joseph 
Gilbert and Samuel Lusk, two scouts, to follow the Indians, and, 
in case they found them, to give him information. 

Gilbert and Lusk had not folloiwed the Indians more than an 
hour, when they came to a lick, at which the Indians had con- 
cealed themselves waiting for deer or elk. As soon as the scouts 
approached the lick they were fired upon by the Indians, and 
Lusk was wounded in the hand. Gilbert turned and started to 
run, when lAisk called him to stay and save his life, if possible. 
Gilbert, fired with all the noble instincts of true manhood, turned 
and shot the first Indian dead on the spot. The Indians sur- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 437 

rounded him, and, his giin being empty, he dropped it and drew 
his hunting knife, and attacked tlie Indians with such spirit that 
they dared no longer get within his reach ; but they used their 
tomahawks with such effect that he soon lay dead by the side of 
Lusk, who was now reviving. The Indians scalped Gilbert and 
carried Lusk off a prisoner. Major Crockett and his force came 
up after some time, but they were too late to accomplish any good. 

On the 25th of April, 1793, the first postoffice on the waters of 
the Ilolston or Clinch was established at Abingdon with Gerrard 
T. Conn as postmaster, this being the first time that the people of 
this portion of Virginia were given the privilege of mail facilities. 
Previous to this time the means employed by the people for com- 
munication was by seiidini:' U.v'w Icllcis by tlie hand ol' some one 
going or returning. A citizen of Abingdon, contemplating a trip 
to Kentucky, or to the Valley, or Eastern Virginia, would adver- 
tise tlie fact, and tlic time when he would begin his journey, that 
lie might be the bearer of letters and messages between the people. 

The settlements, as far as I can ascertain, were exempt from in- 
vasion by the Indians until the month of October of this year. 
On the third day of this month a party of Indians attacked two 
families who had lately settled on the road through the wilder- 
ness, on the Kentucky side of the Cumberland mountain, within 
three miles of Hawkins' Station. They killed one man and 
wounded two children, but were driven off by a man who occupied 
an adjoining house. 

In the fall of IT 93, a party of eight Indians passed through 
the thinly-settled parts of Kussell count}'-, and captured a negro 
woman, the property of Paul Livingston, near Big Moccasin Gap, 
but before they could carry her beyond the settlements she made 
her escape and reached her home. 

On the 14th day of April, 1794, a number of citizens presented 
a petition to the Governor, which is as follows : 

"Tlie memorial and petition of the subscribers. Inhabitants in 
tlie western part of Washington county, and the eastern settle- 
ments of Lee, near Iklockison Gap, — 

"Humbly sheweth. That altho' we have been considered an in- 
terior settlement, yet, from various unfortunate occurrences, it 



438 Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

must appear that we are equally exposed with the most distant 
frontier settlements. 

''That by attending to the geography of the Southwestern fron- 
tier, it will appear that from the western settlement of Eussell 
county, on Clinch river, and the eastern of Lee in Powell's Valley, 
there is an uninhabited space of more than twenty miles nearly 
north of your petitioners' dwellings, which makes us to that extent 
a frontier to the State, 

"That the predatory parties of the Indians, always industrious 
in discovering the weakness of our settlements, have for years past 
made their inroads through this vacant or uninhabited space, and 
have committed several cruel murders in the neighborhood of your 
petitioners, as will appear by the following detail : 

"August 26, 1791, a party of Indians headed by a Captain Bench, 
of the Cherokee tribe, attacked the house of Elisha Ferris, two 
miles from Mockison Gap, murdered Mr. Ferris at his house, and 
made prisoner Mrs. Ferris and her daughter, Mrs. Livingston, and 
a young child together with Nancy Ferris. All but the latter were 
cruelly murdered the first day of their captivity. 

"April 1793, the same chief with a party of Indians, attacked 
and murdered the family of Harper Eatcliffe, six in number, about 
eight miles west of the above-mentioned gap. 

"March 31, 1793, the enemy attacked on Powell's mountain 
Moses Cockrell and two •others, who had horses loaded with mer- 
chandise ; killed two men, took all the goods, and pursued Mr. Cock- 
rell nearly two miles. 

"July 17, 1793, Bench with two other warriors traversed the set- 
tlement, on the north fork of Holston for upwards of twenty miles, 
probably with the intention of making discoveries where were negro 
property. In this rout they fired at one Williams, and took pri- 
soner a negro woman, the property of Paul Livingston, who after 
two days captivity made her escape. 

"And lastly, April 6, 1794, the melancholy disaster which befell 
Mr. Livingston's family and property, which has urged this appli- 
cation for assistance to prevent the depopulation of a considerable 
settlement. 

"From tlic above facts your Excel leucy and Council will be a 
judge of the justice of our claim, that such protection be alforded 
us, as the State may be able to afford and our necessities require. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 489 

"All of which we submit with deference and your petitioners 

will ever prny. 

"A. BLEDSOE, 
"GEOEGE WILCOX, 
"ABEAHAM FULKEKSON, 
"JOHN V. COOK, 
"JAMES FULKEESON, 

"April 14, 1794." 

The disaster referred to in this communication as happening to 
Mr. Livingston's family, occurred on the Gth of April, 1794, ncai- 
the present town of Mendota in this county. 

William Todd Living-ston was one of the first persons to settle in 
this county and was the first and only man for many years in the 
county, who had more than one name. He had died some years pre- 
ceding tliis occurrence, and his son Peter Livingston, had become 
the owner of his valuable lands and numerous negro slaves. The 
Indians, in making their incursions into the country, never failed 
to steal and carry off a negro slave, when possible, and there can 
be but little doubt that the presence of negroes at the Living- 
ston farm, attracted the attention of the Indians. An account of 
this Indian raid was given by Mrs. Elizabeth Livingston, and put 
ilown in her presence nearly in her own words, and is as follows : 

"April Gth, 1794. 
"About 10 o'clock in the morning, as I was sitting in my house, 
the fierceness of the dog's barking alarmed me. I looked out and 
saw seven Indians approaching the house, armed and painted in a 
frightful manner. No person was then \Wthin, but a child of ten 
vears old, and another of two, and my sucking infant. My husband 
and his brother Henry had just before walked out to a barn at some 
distance in tbo i'u'ld. My sister-in-law, Susanna, was with tlie 
remaining children in an out-house. Old Mrs. Livingston was in 
the garden. I immediately shut and fastened the door; they (the 
Indians) came furiously up, and tried to burst it open, demanding 
of me several times to open the door, which I refused. They then 
fired two guns; one ball pierced through the door, but did me no 
daniiige. 1 then thought of my husband's rifle, took it down but it 
l)oing double triggered, I was at a loss; at length I fired through the 
door, but it not being well aimed I did no execution; however the 



440 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Indians retired from that place and soon after that an old adjoining 
house was on fire, and I and my children suffering much from the 
smoke. I opened the door and an Indian immediately advanced 
and took me prisoner, together -with the two children. I then dis- 
covered that they had my remaining children in their pos- 
session, my sister Sukey, a wench with her young child, a negro 
man of Edward Callihan's and a negro hoy of our own about eight 
years old. They were fearful of going into the house I left, to 
plunder, supposing that it had been a man that shot at them, and 
was yet within. So our whole clothing and household furniture 
were consumed in the flames, whieli I was then pleased to see, rather 
than that it should be of use to the savages. 

"We were all hurried a short distance, where the Indians were 
very busy, dividing and putting up in packs for each to carry his 
part of the booty taken. I observed them careless about the chil- 
dren, and most of the Indians being some distance off in front, 
I called with a low voice to my eldest daughter, gave her my young- 
est child, and told them all to run towards neighbor John Eussell's. 

"They, with reluctance, left me, sometimes halting, sometimes 
looking back. I beckoned them to go, although I inwardly felt 
pangs not to be expressed on account of our doleful separation. 
The two Indians in the rear either did not notice this scene, or they 
were willing the children might run back. 

"That evening the Indians crossed Clinch Mountain and went 
as far as Copper creek, distant about eight miles. 

"April 7tli, set out early in the morning, crossed Clinch river 
at McLean's fish dam about twelve o'clock, then steered north- 
wardly towards the head of Stoney creek. There the Indians 
camped carelessly, had no back spy nor kept sentries out. This 
day's journey M^as about twenty miles. 

"April 8th. Continued in camp until the sun was more than an 
hour high; then set out slowly and traveled five or six miles and 
camped near the foot of Powell's mountain. This day Benge, the 
Indian chief, became more pleasant, and spoke freely to the pri- 
soners. He told them he was about to carry them to the Cherokee 
towns. That in his route in the wilderness was his brother with 
two other Indians hunting, so that he might have provision when 
he returned. That at his camp were several white prisoners taken 
from Kentucky, with horses and saddles to carry them to the 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 441 

towns. He made enquiry for several pei-sons on Holston, ])artieu- 
larly old General Shelby, and said he would pay him a \isit during 
the ensuing summer, and take away all his negroes. He frequently 
enquired who had negroes, and threatened he would have them all 
off the North Holston. He said all the Chickamogga tov^ms were 
for war, and would soon be very troublesome to the white folks. 

''This day two of tho party were sent by Benge ahead to hunt. 

"April 9th. After travelling about live miles, which was over 
Powell's mountain, and near the foot of the Stone mountain,* a 
party of thirteen men under command of Lieutenant Vincent 
Hobbs, of the militia of Lee county, met the enemy in front, 
attacked and killed Benge the first fire, I being at tliat time some 
distance off in the rear. , The Indian who was my guard at first 
halted on hearing the firing. He then ordered me to run, which 
I performed slowly. He attempted to strike me in tlio head witJi 
the tomahawk, which I defended as well as I could with mv arm. 
By this time two of our peojile came in view, which encouraged me 
to struggle all I could. The Indian making an efforl at this 
instant pushed me backward, and I fell over a log, at the same 
time aiming a violent blow at my liead, which in yjart spent its force . 
on me and laid me for dead. The first thing I afterwards remem- 
bered was my good friends around mo, giving me all the assistance 
in their power for my relief. They told me I was senseless for 
about an hour. 

"Certified this 15th day of April, 1794. 

"A CAMPBEr.L."' 

Vincent Hol)bs was a lieutenant in the militia of Lee county, 
and, at the time in question, he was attending the court of tliat 
county which was in session. Uix)n the arrival of the express willi 
the news of the Indian invasion, the court immediately adjomiied 
and a party was organized upon the spot, under the command of 
Hobbs, to waylay a gap in Cumberland mountain called tho Stone 
gap, througli which, it was supposed, the Indians were mostly to 
pass. On his arrival at the gap, Hobbs discovered that the Indians 
had just passed through before him; he therefore pursued with 
fagerness and soon discovered two Indians kindling a firo: these, 
they instantly dispatched, and finding some ])lundcr witli lliom, 



■*]Sear Dorchester, ^yi8e county. 



442 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Avhich they knew must have been taken out of Livingston's house, 
they at once came to the conclusion that these two had been sent 
forward to hunt for provisions and that the others were yet behind 
with the prisoners. 

"The object of Hobbs was now to make a quick retreat, to cover 
his own sign if possible, at the gap, before the Indians should dis- 
cover it, and perhaps kill the prisonere and escape. Having gained 
this point he chose a place of ambuscade; but not exactly liking 
tJ]is position he left the men there, and taking one with him by the 
name of Van Bibber, he went some little distance in advance to 
try if he could find a place more suitable for his purpose. As they 
flood looking around for such a place, they discovered the Indians 
coming up with their prisoners. They cautiously concealed them- 
selves and each singled out his man. Benge, having charge of the 
younger Mrs. Livingston, led the van, and the others followed in 
succession; but the Indian who had charge of the elder Mrs. Liv- 
ingston was considerably behind, she not being able to march with 
the same light, elastic step of her sister. When the front came 
directly opposite to Hobbs and Van Bibber they both fired, Hobbs 
. killing Benge, and Van Bibber the one next behind him. At the 
crack of the rifle the other men rushed forward, but the Indians 
had escaped into a laurel thicket, taking with them a negro fellow. 
The Indian who had charge of the elder Mrs. Livingston tried his 
best to kill her, but he was so hurried that he missed his aim. Her 
arms were badly cut by defending her head from the blows of his 
tomahawk. The prisoners had scarcely time to recover from their 
surprise before the two Livingstons, who heard the guns and were 
now in close pursuit with a party of men from Washington, came 
lunning up and received their wives at the hands of Hobbs with a 
gust of joy. Four Indians were killed and five had escaped, and 
it appears they were separated into parties of three and two. The 
first had the negro fellow with them, and, by his account, they 
lodged that night in a cave, where he escaped from them and got 
home. 1^ ~' 

In the meantime a party of the hardy mountaineers of Eussell 
collected and proceeded in haste to waylay a noted Indian crossing 
place high up on the Kentucky river. When they got there they 
found some Indians had just passed. They immediately drew the 
same conclusion that Hobbs had done, and hastened back to the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 443 

river for fear those beliiud should discover their sign. Shortly 
after they had stationed tliemselves, the other three made their 
appearance; the men fired upon them, two fell and the other fled, 
bat left a trail of blood behind him, which readily conducted his 
piirsuers to where he liad taken refuge in a thick canebrake. It 
was thought imprudent to follow him any further, as he might be 
concealed and kill some of them before they could discover him. 
Thus eiglit of the party were killed and the other perhaps mortally 
wounded."* 

Colonel Campbell communicated to the Governor of Virginia the 
circumstances attending this raid by the Indians; along with the 
written statement of Mrs. Livingston, as heretofore given. Colonel 
Campbell in his letter to the Governor, says : '^'The scalp of Captain 
I'enge, I have been requested to forward to your Excellency, as a 
proof that he is no more, and of the activity and good conduct of 
Lieutenant Hobbs, in killing him and relieving the prisoners. 
Could it be spared from our treasury, I would beg leave to hint 
that a present of a neat rifle to Mr. Hobbs would be accepted, as 
a reward for his late services, and the Executive may rest assured 
that it would serve as a stimulus for future exertions against the 
enemy." The General Assembly of Virginia, pursuant to this 
recommendation, voted Lieutenant Vincent Hobbs a handsome and 
costly silver-mounted rifle. Many of the descendants of Lieutenant 
Hobbs live in Southwest Virginia at this time, and are highly 
respected and patriotic. 

One of the principal creeks in the county of Wise, at this day 
bears the name of the Indian chief, Benge. 

This is the last recorded invasion of Southwest Virginia by the 
red men. 

On the 2d of June, 1794, Colonel Campbell reported the militia 
of the county to the Governor of Virginia as follows : Eegiment 
No. 70, brigade No. 17, division No. 3, 1,287 free wliito males of 
sixteen years and upwards, completel}'' organized. 

In Augrust of this year William King and James Caldwell, 
natives of Ireland and inerchants by profession, took the oath of 
fidelity to the Commonwealth in the county court of this county. 

William King, who at this time became a citizen of Washington 



*MSS Iftter of Beiij Sliarp. 



444 



Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 



county, afterwards became one of the wealthiest and most influen- 
tial men who ever lived in this county and left a large number of 
relatives. 

The General Assembly of Virginia, on the 38tli day of December, 
1794, passed an act requiring the people of Washington county to 
pay their taxes for the years 1783-1783-1.784, and appointed 
Thomas Mitchell to collect the same as the officer of the State, and 
after some time, he succeeded in collecting all that was due the 
State from the people of the coimty. 

In the year 1795, a number of the citizens of Washington and 
Russell counties emancipated their slaves; among the number 
Elizabeth Rnssell, sister of Patrick Henry and wife of General Wil- 
liam Campbell, Francis Preston, Charles Bickley and others. The 
deeds executed by Mrs. Russell and Francis Preston are as follows : 

Whereas by the wrong doing of men it hath been the unfortu- 
nate lot of the following negroes to be slaves for life, to-wit : Vina, 
Adam, Nancy sen., Nancy, Kitty and Selah. And v/hereas believ- 
ing the same have come into my possession by the direction of Prov- 
idence, and conceiving from the clearest conviction of my con- 
science aided by the power of a good and just God, that it is both 
sinful and unjust, as they are hj nature equally free with m;\^clf, 
to continue them in slavery, I do, therefore, by these presents, under 
the influence of a duty I not only ow^e my conscience, but the just 
God who made us all, make free the said negi'oes hoping while 
they are free of man they will faithfully serve their Maker through 
the merits of Christ. 

Given under my hand and seal this 21st day of July, 1795. 

h^LTZABETH RUSSELL, (L. S.) 

To all whom it may concern : 

Whereas my negro man John (alias) John Broady, claims a 
promise of freedom from his former master General William Camp- 
bell, for his faithful attendance on him at all times, and more par- 
ticularly while he was in the army in the last war, and I who claim 
the said negrO' in right of my wife, daughter of the said General 
William Campbell,- feeling a desire to emancipate the said negro 
man John, as well for the fulfillment of the above-mentioned prom- 
ise, as the gratification of being instrumental of prompting a parti- 
cipation of liberty to a fellow creature, who by nature is entitled 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 445 

thereto, do by these i)reseiit.s i'ur mysell:', my hciis, executors and 
adiiiiuistrators fully eiiiaueipate and make tree to all intciiis and 
purposes the said negio man .iolm (alias) John Jiioaciy tiom me 
forever. As witness my hand antl seal, this 2()lh day ot September, 
one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three. 

FEANCIS PEESTON, (L. S.) 

From an inspection of the records of our court at tlie time in 
question, it seems that there was a strong sentiment pi'('\ ailing 
among the people of this section of Virginia in favor of abolishing 
slavery. 

The next occurrence of importance was the organization of a 
Masonic lodge, at the house of James White, in the town of Abing- 
don, on the 3d day of October, 1796, by virtue of a dispensation 
from the Grand Master of Virginia This lodge of Masons was 
organized through the influence of William King, Daniel Murphey, 
Kobert Johnston, Charles Carson, William Preston Skillem, Francis 
Preston, Claiborne Watkins and Joseph Hays. The lodge thus 
organized is still in existence, and has exercised a wonderful 
influence for good in the history of our county. 

Upon tlie death of General Washington, in the year 1799, infor- 
mation of which reached Abingdon, in January, 1800, the Masonic 
Ijodge, at their regular stated meeting on the 21st day of January, 
adopted the following resolutions : 

"The lodge, viewing with a lively regret the loss the world and 
particularly i\Iasonry has sustained by the death of our beloved 
brother, 'the great Washington,' and being desirous to exhibit a 
testimonial of its exalted opinion of its virtues, 

"Kesolved, That the Worshipful Master, Francis Preston, be 
requested to deliver an eulogium on ihe 22d day of next month, at 
tlie courthouse, adapted to the occasion." 

And at a stated meeting of tiie lodge on the IStli of February, 
l.SOO, the following resolutions were adopted: 

"On motion of Bi>othea- Smith, seconded by Brother Tate, 
ordered that a committee be appointed by the Worshipful Master, 
consisting of five members of the lodge to meet a committee of the 
citizens of Washington county in order to enter into regulations for 
tlie celebration of tlie memory of the great Washington on the 22d 
instant, so tliat the Mason and the soldier may be united with ease 



440 ' Southwest Virginia, 1746-1780. 

and ornament. That the said committee do meet the citizens forth- 
with; whereupon the Master appointed Brothers William Tate, 
Robert Preston, Francis Smith, AVilliam King and Joseph Hays to 
form the said committee. 

"Resolved, That on the 22d instant the Masons meet at their 
hall and march in procession from the lodge to the conrt-house, 
after which, each Mason acting as captain o.f the militia, will pro- 
ceed to his company with his Masonic apparatus, uniting in the 
man the Mason and the soldier." 

While there is no documentary evidence of the fact, there can 
be but little doubt that a great concourse of the citizens of Wash- 
ington county assembled at Abingdon on the 23d day of February, 
1800, to pay a last tribute to the memory of the great Washington. 

Upon the reassembling of the Masonic lodge on the evening of 
the same day, a committee was appointed with instructions to 
draft an account and a sketch of the proceedings of the day, and 
to have the same published in the "Virginia Argus," a news- 
paper published in Richmond, Virginia, along with the address of 
Francis Preston delivered upon the occasion. 

At the March term, 1799, of the court of Wasliington county, 
Virginia, William King, James Armstrong, John Eppler and Rob- 
ert Craig, were appointed a committee to report to the next court 
the plan of a stone prison and the probable expense of building 
the same. 

This committee reported at the April term, 1799, and the con- 
tract for the building of the new jail or prison house was let to 
James White, at the sum of $1,536.21. 

He was paid a large part of the contract price for Indlding this 
jail, out of the moneys derived from the sale of lots in the town of 
Abingdon, and the balance was paid by a levy upon the citizens of 
the county. 

In this year the militia of Washington county was rearranged, 
the Seventieth Regiment of militia was divided, and the One 
Hundred and Fifth Regiment of militia organized, Colonel Fran- 
cis Preston commanding the Seventieth and Colonel Robert Camp- 
bell the One Himdred and Fifth Regiment of militia of Washing- 
ton county upon its reorganization. 

By the year 1803, William King and other enterprising citizens 
of the county were actively engaged in the manufacture of salt at 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 447 

Saltvillo, Virginia, and through the influence of these gentlemen 
the General Assembly of Virginia undertook the first internal 
improvement upon the public account in Southwestern Virginia. 

On the 28th day of December, 1803, the General Assembly of 
A'irginia incorporated the Abingdon and Saltville Turnpike, and 
appointed William King, Francis Preston, William Tate, William 
Poston, Samuel Edmiston, James Wliite and David Campbell, com- 
missioners to mark out and let to contract the building of a turn- 
pike road from Abingdon to Saltville. 

This Act of the Assembly provided that "tlie tolls received from 
tlie said road should be subject to the oi-der of the General Assem- 
1)ly of Virginia," and by the same Act tlie tolls to bo charged for 
the use of said road was presci'ibed as follows : 

One loaded wagon and team, 25c. 

( )n every cart, per wheel, 5c. 

( )n every saddle-horse, Gc. 

On riding carriages pei- wheel, 6c. 

On every lu\ul of cattle, Ic. 

This i-oad was for many years the best toi be found in our 

county. 

Some time between the years 1800-1810, a new court-house built 
of brick was erected in the town of Abingdon on the southeast cor- 
ner of the present public square. The date of the erection of this 
court-house, its dimensions and cost, along with the name of the 
contractor, cannot be ascertained, as the records of the court cov- 
ering this period have been destroyed. 

Nothing of sullicient importance to be recorded occurred in this 
county, so far as I can ascertain, from 180o until the year 1806. 

On the 4th day of January, 1806, John G. Ustick published the 
first newspaper, so far as I can ascertain, in Washington county, 
the title of which was the ''ITOLSTOX INTELLIGENCEE A^D 
.VmXGDOX ADVEPTISEP." a four-column, four-page paper, 
a copy of whieh is preserved, a very creditable paper indeed, giv- 
ing the local news of the county, the proceedings of Congress and 
foreign news. 

.Vbingdon has Tiot been without a newspaper from January 4, 
18(Ki, until the present time, except the period from December 15, 
ISC. 1. when the town was ])ui'nod by the Federal troops, to December 
8, 186:). 



448 Southwest Virginia, 17 46-17 S6. 

THE WAR OF 1813-1815. 

Bv the opening of the year 1812, the sitnation of affairs was such 
as to strongly indicate war between the United States and Great 
Britain. The American pnblic was greatly excited and seemed 
to be anxious for the conflict. The government of the United 
States was making every preparation for war. 

In the spring of the year 1812, the Congress of the United 
States passed a resolution by a vote of 79 to 49 declaring war against 
Great Britain, over the protest of the Federalist members of Con- 
gress, among the number being Daniel Sheffey, the member from 
this district, and on the ISth day of June, 1812, the Senate of 
the United States, by a vote of 19 to 18, concurred in the resolu- 
tion of Congress, and war was formally declared. 

On July 6, 1812, David Campbell was commissioned a major in 
the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry. A. S. A., and, raising all 
recruits j^ossible, he proceeded to Winchester, Virginia, wliere lie 
joined liis regiment. The Twelfth Regiment of Infant i-y was 
ohieered as follows : 

Colonel. TJiomas Parker. 

TJeutenant-Colonel, James Patton Preston, of Montgomery 
county, 

jMajor. David Campbell, of Washing-ton county. 

Captains : 

John Gibson, Archibald C. Randolph, 

James Charlton, Thomas P. Moore, 

Charles Page, A. L. Madison, 

AA^illoughby Morgan, James Paxton. 

Lieutenants : 

L. B. Willis, J. G. Camp, 

Lockville Jackson, Angus McDonald, 

Richard P. Fletcher, R. G. Hite. 

Second Lieutenants: 

Russell Harrison, William Stone, 

John Keys, John Kenny, 

Matthew Hughes, John Towles, 

p. W. Callis, Robert Houston. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 440 

Ensigns : 

J. W. McGavock, Isaac Keys, 

John Shommo, Bailey Bruce, 

I'liilip Wagoner, W. C. Parker, 

Thomas B. Barton. 

On the 10th of April, 181'3, President Madison issued an order 
for l:i,UUO men for the regular army from Virginia, wliich men 
were to be taken from the several militia regiments of the State. 
To make up this number, the Seventeenth Jirigade was required 
liO furnish 488 men, of which Captain Francis Preston's rifle com- 
pany was to furnish fifty men, Captain Tupper's company, of Mont- 
gomery county, fifty men; Captain Hale's rifle company, Grayson 
county, fifty men; Captain Steffey's company, of Wytlie county, 
fifty men. 

It is probal)lc that the forces thus k'\ied accouipanied Major 
David Campbell to M'ini'hcster. Upon the arrival of Major David 
Campbell at Winchester, he immediately proceeded to assist in drill- 
ing and recruiting the regiment, which regiment, on the 39th day 
of August, 1812, marched for the lakes of Canada, wdiere it w^as 
placed under the command of Alexander Sm}^!!, of Wythe county, 
who, on the 6th day of July, 1813, was commissioned by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, inspector-general with the rank of briga- 
dier. General Smyth, on the 15th day of June, 1813, was in 
Washington city, and addressed a letter to a gentleman in Abing- 
don in which he stated : 

''It is whispei'cd, and I have no doubt of the fact, that to-day 
the Senate passed the bill from the House of Eepresentatives for 
declaring war against Great Britain. 

"Tlie recruits west of the Blue Ridge in Virginia are intended 
for the North. Considering this circumstance together with the 
land bounty, the abolition of corporal punishment, &c., I shall 
expect the recruiting service to succeed well." 

Upon tlie first intimation of war. many of the citizens of this 
count V immediately volunteered their services to their country. 

In lyiarch of the year 1813, a volunteer troop of cavalry was 
formed within the lx>unds of the One HundriMl and Fifth Regiment, 
and WMS ofiicered by Captain William Duff and Lieutenant Samuel 
Brown. 



450 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

On tlie olst day of March tlie following order was published by 
the officer of the troop : 

ATTENTION ! 

WASHINGTON VGLUNTEER TEOOP OF CAVALRY. 

"Our muster, of course, is at Abingdon, on Saturday the 11th 

day of April, when you are to appear in uniform with your arms 

and accoutrements in good order, at 11 o'clock A. M., with six 

rounds of blank cartridges, for the purpose of exercising. 

"At a crisis like the present, when war is more than anticipated, 
we presume your patriotic spirit will not suffer a single member 
to be delinquent. 

"By order of the Captain. 

"SAMUEL BROWN, Lieut. 
"March 31, 1812." 

The next order that we find in regard to this company was 
issued on September 12, 1812, and was as follows : 

"ATTENTION V 
"THE VOLUNTEER TROOP OF CAVALRY, attached to 
the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment. You are hereby requested 
to attend private muster at Abingdon, on the last Saturday in this 
month, for the purpose of exercising and for other purposes that 
the times demand. 

"SHOW YOUR VALOR— BE PATRIOTIC. 

"WM. DUFF, Captain." 

On the 25th day of April, 1812, the following advertisement 
appeared in the Political Prospect: 

"THE TOCSIN OF PATRIOTISM. 

"A MEETING of the young men of the county of Washington is 
requested at the tavern of Mr. Soule's, on Saturday, the 2d day of 
May, 1812. The object of the meeting is of the highest importance, 
and it is desired and hoped, that every young man, whose bosom 
burns with the holy fire of patriotism and feels the multiplied 
wrongs of his country, will be present at this meeting. 

"April 23, 1812." 

The young men of the county met, pursuant to this notice, and 
organized a company of infantry, and selected Peter Mayo captain, 
to which was given the name of the Light Infantry Company, and 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 451 

passed a rcsohitiou appointing the 16t]i day of May, 1813, as tlie 
time and tJie ]5ell Tavern in iN'nngdon as the place of meeting to 
select non-commissioned officei-s, and directed their captain to issue 
his orders accordingly, Avhich order was as follows: 

"INFANTEY ! 

"Pursuant to a resolution entered into on Saturday last, notice is 
herehy given, that there will he a meeting of the Light Infantry 
Company on ihat day two weeks, precisely at 11 o'clock, at the Bell 
Tavern in the town of Abingdon, for the purpose of choosing non- 
commissioned officers, and of making other arrangements for the 
regulation of the company. All those whose names are enrolled on 
the list of the said tompany are requested to attend without fail, 
as the objects of the meeting are of much importance to its pros- 
perity. Those who feel a disposition to become members of the 
company may do so by attending and enrolling themselves on that 
day. 

"P. MAYO, Captain. 

"X. B. — It is requested that all those who have guns of any 
descri})tion will l)riiig them on thai day." 

On the 15th day of June, 1812, Captain Spotswood Henry, of the 
Second Eegiment of Artillery, U. S. A., arrived in Abingdon, and 
proceeded to recruit men for the regular army, and by the 6th day 
of September, 1812, lie had recruited a full company of regulars. 
The Political Prospect, in speaking of the departure of Captain 
Henry and his recruits from Abingdon, sa3^s: 

"On Sunday last Captain Spotswood Henry marched from this 
place for Philadelphia with a full company of regulars enlisted in 
Abingdon and the surrounding country. Captain Henry was not 
quite three months enlisting his men, and we venture to say no 
officer in the same period of time ever enlisted as fine a company 
of men, most of them young, active and strong, a large majority of 
them sober and men of good character. We believe it may be said 
with truth that during their stay in Abingdon their conduct (with 
a few exceptions) has been good, infinitely better than that of any 
other body of new recruits we ever saw. Captain Henry, though 
a new officer, seems to possess the art of being both loved and feared 
by his men. He is true to the cause he is engaged in, and we trust. 



452 Southwest Virginia, 1746-178G. 

should he ever be brought in contact with the enemy, he will not 
disgrace his country. 

"They were accompanied on their road about two miles, by almost 
every citizen of Abingdon, and after partaking of some refresh- 
ments at Captain W. Jones', they continued their march, accom- 
panied by the prayers of all who witnessed their departure, for 
their success and happiness." 

The services of the companies organized by Captains Mayo and 
Duff were not accepted by the gO'Vernment, and it is very probable 
that numbers of their men enlisted with Captain Hem-y. I can- 
not definitely ascertain what disposition was made of Captain 
Henry's troops upon their arrival at Philadelphia, but it can be 
stated with some certainty, that most of the recruits from South- 
western Virginia, in the regular army, were in the Second Regi- 
ment of Artillery and the Twelfth and Twentieth Eegiments of 
Infantry, commanded by Colonels Parker and Randolph and Gen- 
erals Smythe and Van Rensselaer. 

No further efforts were made to organize and equip additional 
troops from this county tliis year, so far as I can ascertain. 

In April of the year 1812, in the contest for member of Con-" 
gress from this district and for members of the Legislature from 
this county. Honorable Daniel Sheffey was elected a member of 
Congress, defeating the Honorable Edward Campbell, of Hall's 
Bottom, by a considerable majority, Campbell's majority in Wash- 
ington county being seventeen. The vote for members of the House 
of Delegates from this county was as follows : 

Colonel Francis Preston, 34-1 

Captain Reuben Bradley, 314 

Captain James Meek, 266 

Mr. Jolin Pulton, 151 

On the 24th day of February, 1812, the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia appointed the following persons, for Washington county, to 
conduct the presidential election to be held in November of this 
year: Francis Preston, James White, David Campbell, Benja- 
min Estill, Francis Smith, John Preston and George Dixon. 

But, for some reason, the commissioners thus appointed did not 
act, as will appear from the following notice : 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 453 

To the Freeholders of tlie (*ounty of Washington. 

Citizens :— You are hereby notified to attend at your court-house, 
on the first Monday in Xovember next; for tlie purpose of voting 
for twenty-five electors to CHOOSE A PRESIDENT AND 
VICE-PEESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. At this import- 
ant crisis of alfairs, it is hoped tliat no citizen of Washington will 
show the smallest backwardness in coming forward on that day with 
a determination of supporting our Republican ticket. 

FRANCIS PRESTON, 
HENRY ST. JOHN DIXON, 
ROBERT PRESTON, 

Commissioners. 
September 19, 1812. 

At the election held in November, being the first hotly-contested 
presidential election in the history of our country, the counties of 
Southwestern Virginia, between James Madison and DeWitt Clin- 
ton, the contesting candidates, voted as follows: 

Madison. Clinton. 

Washington, 355 80 

Tx?e, 67 00 

Montgomery, 181 58 

Wythe, 129 19 

Russell, 126 00 

Giles, 60 04 

Grayson, 73 45 

Early in this year Captain" Henry Dixon organized a corps 
of volunteer riflemen, which was attached to the First Battalion 
of the One Hundred and Fifth Virginia Regiment of Militia. 
Many of the young men living in the vicinity of Abingdon joined 
this corps, the lieutenant of which was George W. Dixon. 

The patriotism of the people was unbounded, and it was arranged 
to celebrate the Fourth of July, 1812, at Abingdon, in a manner in 
accord with the sentiments of the people. The citizens of the upper 
end of the county likewise celebrated the day in a manner befitting 
patriots. 

The 4th of July, 1812. 

*"This dav was celebrated by Captain Dixou's Company of Vol- 

*Politic<ilTrospects. 



454 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

imteer Riflemen and a number of the citizens of the town of Abino-- 
don with their accustomed conviviality and mirth. The declaration 
of war had fired the breasts of that band of citizen soldiers with an 
unusual portion of pride of country, and they consequently 
expressed with great freedom their determination to rally to the 
standard of their country in defence of its rights, liberties and laws. 

Captain Mayo's company of infantry were invited by the rifle- 
men to join in the entertainments of the day, in which they dis- 
played an equal degi-ee of patriotic ardor and love of country. 

The rifle company met at the court-house at 8 o'clock in the 
morning, and, after performing several evolutions and firing a 
^number of rounds, marched to Captain Dixon's quarters, and fired 
three rounds, then to the eastern extremity of the town and did the 
same, then, returning to the court-house, w^ere dismissed until ten 
o'clock, when they again assembled, at which period they were 
joined by Captain Mayo's company of infantry. After mustering 
through the town and performing several evolutions and firing, 
which occupied until one o'clock, they were marched to the camj)ing 
ground at Piper's Spring, ^vhere they partook of an elegant dinner 
furnished by Mr. E. Soule. 

Colonel Francis Preston was called to the chair and Colonel 
James King chosen vice-president. 

After the cloth was removed the following toasts were drunk with 
great cordiality of sentiment. 

1st. The Day. May its celebration only cease with our national 
existence. 

2. The President. May he continue to deserve the confidence of 
a free, enlightened people. 

3d. Congress. In declaring war against Great Britain, they have 
echoed the voice of the nation. 

4th. The Heads of Departments. May the spirit of '76 animate 
their councils. 

5th. The Memory of Washington. May we look upon his like 
again. 

6th. The Venerable Clinton. He will still live in the hearts of 
his countrymen. 

7th. The Heroes of the Eevolution. May their posterity inherit 
their virtue and their valor. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 455 

8tli. The Union of the States. Liberty's surest pledge — Hail 
Columbia. 

9th. The army of the United States — Composed of freemen, it 
cannot fail to merit the glorious boon of independence. 

lOtli. The navy of the United States. The choicest sons of Nep- 
tune will brave every danger in defence of their liberty. 

11 til. 'J'iie volunteers of the times. Hailed by your countrymen 
as tlie gallant defenders of their dearest riglits. 

l^th. The llei'oes of Tippecanoe have set their countrymen a 
glorious example — Soldiers return. 

l;3th. The jMilitia of the United States will defend their riglits 
when assailed by tyrants. 

14th. The Tree of Liberty, may its branches ever succor its sup- 
porters. 

15th. John Eandolph, D. Sheffey, &c. May their constituents 
furnish them witli a suit of Tory uniform, tar and feathers i Eogue's 
March ! 

Kith. The 18th of June, 1812. The day that adds solidarity to 
the foundation of our independence. 

ITth. The Impressed American Seamen. May they return to 
the bosom of tlieir country, with their hands imbrued in the blood of 
their enemies. 

18th. The Fair Daughters of Columbia. Their smiles will reward 
their defenders. 

The volunteer toasts were very numerous, but we have been able 
to collect only a few of them. 

VOLUNTEEES. 

By Colonel Francis Preston — God bless these United States — 
May he who attempts their disunion meet the fate of Percival. 

By Colonel James King — All hands and all hearts. 

By Captain Di.xon — Our war — May it lead us to conquest and 
glory, and return us to peace and happiness. 

By Lieutenant Dixon — The Bising Company of Light Infantry 
of the One Hundred and Fifth Virginia Begiment — May success 
attend the soldiers of this union. 

By Captain Bobert Craig — Our Government — May they be decis- 
ive in their councils, and every party spirit done away, and may the 
spirit of '76 animate every breast. 



456 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 



Our Manufactures — May they be perse- 
vered in until tliey make us completely independent of all other 
nations. 

By Mr. L. L. Henderson — The Commerce of tlie United States — 
Like an April shower, the day clouds for a moment, but to return 
with resplendent vigor. 

By Andrew Russell, Esq. — Neutral Eights — May all governments 
be compelled tO' respect them. 

By Mr. Isaac Whitaker — Randolph, Sheffey &c. — May they 
be compelled to eat the crumbs that fall from republican tables. 

"Saturday last being the anniversary of our national independ- 
ence, a number of inhabitants of the upper end of this county col- 
lected at Seven-Mile ■ ford for the purpose of celebrating the day 
in some manner, however plain and simple. The fore part of the 
day was occupied by Cajitain Hopkins in exercising liis military 
students ; in the evening the company retired to a spring convenient 
to tlie ford, where they partook of an elegant barbecue which had 
been prepared for them. After dinner the following toasts were 
given : 

By C'aptain William Love — The Fourth of July — ]\Iay it ever be 
held in grateful remembrance by the free-born sons of America. 
Two guns. 

By Captain William Byars — The Declaration of War by Con- 
gress on the 18th of June last, against Great Britain — May it 
progress with successive victories on our part, and may it ultimatelf 
procure us that justice for which we contend. Three guns. 

By Major William Davis— The Spirit of '76— May it inspire the 
breast of every free-born American with such zeal as may support 
the dignity of the present measures of our general government. 
Four guns. 

By Captain Hopkins — The patriots of the United States Army — 
May they always be actuated by virtue and crowned with victory. 
Four guns. 

By Captain George Byars — May tlie American eagle subdue the 
British lion. Four guns. 

By Mr. Parker Smith — The memory of Captain Nathan Hale, 
who fell a martyr in the cause of his country with the firm intre- 
pidity of an American and tlie amiable resignation of a Christian 



Washington Covniy, 1777-1870. 457 

hero — May liis worth and memory be enshrined in the hearts of his 
countrymen as long as we enjoy that liberty and independence for 
which he freely gave up his life. Five guns. 

By Mr. John Phaup — The Virtuous Sons of Freedom — ]\Iay they 
never taste the bitter apples of affliction. Four guns. 

By Mr. Campbell Anderson — The Federal Compact — May it 
stand firm and unshaken as the pillars of heaven. Two gims. 

By Mr. Pleasant Smith — The Honest Farmer — May his industry 
always be rewarded with an abundant harvest. Five guns. 

By Captain Andrew Edmiston — The tyranny of Great Britain. 
May it be completely subdued and American independence reign 
forever. Three guns. 

By John Byars, Esq. — General Montgomery — May we never want 
such men to march to the plains of Abraham, to teach the enemies 
of our free and happy country that we will not submit to the insult.:^ 
heretofore practised on us. Five guns. 

By Mr. Eobert Beattie— The Memory of General Washington — 
May his courage and patriotism be an example to our generals of 
the present day. Four guns. 

By Mr. James EobinsoU' — James Madison, President of !,he 
United States. Two guns. 

By Mr. Daniel Hughes — May we all stand united and fir-mly 
agree to rally around the standard of sweet liberty. Two guns. 

By Captain James Cole — The Tree of Liberty — May it contiime 
to produce unfading blossoms, and may its branches extend to the 
remotest part of our wide extended territory. Five guns. 

By Mr. A. K. Tx>ve — Thomas Jefferson — May his virtues be an 
example to his countrymen, and may his patriotic services be held 
in grateful remembrance. Four guns. 

This account of the celebration of the 4th of July by the citizens 
of Washington county is obtained from a copy of a paper published 
in Abingdon at that time, and. if we may judge from this account, 
the sentiments of the people of the county must have been strongly 
in favor of war; nnd their enthusiastic devotion to their country 
unexcelled. 

John Gibson, a citizen of Abingdon and a ])artner in business with 
Connally Findlay, was, on March 12, 1812, commissioned a captain 
in the rofnilar armv and was assicrncd to the Twelfth Regiment of 



458 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

Infantry; as a result, a dissolution of partnership between himself 
and Pindlay was rendered necessary, and soon thereafter the fol- 
lowing notice appeared in the Abingdon paper : 

NOTICE ! 

"The partnership between the two persons involved, 

Of Gibson and Findlay, is this day dissolved ; 

With hearts smooth and easy right onward we went. 

And this day we part by mutual consent. 

All those who have claims come to Findlay for j)ay, 

And those who owe us must not long delay, 

But to pay their accounts, I hope they'll agree. 

And not trouble Gibson, but pay them to< me ; 

The business henceforward I mean to conduct. 

And all my good customers freely instruct; 

That all sorts of saddles, neat boots and fine shoes. 

They may come and examine and buy what they choose; 

With saddle-bags, bridles and best tanned leather. 

Which shall brave the hard clods and defy the bad weather ; 

And pray, gentle friends, let me tell you besides, 

I'll purchase your skins and buy all your hides, 

For which I will pay you the cash in a trice. 

For every article at market price; 

And now you may think what I say is but fun, 

You all may trust me, but, faith, I'll trust none. 

"JOHN GIBSON, 
"CONNALLY FINDLAY." 

On Saturday, the 2d day of May, 1812, the settlements on the 
western extremity of this county were visited by a most tremendous 
hail-storm. Eobert Preston suffered the loss of an extensive crop 
O'f rye and much other damage done to his plantation. Several 
others in the same neighborhood suffered severely. On the Jones- 
borough road, was the greatest loss suffered, though Joseph Gray 
and others were severely handled. Large trees were torn up by the 
roots and fences destroyed in all directions. Some of the largest 
of the hail that fell on Saturday was gathered on Sunday and 
carried to Abingdon, where it was still as large as the largest nut- 
mesr. 



WashiiK/ton County, 1777-1870. 459 

The track of this cyclone and hail-storm was perceptible as late 
as the year 1882. 

This county was again visited by very severe hail-stornis in the 
year 1814. 

The American army, stationed near Buffalo, experienced some 
pretty hard fighting about this time, and the soldiers from tliis 
county bravely maintained the reputation of our people. In the 
month of October, they had a skirmish near Fort Eric, an account 
of which is given by Major David Campbell, in a letter written to 
a friend in Abingdon, and is as follows : 

"We last night took two vessels from the British, when they 
were at anchor immediately under the guns of Fort Erie. The 
vessels were taken by volunteers from our brigade and some sailors 
in two row-boats, and 150 men. Our men rowed alongside, fas- 
tened their boats to the ship under fire from her, they alsO' firing, 
and boarded her sword in hand — we have lost eight men — the 
British number not known, it is supposed, however, 50 to 40. One 
of the vessels was immediately brought safe to shore. Her cargo has 
been taken out, and is estimated by General Smyth at $150,000. 
The other they ran aground in the river near a small island — she 
is the Brig. Adam, laden with 2,000 stand of arms taken from Hull, 
and the cannon taken there also. This morning early a messenger 
came to camp and informed General Smyth, that 2,000 British had 
landed. We immediately paraded and marched to the scene. The 
cannon was roaring from both shores. When we got there we found 
no enemy on this side. They had been at the vessel nigh the island, 
but had" left her. We left the Fifth and part of the Eighteenth 
regiments to protect the vessel and returned. They have made two 
other attempts during the day to retake the vessel, and have been 
completely repulsed with great loss. We have not, since morning, 
lost a man. It has given me great pleasure to retake the arms 
taken at Detroit. We have also retaken thirty or forty prisoners, 
our brave countrymen taken there." 

Among the plunder captured by the American forces at this time, 
was a bell, from one of the British vessels, which bell was brought by 
G^'neral Smyth to his home in Wytheville, and by him given to 
Wythe countv to be used as a court-bouse bell. This bell is at this 



460 Southwest Virginia, 1746-n86. 

day in the old court-house at Wytheville, in an excellent state of 
preservation, and bears the following inscription: 

"De Welfahrt van Het. Schip. 
De I. Iffrauw. Elisabeth- 

Voor De Heeren- 

Casper, Voice & Compagni- 

Captain Daniel Joachim. Eahlap 

Anno 1781. 

Me-Ioh : iven-in Hamburg." 

Which being translated, is: 

"The welfare of the ship. 
The Lady Elisabeth. 

For the Sirs. 

Casper, Voice & Co. 

Captain Daniel Joachim Eahlap. 

Anno 1781. 

'Me' loh' iven' in Hamburg." 

On the 10th of October, 1812, the volunteer rifle company, com- 
manded by Captain Henry Dixon, was ordered to assemble at Cap- 
tain Eobert Davis's, which order was as follows : 

"ATTENTION ! 

"The volunteer rifle corps attached to the First Battalion, One 
Hundred and Fifth Virginia Eegiment, are directed to attend the 
regimental muster at Captain E. Davis's on Friday, 16th instant, 
(completely armed and equipped) at 11 o'clock A. M. Each mem- 
ber will furnish himself with ammunition and one day's rations. 

"GEOEGE W. DIXON, Lieut. 
"Comdt. V. E. C. 105th regt." 

At this meeting, the following order was published : 

"COMPANY OEDEES ! ATTENTION EIFLEMEN ! 

"The Battalion Court of Inquiry for the assessment of fines in the 
First Battalion of the One Hundred and Fifth Virginia Eegiment, 
is ordered to meet at Mr. James Crow's on Friday the 23d instant. 
The regimental court will assembly at Captain Eobert Davis's on 
the 5th day of November next, at which times and places, excuses to 
offer for delinquencies, may attend. A correct list of all the delin- 



Washington County, 1717-1870. 161 

quents in the Eifle Corps will be left with the printer of the Politiea' 
Prospect, for the inspection of its members. 

"G. w. mxoN. 

"Comdt. V. E. C. 1st Bat. 105th E. 
"October 17, 1812." 

And on the 28th day of February, 1813, Captain Dixon issued the 
following order: 

A^ OLUNTEEE EIFLEMEN. 

The members of the Volunteer Eifle Company of the One Hun- 
dred and Fifth Eegiment will punctually attend at the court-house 
in Abingdon, on Saturday the Gth day of March, without uniform, 
on business of importance. 

H. DIXON, Captain. 

Tliis company of riflemen were not called into service until the 
summer or fall of 1814. 

On the 20th of April, 1813, Lieutenant Peter C. Johnston, of tlie 
regular army began recruiting in the town of Abingdon, but what 
success attended his efl'orts I am unable to ascertain. 

Captain L. L. Henderson had organized a company of artillery in 
the upper end of Washington county, and an order was issued effect- 
ing this company on May 3, 1813, which order was as follows : 

"ATTENTION ! 

"The members of the artillery company commanded by Captain 
L. L. Henderson will attend a battalion muster at Mr. James Crow's 
on Friday, tlie 28th of this month. 

"WILLIAM SMITH, 
"Lieutenant of Artillery." 

This company was not mustered into service until the year 1814. 

On the 12th of March, 1813, Major David Campbell was pro- 
moted and became Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twentieth Eegiment 
United States army, and participated in the arduous campaigns 
on the St. Lawrence and near Lake Champlain, which position 
he resigned on the 28th of January, 1814. 

Upon his return to his home in Virginia, lie again entered the 
service of his State, as aide de camp to Governor James Barbour, 
and rendered valuable assistance in organizing the large force of 



4^62 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

troops called into service in the neighborhood of Ejchmond and 
Petersburg, in the summer of 1814. 

The General Assembly at its session in the year 1814, provided for 
the raising of ten thousand troops, and, under this law. Colonel 
Campbell was elected general of the Third Brigade. 

On the 25th of January, 1815, he was appointed colonel of the 
Third Virginia Cavalry, but was afterwards transferred to the Fifth 
Eegiment of Cavalry. 

Under the law enacted by the General Assembly in 1814, most 
of the companies from Washington county proceeded to Eiclimond, 
which point they reached about the 9th day of September, when 
information reached Eichmond that the enemy had landed on the 
JSTortliern Neck. The forces from Washington county formed a 
part of the Third Brigade, and upon receipt of the news that the 
enemy had landed, three companies of riflemen and one troop of 
cavalry, under the command of Colonel Coleman, were ordered to 
the Northern Neck. 

This force marched to the place directed and were out sixteen 
days. They marched day and night to attack the enemy, but failed 
to overtake them. They frequently encamped on the same ground a 
few hours after the enemy had marched. Upon this expedition, the 
fii'st encampment was one mile from Eichmond, at Camp Mitchell. 

About this time the militia was transferred from the State's ser- 
vice to the service of the United States, to serve six months. A por- 
tion of the Washington county militia marched for the city of 
Wasliington a few days after Colonel Coleman marched for the 
Northern Neck, and, upon the return of Coleman's forces to Fort 
Mitchell, the field and staff officers of his command were ordered to 
Washington city. The troop of cavalry and riflemen were ordered to 
Charles City courthouse, from which point they passed to Camp 
Snowden near Snowden's Iron Works, Maryland, at which place 
the troops were newly equipped with guns and ammunition, from 
which point they marched to Camp Cross-Eoads, Maryland, where 
they were encamped on the 15th of November. At this point our 
forces were commanded by General James Breckenridge as briga- 
dier, and Major-General Pegram. The health of the Washington 
companies was fairly good, although 109 men were sick on the morn- 
ing of the 14th of November, 1814. A very few of the number were 
dangerously sick. 



Washington County, 1111-1810. 463 

A number of the Washington county troops, in the fall of this 
year and the spring of 1815, marched to Norfolk, under the com- 
mand of General Francis Preston and other militia officers, but as to 
Uioir services I cannot obtain any information. 

It is lamentable that no record has been preserved of the services 
of our countrymen upon this expedition to Norfolk. 

We pul)lish in the appendix to this book, an official statement 
of the militia officers of AVasliington county, for the years 1810- 
1815; wliich gives, beyond queston, authentic information of the 
officers, witli their rank, during this war. 

Peace was proclaimed by the President of the United States on 
tlie 18th day of February, 1815, one month and ten days subsequent 
to the battle of New Orleans. 

With the exception of the battle of New Orleans, the record of 
this war, as far as it effected the land fighting, is humiliating indeed, 
to the average American citizen. 

The failure of our military expeditions during this war must not 
be attributed to the want of patriotism or valor on the part of our 
people, but was due to the ideas of our rulers, none of whom, either 
by principle or practice, was fitted to conduct a successful war. 

In this war Colonel James Campbell died in the service at Mobile, 
Alabama, and Colonel John B. Campbell fell at the battle of Chip- 
pewa, where lie commanded the right wing of the army under Gen- 
eral Winfield Scott. Both were sons of Colonel Arthur Campbell, 
the "Father of our County." Colonel Arthur Campbell himself died 
at his home, the present location of jMiddlesborough, Kentucky, in 
the year 1811, and his body was buried at that place according to 
the directions of his will, which is of record in the county clerk's 
office of this county. 

When Middlcsborough, Kentucky, first attracted the attention of 
tlie business people of this country, and great developments Avere in 
progress at that point, the grave of Colonel Campbell was discovered 
in an out-of-the-way place, and his remains were removed by his 
Tennessee relatives, and the grave newly marked. 

The grave of Colonel Arthur Campbell was marked with an iron 
slab, upon which the following inscription was found : 

"Sacred to the memory of Colonel Arthur Campbell, who was 
bom in Augusta county, Virginia, November 3, 1743, old style, and 
after a well-spent life, as his last moments did and well could 



4G4 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

approve, of sixty-seven years eight months and twenty-five days, 
ere a constitution preserved by rigid temperance, and otherwise 
moral and healthy, could but with reluctance consent, the lamp was 
blown out by the devouring effects of a cancer on the 8th day of 
August, 1811, leaving a widow, six sons and six daughters to mourn 
his loss and emulate his virtues. 

Here lies entombed a Eevolutionary sage. 
An ardent patriot of the age. 
In erudition great, and useful knowledge to scan 
In philanthrophy hospitable, the friend of man, 
As a soldier brave. 
Virtue his morality. 
As a commander prudent. 
His religion charity. 
He practised temperance 
To preserve his healtli. 
He used industry to acquire wealth. 
He studied physic to avoid disease. 
He studied address to please. 
He studied himself to complete his plan. 
For his greatest study was to study man. 
• His statue tall. 
His person portly. 
His features handsome. 
His manners courtly. 
Sleep, honored sire. 
In the realms of rest. 
In doing justice to thy memory 
A son is blest. 

A son inheriting in full thy name 
One who aspires to all thy fame. 

COLONEL AETHTJE CAMPBELL." 

At a meeting of the General Assembly in the fall of the year 1814, 
a new county was formed from the territory of Lee, Washington 
and Eussell counties, to which was given the name of Scott 
county, in honor of General Winfield Scott. The boundaries 
of the new county as fixed by the Act of Assembly, of date 
November 24, 1814, were as follows: Beginning at the head of 



Washington County, 1777-1810. 4G5 

Reedy creek, where the wagon road crosses the same in Wasliiugton 
county; thence down the Tennessee line to the south fork of the 
Clinch river ; thence northward passing the Flag Pond to the top of 
Powell's mountain, in Lee county; thence along it to the Eussell 
county line; thence along the Kussell county line to the Kentucky 
line; thence along Cumberland mountain to the head of Guesses' 
river; thence down it to Clinch river; thence to Kendrick's Gap, 
in Clinch mountain; thence by the western end of Samuel Hen- 
sley's plantation to the beginning. 

The boundaries of Scott county as thus given were altered at the 
same session of the General Assembly. 

By the same Act, John McKeuney, Reuben McCully and James 
Wallen, of Lee; Jonathan Wood, Samuel Ritchie and James Moss 
of Russell; Andrew McHenry, Jacob Severs and Abraham Fulker- 
son, of Vvashinglon county, were appointed commissioners to .i jlect 
a permanent jocalion for tlie county seat of Scott county. 

The iirst (bounty Court of Scott county assembled at the house 
of Benjamin T. Hollans, at Big Moccasin Gap, and organized with 
tl.e following officers: 

Justices of the Peace. 
John Anderson, William George, 

Samuel Ritchie, Reuben McCully, 

James Gibson, James Albert, 

John McKenney, John Berry, 

John Montgomery, James Moss, 

Jacob Severs, Richard Fulkerson, 

Benj. T. Hollans, Isa'ac Skillem, 

James Wallen. 
Sheriff, John Anderson. 

Deputy Sheriffs, Isaac Anderson and Isaac Skillem. 
Clerk, William H. Carter. 
Deputy Clerk, Alfred McKenney. 
County Surveyor, Jonathan Wood. 
Commonwealth's Attorney, Andrew McHenry. 

County Militia. 
County Lieutenant, Henry Livingston. 
Lieutenant-Colonel, John Wood. 
Majors, Robert Gibson and Isaac Anderson. 



466 Southwest Virginia, 1740--1786. 

Captains of Militia. 

]?icharcl Fulkerson, George George, 

John McHenry, Hiram Kilgore, 

William Fugate, John Berry, 

Cornelius Fugate, James Watson. 

Lieutenants of Militia. 

Jonas Wolfe, Eobert Spear, 

Goldman Davidson, Elijah Charter, 

Wood shorn, Isaac Low, 

Jeremiah Culbertson. 

Ensigns of Militia. 

John Martin, Daniel Wallen, 

Clinton Godsey, ' James Gibson, Jr., 

Meshack Stacy, George McConnell, 

William Bickley. 

The commissioners appointed to ascertain the proper place 
for holding the courts and erecting the public buildings for the 
new county made their report on May 9, 1815. The lands donated 
by James Davidson, Sr., the present site of Estillville, or Gate City, 
wore selected, and the public buildings erected thereon ; and this is 
still the coimty seat of Scott county. 

By this Act Washington county lost a considerable extent of val- 
uable territory and many valuable citizens. 

In the year 1816, a convention assembled at Staunton, for the 
purpose of devising measures for obtaining a Constitutional Con- 
vention for the State. Thirty-five counties west of the Blue Eidge 
were represented in this convention, but if Washington county had 
a representative present, I cannot ascertain his name ; but the object 
of the convention affected Washington county as much as any of 
the territory west of the mountain. 

The object in view in amending the Constitution of the State was 
to correct the inequalities in the representation of the different sec- 
tions of the State in the General Assembly of Virginia. 

This convention, by a vote of 61 to 7, adopted a memorial in 
favor of a convention to amend the Constitution. 

The country west of the Blue Eidge at that time contained a 
white population of two hundred and twelve thousand and thirty-six, 



WasMngton County, 1777-1870. 467 

with four senators; while the territory cast of tiie inountairL con- 
tained a white population of one Imndred and sixty-two thousand 
seven hundred and seventeen and had thirteen senators. 

General James Breckenridgc was elected president of this conven- 
tion and Erasmus Stribhling, secretary. 1'his subject has been agi- 
tated in A^irginia from the earliest time, but the people of western 
Virginia have never succeeded in obtaining a fair representation 
in the General Assembly of Virginia, and, to-day, the inequality of 
representation between the two sections is greater than it has been 
at any time heretofore in our histoi-y; considei-ing tlie w'ealth and 
]iopulation of Western V'^irginia. 

In the election of members to the General Assembly from Wash- 
ington county, in the spring of the year 1819, the certificates of 
election were awarded to Peter ]\Iayo and William Poston. The elec- 
tion was contested by William Preston Thompson. The depositions 
were taken l)y Thomas Edmondson, William Snodgrass, Eeuben 
l*radley, John Goodson and Charles Tate, commissioners appointed 
by the County Court of Washington county for that purpose, and 
upon the final hearing of the case in the General Assembly, Mayo 
was unseated and Thompson awarded the certificate, but in the fol- 
lowing year Peter IMayo and Nathaniel Dryden defeated Thompson 
l)y a good majority. 

On the first day of July, 1819, the County Court of Washington 
county tried a negro by the name of Sam for larceny, foimd him 
guilty and ordered liim to be burnt in the hand in the presence of 
the court, and that he receive ten lashes on his bare back at the 
[lublic whip])ing-]>o?t. 

By Act of the (jieneral Assembly of Virginia approved March 10, 
isi!), a voting precinct was established at the house of James Meek, 
on the north side of the middle fork of the Holston river in the 
upi)er end of this county. From the organization of the county 
until this time, every voter in the county was required to attend the 
election at Abingdon, the only voting precinct in the county. 

In the month of May, 1819, John Preston, Jr., w^as commissioned 
colonel of the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment of infantry, and 
.lames White, lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment. William P. 
'I'hompson Avas commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Seventieth 
Kegiment, while David Campbell was commissioned colonel of the 
Third Kegiment of cavalry of the militia of Virginia, and in the 



4G8 Southwest Virginia, nifG-llSB. 

following year Eobert Beattie was commissioned major of the Sev- 
entieth Regiment. 

The number of tithables in Washington county in 1820 was 3,137, 
and the proportion of the tax due from each tithable was fifty cents. 
The taxes collected from the people in the years 1819-1820 so far 
exceeded the expenditures of the county that no taxes were levied 
for the year 1821. 

On the 15th of May, 1821, the County Court of Washington 
county entered the following order in regard to the width of the 
roads of the county. 

"Ordered that the public roads of this county be of the following 
widtlis, to-wit: The main Island road, the main Kentucky road, 
the Wataga road below Abingdon, the Blountville road, the Russell 
road by Michael Fleenor's, the main Saltworks road from Abingdon, 
the River road above the Saltworks, through Lyon's Gap, remain as 
at present established, thirty-three feet wide each, and that all the 
other public wagon roads in this county be twenty feet wide." 

By order of the county court of date June 22, 1820, a new road 
was ordered to be established, leading from near Smith's cabin (now 
Greendale), to the north fork of Holston, said road to be eight 
feet wide and to be located at or near the "Lawyer's Path."* 

Colonel James White at this time was operating several iron fur- 
naces in this county and in Johnson county, Tennessee. A consid- 
erable forge known as "White's Grove Forge," and a furnace known 
as "Elizabeth Furnace," had been established on the north fork of 
the Holston river, some miles apart, and business among the citizens 
of the county was excellent, and had been so since 1815. 

It is to be regretted, that the minute books of the County Court 
of Washington county covering the period from 1821 to 1837 were 
destroyed in 1864. For this period I have been able to gather but 
few facts of historical importance, and such as I have gathered are 
principally from the Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia. 

By Act of the General Assembly of Virginia, of date January 15, 
1823, Henry Bowen, John Smith and John Cecil were appointed 
commissioners to locate and open a wagon road from the Kentucky 
line on the north fork of Sandy river to the Richlands in Tazewell 
county. 



*The early name of the road from Abinedon leading through Little 
Moccasin Gap. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 469 

In 1823 a dispute arose as to the correct location of the boundary 
line between Washington and Russell counties from Hayter's Gap, 
east to tJie Tazewell line, and the General Assembly on the 28th 
day of February, 1824, authorized the county courts of Washington 
and Eussell counties to appoint one commissioner each, to run and 
mark the line between the two counties, but, for some reason whicli 
1 cannot now ascertain, the boundary line was not run. 

On the 2Gth day of January, 1825, the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia appointed John H. Fulton, of Washington county, and George 
W. Jolmson, of Russell county, commissioners to run and mark the 
line between the counties, beginning on the top of Clinch moun- 
tain, wliere the road from Abingdon to Lebanon crosses the same at 
Hayter's Gap, and from thonce east to the Tazewell line. Pursuant 
to this order, the line was run and marked in the same year. 

By an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia of date, January 
I. 1826, it was declared that all that part of the counties of Wash- 
ington and Wythe known by the name of Poor Valley within the 
following bounds, to-wit: 

Beginning on the top of Clinch mountain at the highest point 
o])posite to the plantation of Major John Ward ; thence a south 
course until it strikes the top of Little Piney mountain in the 
county of Washington, and with the top of said mountain, running 
east to Wilson's Gap, in the county of Wythe, thence north to the 
Tazewell line, shall be a part of the county of Tazewell. 

By an Act of the General Assembly the third election precinct in 
this county was established at the Iwuse of John Shaver, at Three 
Springs, in the lower end of this county, on January 2, 1829. 

By the year 1828, the sentiment of the people of Washington 
county was decidedly democratic; and to such an extent that in the 
presidential election of that year. General Andrew Jackson received 
every vote cast in the county, except thirteen. 

By the beginning of the year 1830, a healthy disposition 
had grown up among the people in favor of public improve- 
ments, and the General Assembly of Virginia, on the 19th day of 
February, 1830, incorporated the Abingdon Turnpike Company and 
authorized the building of a turnpike road from the forks of the 
road west of William Carpenter's to the forks in Abram Bradley's 
lane. This company was authorized to receive subscriptions, and 
the Act of the Assembly authorized and directed the following citi- 



4'^0 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

zens to solicit and receive subscriptions to this enterprise at tlie 
town of Abingdon : James White, David Campbell, Francis Pres- 
ton, John M. Preston, John H. Fulton, Charles C. Johnston, Peter 
J. Branch, Benjamin Estill, John N". Humes, John Gibson, AndrcAV 
Eussell and Abram Bradley. 

While I have no evidence of the fact, it is reasonable to believe 
that this effort to build a turnpike road in AVashington county was 
successful. 

The General Assembly of A^irginia, on April 5, 1830, incorporated 
the Lynchburg and JSTew Eiver Pailroad, the object of which was to 
connect Southwestern Virginia with the eastern portion of the State. 
The Act of the Assembly incorporating the road authorized public 
subscriptions to the enterprise and appointed the following commis- 
sioners to solicit and receive subscriptions at Abingdon: Francis 
Preston, Francis Smith, James AVhite, James Campbell, Benjamin 
Estill, John IT. Fulton, John M. Preston, John C. Greenway, 
Charles C. Johnston, Andrew Pussell and Charles H. Preston. 

This effort to build a railroad was, so far as Southwestern Vir- 
ginia was concerned, a failure. 

From the date of the convention that assembled at Staunton in 
181 G to this time, the demand for a convention to revise the Con- 
stitution had constantly grown throughout the State. The citizens 
of Virginia living west of the mountains wore opposed to the basis 
established^for the exercise of suffrage by the Convention in 1776, 
which excluded all persons from voting who were not free-holders. 

Another question that presented itself was whether the representa- 
tion in the General Assembly should be apportioned on the basis of 
the white population, or on the basis of population and property 
combined. The citizens of Eastern Virginia favored a restricted 
suffrage and an apportionment on the basis of population and 
property, while the people west of the mountains favored an un- 
restricted suffrage and an apportionment on the basis of popula- 
tion alone. From the year 1816 to 1829 these questions were dis- 
cussed throughout the State with vehemence, ability and eloquence. 

The General Assembly, on the 31st day of Januar}^, 1828, submit- 
ted to the voters of the State the question of calling a convention, 
and in the election that followed 21,896 votes were polled for, and 
16,637 against, calling a convention. The convention was accord- 



WasJiington County, 1111-1810. 471 

in^ly called, and most hotly contested elections for delegates to this 
convention took place througliout the State. 

As a result of the issues involved, this convention was composed of 
many of the most brilliant gentlemen throughout the State. It ha? 
been said that it is doubtful whether any representative body ever 
convened in the world's history, before or since, which jiieluded so 
much talent, eloquence, experience and intellectual power, as did tlio 
convention of 1829-18;J0. In the election of delegates to this con- 
vention the State was dixidcd into districts, of which, WashingtoB, 
Tvce, Scott, Eussell and Tazewell composed one district. 

The delegates elected from this district were John \\. George, of 
Tazewell; Andrew iMcMillan, of Lee, and Edward Campbell and 
W'illiaui Byars, from Washington. The convention assembled on 
October 5, 1829, and remained in session until January, 1830, and 
was presided over by James Monroe and Philip P. Barbour. 

On the 14th of January the draft of the Constitution was adopted 
by the convention and submitted to the people of the Commonwealth 
for ratification or rejection. 

The vote of the counties of Southwest Virginia upon the ratifi- 
cation or rejection of this Constitution was as follows: 

For. Against. 

(iih's, 21 55() 

Grayson, 70 649 

Leo^ 330 99 

.Montgomery, 194 670 

Russell, ..'. 86 240 

Scott, 155 297 

Tazewell, 35 423 

Wythe, 41 625 

Washington 556 175 

The Constitution of 1829-"30 extoiuled the right of suffrage to a 
considerable extent, but the basis of representation, which was bit- 
terly contested in the convention, was but slightly altered, and a 
great majority of the citizens of Western Virginia were opposed 
to the new Constitution for that reason. 

The Constitution was adopted by the people of the State by a 
vote of 26,055 for ratification to 15,563 for rejection — a majority 
of 10,492 in favor of the Constitution. Thus the people of West- 



472 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

em Virginia were denied an equal representation with the citi- 
zens of Eastern Virginia in the representative bodies of the Com- 
monwealth. 

By Act of the General Assembly of Virginia approved Febru- 
ary 2d, 1832, a new county was formed from the counties of Wythe 
and Washington, to which was given the name of Smyth county. 
The boundaries of the new county were as follows : Beginning on 
the Main Stage road at a bridge in a hollow at the point where the 
spring branch of Philip Greeyeri deceased, crosses the same; thence 
a direct line passing equi-distant between Preston & King's salt 
wells, to the line of Eussell county, and from said point on Main 
Stage road aforesaid, where said spring branch crosses the same, 
running south 25 degrees east to the southern boundary of Wash- 
ington county, and beginning on the Main Stage road leading by 
Abingdon and Wythe courthouses, ten miles by said road, from 
the line dividing Washington and Wythe counties, running thence 
northwest to the northern boundary of Wythe county, and south- 
east to the southern boundary of Wythe county, the said line 
through Wythe county running precisely parallel with the line 
aforesaid through Washington county. 

The Act establishing this county directed Isaac J. Leftwich, of 
Wythe, Edward Pulton, of Washington, and John Campbell, of 
Smyth, to run and mark the boundary line of said county. 

The Act of Assembly establishing Smyth county directed that 
the county court of that county be composed of fifteen justices to 
be commissioned by the GoTcrnor, and directed the first court of 
the county to meet at the house of John Thomas on the first Mon- 
day in April, 1832. 

By this same Act Charles L. Crockett, of Wythe; John H. Ful- 
ton, of Washington ; William Price, of Eussell ; Samuel McCamant, 
of Grayson, and Thomas Peery, of Tazewell, were appointed com- 
missioners to select a permanent location for the county seat of 
said county upon which to erect the necessary public buildings. 

This committee selected tlie present location of Marion as the 
county seat of the county. 

The first county court of Smyth county assembled at the house 
of John Thomas, at the Eoyal Oak, on Monday, the 2d day of 
April, 1S32, pursuant to the Act of the General Assembly of Vir- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 473 

ginia, at which time the following oflBcers took the oath prescribed 
by law and entered upon the discharge of their duties : 

Justices of the Peace. 

Charles Tate, James Taylor, 

Samuel Williams, George W. Davis, 

Hatch D. Poston/' Joseph Ad kins, 

Henry B. Thompson, William Porter, 

Thompson Adkins, Eobert Houston, 

Joseph P. Bonham, Abraham B. Trigg, 
Isaac Spratt, 

Clerk of the County Court, Robert Beattie. 

Deputy Clerk, James F. Pendleton. 

Sheriff, Charles Tate. 

Commonwealth's Attorney, Charles E. Harrison. 

County Surveyor, Charles Taylor. 

Coroner, George Byars. 

The following lawyers qualified to practise their iirofession on 
the first (lay of \}\o court: John H. Fulton, David McComas, Jolin 
Foi^ter, Isaac J. Tjcftwich, Charles E. Harrison and Andrew S. 
Fulton. 

By the formation of this county a large portion of the most val- 
uable lands included in the original bounds of Washington county 
were lost to the county, and the representation of the county in the 
General Assembly was reduced to one member, and the county of 
Washington did not send more than one member of the Legislature 
to the General Assembly again until 1852. 

Tliis is the last instance that we will have to rec^ord of the muti- 
hition of the territory of Washington county, although considerable 
efforts have been made within the last fifteen years to form a new 
county out of parts of Washington, Russell and Scott counties. 

The representatives from Washington county in the General 
Assembly of Virginia, at the date of the formation of Smyth county, 
were John H. Fulton in the Senate, and John Kellar and Thomas 
McCulloch in the House of Delegates. 

Smyth county was named in honor of General Alexander Smyth, 
who served as brigadier-general in the war of 1813, and represented 



474 Southtvest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

this district in the Congress of the United States for twelve years, 
and died while a member of Congress in the year 1830. 

A dispute arose as to the correct location of the boundary line 
between Washington ^d_Smyth counties in the year 1896, where- 
upon the County Court of Washington county appointed W. B. 
Eobertson, J. G. Breckenridge, James Broady, William Galliher and 
John D. Blackwell, commissioners on the part of Washington 
county, and the County Court of Smyth covmty appointed C. D. 
Carter, A. F. St. John, T. W. Buchanan and W. N. McGee, as com- 
missioners on the part of Smyth county tO' run said line from 
Greever's Bridge near Chilhowie to the Eussell county line. 

The commissioners ran said line and filed their report on June 
27, 1896. The line as fixed by the report of the commissioners was 
marked by a planted stone at Greever's Bridge, and ran from that 
point, N". 37 degrees 15 minutes W. to' Jamison's Gap, where a sec- 
ond stone was planted, and said line was continued on the same 
degree to the Eussell county line, and stones were planted on the 
farm of Vint Thomas, at the Eich Valley road, on Chestnut Eidge, 
at Saltville between the salt wells, on both sides of the Holston 
river, on Little mountain, and in Poor Valley to mark said line.* 

In the election held in the year, 1831 for a representative in the 
Congress of the United States, from the Twenty-second Congres- 
sional District of Virginia, composed of the counties of Scott,, 
Wythe, Lee, Tazewell, Grayson and Washington, the Honorable 
Joseph Draper, of the county of Wythe, and the Honorable 
Charles C. Johnson, of the county of Washington, were the oppa=;ing 
candidates. 

Mr. Draper had been elected to fill the unexpired term of General 
Alexander Smyth, in the year 1830. Charles C. Johnson was 
one of the most talented and brilliant men that Washington county 
had ever produced. 

The canvass was one of the most exciting ever held in this district, 
and the result was a majority of seventy-eight votes in favor of 
Johnson, upon the face of the returns. The vote in the several 
counties of the district was as follows : 



*M. B. :^1, page 11-13, County Court Washington county. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 475 

Johnson. Draper. 

Eussell county, 347 247 

Scott count}', 495 115 

Wythe county, 43 786 

Lee county, 343 265 

Tazewell county, 208 392 

Grayson county, 44 750 

Washington county, 1,270 116 

Totals, 2,749 2,671 

Johnson's niajorit}', 78. 

Mr. Draper was not satisfied with the rcs\ilt and contested the 
efection of Johnson, charging many irregularities, the principal 
irregularity being the fact that the Slierifi' of Washington county 
held the election in said county for four days instead of closing the 
poll on the third day, as required by law, thereby giving to Johnson 
eighty-eight votes more than he was entitled to, that being the nuui- 
l)er of electors voting in Washington county on the fourth day of the 
election. 

Mr. Johnson on the other hand charged and proved many irregu- 
larities in Wythe county, the result being that a majority of the 
Committee on Elections on the 13th of April, 1832, made a report 
recommending that, in justice to the electors of the disti'ict, the 
seat bo declared vacant and a new election ordered, while the minor- 
ity of the committee reported in favor of Charles C. Johnson, the 
sitting member. The vote was taken upon the majority and uiiuor- 
ity reports and the Congress of the United States, by a vote of 
eighty-five to thirty-five, declared Charles C. Johnson entitled to the 
seat. 

In Ihe fall of Ihc year, 1832, Charles C. Johnson was drowned 
m the Potomac river while crossing from Alexandria to Washington 
(Mty. An election was held to fill the vacancy, at which election 
Joseph Draper was returned the representative from tliis district 
in the Congress of the United States. 

Ceneral Jackson, upon his inauguration as President of the 
United States, nominated Colonel John Campbell, of Hall's Bottom, 
in this county, as Treasurer of the United States, which position 
Colonel Campbell accepted, and discharged the duties of the same 



476 SouthireM Virginia, 1740-1786. 

with honor to himself and credit to his native co^^nty. Colonel John 
Campbell was the second native-born citizen of Wasliington county 
to occupy a position of gi-eat honor in the government of the United 
States, the other, General John Armstrong, Secretary of War in the 
Cabinet of President Madison, was born in the town of Abingdon. 
The County Court of Washington county, in the year 1833, was 
composed of a very distinguished body of men, the fathers and 
grandfathers of many of the present generation, and it may be of 
interest to many persons to know the appearance and character of 
the members of that court, given by a writer who' was personally 
acquainted with each of them and who was a very competent judge 
of men. In speaking of the members of this court the writer says :* 
One of nature's nohlemen is presiding. He is of large stature, has 
a full suit of white hair, of florid complexion, and possesses a fine, 
clear and somewhat musical voice. His man- 
ners are easy and refined, and you will pro- 
nounce him the very soul of dignity. That 
is Colonel John Preston. See him as he 
grasps tlie arm of the old .justice's seat. Does 
a lawyer quibble or travel from the record to 
make out his case? He mildly recalls him 
from his wanderings, as he remarks : "You 
must confine yourself, sir, to the law and to 
the testimony in the case." 
CoioneiJoim Preston, of ^^ar hv are two brothers, of large stature. 
Walnut Grove. of Eoman forms, gray heads and mild de- 
meanor. Their judgments are well balanced, and their opinions 
are worthy of the highest respect. Those are Major Abram and 
Thomas Fulkerson. 

The venerable James Keys, Esq., y'ou observe, is very feeble and 
but seldom is on the bench; he is sent for frequently, however, to 
sign important proceedings of the court. 

On the right of the chair is sitting a low, corpident gentleman 
with full round features, thin hair, a little bald, and his gold 
spectacles thrown back on his head. His utterances are ready and 
clear, springing from a mind quick in its preceptions of right. That 
is Captain Francis Smith. 




*Rev. L. F. Cosby. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



477 




Colonel .fiiines Whito, 
of AhiiiKdoii. 



That gentleman near liim, of large frame, of Atlas-like propor- 
Hons — as though ho c-oiild Ijear up a whole commnnitv on liis shonld- 
i^rs, is Colonel -lames White. lie is somewhat 
silent and iiicditaiive at times, hut delivers 
liis opinions (nflcn presiding) with force and 
indeprndence. His liair is also gray and in- 
clined lo curl ovei- his l)road foreh-ead. 

\{'.\t you see a gentlemiin, once tall hut now 
hent with age — head quite white and face 
ruddy. Uo speaks mildly and seems to regret 
that the stci'ii arhih-amont of law is necessary 
to coniix'l to do right towards their fellow- 
creatu]-es. That is Cencral Francis Preston. 

'J'hat justice on the right, very tall and vefy erect, of excellent 
form, sandy hair, red face, and of fine mind, is William Rhea, Esq. 

The next is a large gentleman with round, full head and face, 
hair hiack. with a mixture of gray. That is Jonathan King, Esq. 
lie is (piite unohtrusive, but firm and decided in his opinions. 

'^^riiat mild-looking gentleman to the left, well set, of medium 
height and good judgment, is Peter Minnick, Sr., Esq. 

Next to him is quite a tall, strongly-huilt gentleman; that is 
.loseph ]\liller, Esq. 

Tiiat tall and slender, light complexioned justice, sitting near, 
is William Shaw Logan, Esq. 

Among the group of justices on the left, you sec two brothers of 
larg(^ stature and strong features. They are of peculiar mould and 
utterly disregard ilie vain blandishments of the world, and deal 
only in realities. These are Major .Mii-.im iiiid (*aplain Iteubeii 
Jiradley. 

That very tall, square-shouldered gentleman, sitting near Col- 
onel Preston, with elongated features, and smiling as he speaks 
earnestly, is Tobias Smith, Esq. Ho loves his position, and renders 
his gratuitous services freely for the good of his country, and no 
Mian lias served if more faithfully than ho. 

Near by is sitting Pobert 1^]. liowry, h's(|. He has a very mild 
counleiiaiire, his eyes resting in repose. Jle exhibits great good 
nature, and is very modest in expressing his opinions. 

Near liiin is a short gentleman with round fealuro;. and of rather 
retiring demoanor. That is Lewis Smith, Esq. 



478 Southwest Yirgima-, 17Jt6-1786. 

Next is a man of great solid worth, of mediumj height, of 
sterling integrity, of excellent mind and heart. That is William 
Buchanan, Esq. 

Two other justices yon discover on the right of the chair. They 
are brothers and above the ordinary heiglit. The first, Robert E. 
Cnmniings, Esq., has round features, is well proportioned, shoulders 
droop a little. The otlier, James C'ummings, Esq., is slender, of 
good form, and generous bearing. Indeed they passess fine qualities 
of mind and heart, and kindness is stamped upon their very natures ; 
they are very (le]il)erate and express their opinions cautiously. 

Next to the justices just nauunt, there sits another remarkable 
man, of commanding personal appearance. The flash of his dark 
eye, his compressed but somewhat protruding lips, indicate great 
firmness and determination of character. He speaks but seldom; 
when necessary, however, he utters his opinions with great force and 
independence. That is John M. rreston, Esq. He hates a mean- 
ness in any one as he does his Satanic Majesty, and is firm in meting 
out strict justice to all men. Integrity is one of his cardinal virtues. 

There on tlie right you see sitting near one another Colonel John 
Kellar, Major Henry B. Thompson and Colonel Thomas McCul- 
loch. The first is dark complexioned, has blue eyes, is quick-spoken 
and is of excellent judgment. He is noted for his fine social quali- 
ties and kindness of heart. What man or woman in this section 
of the country that does not revere and love the memory of Colonel 
Kellar? That he is a bachelor is to be regretted. His erect form 
and fine personal l)earing are doubtless attractive. 

Major Thompson is very good looking, has a fine eye, and an 
excellent disposition. 

Colonel McCulloch's appearance is fine; he is of genial nature, 
and is an excellent officer. All tliree, subsequently, were meml^ers 
of the General Assembly of A^irginia. 

That corpulent justice on the left, with full round face and white 
hair, is John Duff, Esq. But few magistrates transact more busi- 
ness at "Warrant tryings" than he, and general satisfaction is 
given. 

That very tall, venerable and clerical-kioking gentleman near Mr. 
Duff and from the same region of the county, is Edward Latham, 
Esq. His fine suit of black velvet, for which he has a great par- 
tiality, and his white flowing hair combed back over his head, well 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 479 

formed, and his coimtenance lighted up with a smile, render his 
appearance very imposing. He possesses an excellent mind, and 
generally arrives at very correct conclusions. 

Thovse two justices just taking their seats are Major James Tay- 
lor and Hatch D. Poston, Esq. They reside in the upper end of 
ilio county and are gentlemen of excellent minds. In person they 
are fine looking, and as officers of the county, they are highly 
esteemed. 

Next you see a heavy, well-set justice. In his manner, ho is 
very pleasant and agreeable, of good natural qualities, of well- 
balanced mind, of sound and correct judgment. That is William 
Davis, Esq. 

Esteemed for his manly firmness and excellent nature, you see a 
tall and slender gentleman to the right of Mr. Davis. That is John 
McCulloch, Esq. 

Abram ISTordyke, Samuel Moore and Thomas McChesney, Esqs., 
sit next. Those gentlemen are deservedly honored, and held in high 
esteem. They take rank among the substantial men of the country. 

On tlie oxtreme left you are attracted by three gentlemen com- 
j)aratively young; we may say in the prime of manhood. Tliey 
seem to take their ]>osition -deferentially to the venerable men from 
wlioni they would learn lessons of wisdom in their new vocation. 
'I'he first exhibits a fine personal appearance, ready in his utter- 
ances, and bends gracefully forward as he expresses an opinion, his 
red face sparkling with smiles, and he takes care to indulge, mean- 
wliile, in an occasional sally of wit and good humor. His genial, 
happy nature leads him to think well of the denizens of this world, 
and sometiines, even on the bench, he will illustrate his opinions by 
the ]-(>lation of an a|)[»i-<)])iiate anecdote. Intelligent and wise in 
council, the county has long been favored with his services. The 
justice referred to is John N. Humes, Esq. 

The second is a slender gentleman, very neat in his dress, sits 
quite erect and frequently turns his quick, penetrating eye towards 
tlie senior members of the court. He seems to measure his words, 
M hich are fitly spoken, when uttered, a valuable member of the court, 
very commendably polite, and extremely graceful in his manners. 
That member is Peter J. Branch, Esq. 

The third gentleman is very easy and social in manner and dis- 
position. His shoulders droop a little as he sits on the bench; his 



480 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

opinions are conmiimicated with unreserved freedom and with a 
sincere desire that right and justice sliall prevail. Plis face is some- 
what elongated when he is looking serious, but pleasant and social 
as he is generally, he will often give you the benefit of one of his 
old-fashioned jokes. That valuable citizen and justice is Colonel 
Samuel E. Goodson. Pity some amiable lady had not long since 
won his heart, for, unfortunately for his country's good, he is a 
bachelor ! Since a Eepresentative in the State Legislature. 

Thomas McChesney, Esq., occupies his seat near the three last- 
named gentlemen. His tall, slender figure, his intellectual, gray 
head, forehead sloping back, give him an appearance at once com- 
manding respect. He performs a great deal of private business for 
his countymen in writing documents, and is a very useful citizen. 

Near Mr. McChesney sits Captain John Moffet. He is a gentle- 
man of fine sense, plain and unostentatious in manner. He is about 
five feet eleven inches high, with a full developed form, and has a 
very pleasant and genial appearance. In dispensing justice, he is 
decided, but always mild and courteous. 

The following lawyers composed the Abingdon bar in 1831, 
including those not residents of the county : Henry St. John Dixon, 
Edward Campbell, John H. Fulton, Peter C. Jolmston, Peter Mayo, 
David McComas, Charles C. Johnson, Joseph Draper, William M. 
Fulton, Samuel Logan, Dale Carter, Andrew S. Fulton, Charles E. 
Harrison, Charles S. Bekem, Beverly E. Johnston and John Hall, 
Esqs. 

The General Assembly of Virginia, on March 11, 1836, incorpo- 
rated the Lynchburg and Tennessee Eailroad, and authorized sub- 
scriptions to the enterprise at different points from Lynchburg, west. 
The commissioners appointed to solicit and receive subscrip- 
tions at Abingdon were: David Campbell, James White, Andrew 
Eussell, John M. Preston, John C. Greenway, Francis Smith, John 
Preston, William Byars, Samuel E. Goodson, Jonathan King and 
John W. C. Watson. 

So far as I can ascertain, no effort of any consequence was made 
to build or complete the railroad as contemplated by the foregoing 
Act. 

In the year 1837 the construction of a turnpike road from Pond 
Gap of the Cumberland mountain on the Kentucky line to the 
Fincastle and Cumberland Gap road was begun, and John Preston, 



Washington County, 1111-1810. 481 

VVilliam Byars, Charles S. Bekem and Charles J. Cummings, were 
appointed commissioners to solicit subscriptions to this enterprise 
by the county court of this county. 

Some time previous to the year 1837, the county court of this 
county decided to erect a new building to be used as a jail for this 
county, and appointed John M. Preston, Samuel Chastain and Elias 
Ogden a committee to superintend the erection of said building, and 
on the 28th day of May, 1838, the county court of this county 
authorized the erection of a stone kitchen twenty feet square from 
out to out, on the public lot on which the new jail was situated, and 
appointed Jolin M. Preston, Elias Ogrlen and Jacob Tjynch commis- 
sioners for the purpose of contracting for and superintending the 
building thereof. 

The court directed this stone kitchen to be erected out of stone 
from the old jail of the county, which old jail was built at a very 
early date in the history of our county. The new county jail was 
completed on the 23d day of October, 1838, and received by the 
county. 

This jail was destroyed by the Federal troops in December, 1864. 
1 1 stood upon the lot at the intersection of Valley and Court streets. 

In the year 1837, Colonel John Keller, the representative from 
this county in the Senate of Virginia, and a member of the county 
court of this county, departed this life. Whereupon the county 
court of this county adopted the following resolutions : 

"Authentic information of the recent death of our highly-es- 
teemed fellow-citizon. Col. John Keller, late our Eepresentative in 
the Senate of Virginia and a member of this Court, having reached 
llie court of Washington county, whilst in session, and the court 
and bar being desirous of testifying their sense of the worth and 
excellence of Col. Keller, as well as their sorrow for his loss by this 
afflicting dispensation of Divine Providence, in removing from us 
in tlie prime of manhood, a citizen so distinguished for his worth 
and usefulness and so generally esteemed and beloved for his 
amiable deportment and sterling integrity; it is therefore resolved 
that in token of respect for the memory of the late Col. John 
Keller and regret for his loss, the members of this court and bar 
will wear crape for the next month on the left arm. And it is fur- 
ilu^r resolved that these proceedings be entered amongst the minutes 
of the court and published in the Virginia Statesman." 



482 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Colonel Keller was succeeded in the Senate of Vii-ginia by tJie 
Honorable Fayette McMiillen, who represented this senatorial dis- 
trict for the term of ten years without a break. 

At tlie same time and for the same term the Hon. George W. 
Hopkins represented this district in the Congress of the United 
States, and the Hon. Samuel E. Goodson represented this county 
in the House of Delegates of Virginia, three Democrats of the Jack- 
sonian type and three of the most successful politicians in the his- 
tory of our country. 

On the 23d day of October, 1838, Colonel James White, one of 
the distinguished citizens of this country, departed this life. 

Upon receipt of the news of the death of Colonel White, the 
county court of Washington county adopted the following resolu- 
tions : 

"The death of Colonel James White, a most enterprising, use- 
ful and worthy citizen of this county, who has long been an able, 
enlightened, just and firm member of this court, being announced, 
and this court and its officers and the members of the bar being de- 
sirous of expressing their deep grief for his loss and the high re- 
spect which they entertain for his memory, unanimously adopt the 
following resolutions, which are ordered to be spread upon the 
records of the court. 

"1st. Eesolved, That the court, its officers and the members of 
the bar have heard with unfeigned regret of the death of Colonel 
James White. 

"2d. Eesolved, That in the death of Colonel James White society 
has lost a worthy, intelligent and excellent member, and the county 
an upright, just and efficient public officer. 

"3d. Resolved, That as a mark of respect for the memory of the 
deceased, the court, its officers and the members of the bar will wear 
the usual badge of mourning for 30 days. 

"4th. Eesolved, That they tender their sincere condolence to the 
widow and children ol the deceased, and tliat they sincerely join 
with them in deploring the loss of the husband, father and friend. 

"5th. Eesolved, That the clerk of this court do furnish a copy of 
these resolutions to the widow of the deceased and that he also cause 
a copy of them to be furnished the Virginia Statesman, with a re- 
quest that the same be inserted. 



Washingion County, 1777-1870. 483 

"6th. Resolved, That this court do now adjourn and that thoy, 
its officers and tlie members of the bar will attend tlie funeral of 
the deceased to-morrow at ten o'clock/' 

Colonel White was the architect of his own fortune, and at the 
date of his death the wealtliiest man that has lived in Washington 
county. 

Alexander Findlay, E. S. Watson and Peter J. Branch were se- 
lected to appraise and divide his property between his heirs-at- 
hiw, and their report shows that his personal property and landed 
e,state was worth $609,085.05.* 

As an evidence of tlie superstition even now occasionally exist- 
ing among the lower class of the country, there resided in 1838, m 
the hills, a few miles from. Abingdon, a man by the name of Marsh, 
who was deemed by his neighbors not only honest and industrious, 
l)iit possessed of as much intelligence as most people in the lower 
walks of life. Tliis man was severely afilicted with scrofula, and 
imagined his disease to be the effects of a spell or pow-wow prac- 
ticed upon him by a conjurer or wizard in the neighborhood by the 
name of Yates. This impression taking firm hold of Marsh's mind, 
he was thoroughly convinced that Yates could, if he chose, remove 
the malady. Tlie latter, termed an Indian doctor, was sent for 
and administered his nostrums. The patient, growing worse, 
determined to try another remedy, which was to take the life of 
Yates. To accomplish this he sketched a rude likeness of Yates 
upon a tree, and shot at it repeatedly with bullets containing a 
])ortion of silver. Yates, contrary to his expectations, still sur- 
vived. ^Marsli then determined to draw a bead upon the original, 
and accordingly charged an old musket with two balls, an admix- 
ture of silver and lead, watched an opportunity and shot his vic- 
tim as he was quietly passing along the road, both balls entering 
the back of the neck. Yates, however, survived, and Marsh was 
sent to the penitentiary, f 



*Deed B<x)k 21, page 8, Washington county. 
tCampbell MSS. 



484 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 



CHAPTEE X. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, 1840-1870, 

About this time political lines were closely drawn in Washing- 
ton county, and the zealous work of the advocates of the Whig and 
Democratic parties has not been surpassed in the history of our 
county. 

Freeholders were the only qualified voters, and the great ef- 
fort of the advocates of the two parties was toi enfranchise every 
male citizen sympathizing with their respective parties. 

*Two brothers, prominent citizens of this county, were opposed 
in their political views, one being a Whig and the other a Demo- 
crat. They were the owners of a large tract of land situated in 
this county. The Whig brother conveyed his interest in the said 
land to a large number of persons of Whig sympathies, qualify- 
ing them to vote, and thereupon the Democratic brother con- 
veyed his lands to an equal number of male citizens of DemO'- 
cratic proclivities, and, Governor David Campbell, who was the 
owner of the south side of Clinch mountain from Little Moccasin 
Gap to Mendota, executed numerous deeds to his political friends 
for the purpose of enfranchising them. In many instances the 
grantee never knew the location of his land nor did he care. 

In the presidential campaign in 1840 William Henry Harrison 
was elected President of the United States, and there was great 
rejoicing among the W^higs of this section. The Whig ticket in 
that campaign was as follows : 

EEPUBLICAN" WHIG TICKET. 
For President, 
WILLIAM HEFEY HAEEISON, of OHIO. 

For Vice-President. 
JOHN TYLEE, of Virginia. 



*B. K. and M. H. Buchanan. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 485 

Districts. Electors. 

1. JOHN W. MURDAUGH, of Norfolk county; 

2. JOHN UEQUHART, of Southampton; 

3. WILLIAM S. ARCHER, of Amelia; 

4. RICHARD KIDDER MEADE, of Dinwiddie; 

5. HENRY E. WATKINS, of Prince Edward; 

6. JAMES C. BRUCE, of Halifax; 

7. WHITMELL P. TUNSTALL, of Pittsylvania ; 

8. THOMAS R. JOYNES, of Accomack; 

9. NORBORNE E. SUTTON, of Caroline ; 

10. WILLOUGHBY NEWTON, of Westmoreland ; 

11. JAMES LYONS, of Richmond City; 

12. VALENTINE W. SOUTHALL, of Albemarle; 

13. JOHN S. PENDLETON, of Culpeper; 

14. JOHN JANNEY, of Loudoun; 

15. ANDREW HUNTER, of Jefferson; 

16. PHILIP WILLIAMS, JR., of Frederick; 

17. WILLIAM SEYMOUR, of Hardy; 

18. BRISCOE G. BALDWIN, of Augusta; 

19. BALLARD S]\riTH, of Greenbrier; 

20. EDWARD JOHNSTON, of Botetourt; 

21. JOHN N. HUMES, of Washington; 

22. GEORGE W. SUMMERS, of Kanawha; 

23. WAITMAN T. WILEY, of Monangalia. 

There were but three precincts in Washington county at this 
time, to-wit, Joseph Meek's, the courthouse and Three Springs. 

The election at tlie three precincts named was conducted by the 
following persons : 

Joseph Meeh's. Courthouse. 

Parker Smith, Ed. Latham, 

Joseph Miller, Jonathan King, 

John Clark, Daniel Lynch, 

David Beattie, J. A. Davis, 

Lewis Smith, Samuel Logan. 

' "' Three Springs. 

Thos. Fulkerson, Jolm Horn, 

Peter S. Hanby, Isaac Stoffle, 
Zachariah Jourdan. 



486 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Upon the death of President Harrison, in 1841, the 14th of 
May, 1841, was, pursuant to the proclamation of John Tyler, 
President of the United States, observed as a day of fasting and 
prayer by the citizens of Washington county; and on the 13th 
day of May, 1841, the Circuit Superior Coui-t of Law and Chan- 
cery of this county entered the following order- — Judge Estill pre- 
siding : 

"To-morrow being the day of fasting, humiliation and prayer 
appointed by proclamation, to be observed by the people of the 
U. S. in testimony of a nation's sorrow for the death of William 
Henry Harrison, late President of the United States, and this 
court and bar intending so to observe the said day, it is therefore 
ordered that this court be adjourned till Saturday next, at nine 
o'clock in the morning/' 

A similar order was entered by the circuit court of Washington 
county, Virginia, upon the death of President McKinley in the 
year 1901. 

The cost of supporting the poor of the county had, Ijy the year 
1841, increased to such an extent that the county court of this 
county decided to sell the poorhouse and maintain the poor by 
having them supported in their homes, and a c-ommittee was ap- 
pointed for the i^urpose of selling the lands occupied by the poor- 
house of the county, but soon thereafter and before the lands 
were sold, the order directing the sale of the property was, for 
some reason, revoked, and between this time and the year 1860 
considerable improvements were made upon the poorhouse farm, 
which consisted of the lands now occupied by J. A. P. Kyan. 

By order of the county court during this year the commissioners 
of the revenue were directed to omit from their lists the stu- 
dents of the Abingdon Academy and of Emory and Henry College. 

The country at the time in question was greatly agitated over 
the Texas revolution and the attitude of Mexico toward the United 
States. The Democratic party, advocating war and the annexation 
of Texas, nominated James K. Polk for President, and the Whigs 
nominated Henry Clay. The contest between the parties in this 
election Avas bitter from the start, but resulted in the election of 
James K. Polk. 

As a result of this election M^ar was inevitable, and from the 
spring of 1845 to the summer of 1846 the youth of Washington 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 487 

county were monthly drilled and trained in the art of war. The 
Government at Richmond furnished the militia officers of Wash- 
ington county with a cannon and a number of guns, and Abram 
Mongle, colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth regiment, 
was given permission by the county court, on the 28th day of 
April, 184.J, to erect a shed on the public lot for tlie protection 
and preservation of the artillery allowed the county, and on the 
25th day of March, 184G, A. C. Cummings was permitted to erect 
a house on the public square for the preservation of a cannon al- 
lowed the militia of the county by the State authorities, and 
twenty dollars was appropriated by the county court to pay for the 
house. 

Upon the breaking out of the Mexican War, three large com- 
panies of volunteers were organized in Washington county, one in 
the lower end of the county, officered by Captain Frank Campbell 
and Lieutenant Samuel V. Fulkerson; another at Abingdon, offi- 
cered by Captain Arthur Campbell Cummings and Lieutenant 
James T. Preston; another in the upper end of the county, the 
names of the officers of wdiich I cannot ascertain. 

General Peter C. Johnston took an active interest in enlisting 
the young men of the county in these companies, and during the 
time, accompanied by a number of young men from Washington 
county, visited Lebanon on a court day, and took with him the can- 
non that was at that time in the possession of the militia officers 
of Washington county. 

When the three companies alx)ve mentioned were completed, their 
services were tendered to the Governor of the State, but were de- 
clined, as the State had furnished its full quota of men. 

The only opportunity for the citizens of this county to. serve 
their country in this war was to secure their commissions from the 
President and enlist in the regular army. 

In the spring of the year 1847, President Polk commissioned 
Arthur Campbell Cummings, a graduate of the Virginia Military 
Institute and an attorney at the Abingdon bar, a captain in the 
regular army. L^pon the receipt of his commission Captain Cum- 
mings proceeded to enlist all volunteers possible for the regular 
army, and on the 27th day of April, 1847, with fifteen recruits, 
left Abingdon for Mexico. The night of the first day was spent 
at Hansonville, the night of the second day at Virginia City, with 



488 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

James Dickeinson; the night of tlie third day at Wise Courthouse 
with Captain Samuel Salyers; the night of the fourth day one 
mile over the Cumberland mountains with a Mr. Mullin; the night 
of the fifth day fifteen miles east of Pikeville, Kentucky, and from 
Pikeville, Kentucky, Captain Cummings and the troops proceeded 
by water to Newport, Kentucky; thence by the Ohio and Missis- 
sippi rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, and thence to Vera Cruz, 
Mexico, where he joined his command, 

Captain Cummings and his men were assigned to Company K 
of the Eleventh regiment of the United States Infantry, which 
regiment was officered as follows : 

Colonel, Albert C. Eamsey, of Pennsylvania. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, Graham, killed in the battle 

of Moline del Eey. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, John II. Savage, Tennessee, succeeded to 
command upon the death of Graham. 

Captain, Arthur Campbell Cummings. 

Privates. 

James Dickenson, killed, Abingdon, 1865. 

William Haley, served in C. S. A.; died at Winchester, 1862. 

Wesley Hubbard, Tazewell county. 

Moses Hubbard, died Pueblo, Mexico, 1847. 

John S. Lynch, Washington county, killed Passo Ovejas, 
Mexico; buried there. 

Pawpaw, wagoner, died Pueblo, Mexico, 1847. 

John Slaughter, Washington county; served in C. S. A.; died near 
Banhams in 1898. 

James J. Shelton, Washington county; served in C. S. A.; 
married a daughter of George Garrett; killed at Cliancellorsville. 

Hezekiah Smallwood, Scott county; killed accidentally in Scott 
county. 

Snead, Scott county. 

Robert Wilson, died near Lynchburg. 

James Wynn, Tazewell county ; emigrated to Missouri. 

Marvel White, Scott county. 

W. S. Wood, Scott county, brother-in-law of Fayette McMullen. 

In addition to the volunteers accompanying Captain Cum- 



Washington County,, 1777-1870. 489 

iiiings, the following Mexican veterans lived in this county, so far 
as I can ascertain : 

John Dinsmore, William E. Jones, 

John M. Cunningham, John P. Johnston, 

William Ehea, John C. Deadmore, Tex., Eev. 

Samuel Davis, Tex., Rev. IMadison Leedy, Tex., Eev. 

The successful conclusion of the ^Mexican War gave great im- 
petus to the emigi'ation from tliis section of Virginia to Texas, 
large numbers of the young men of the county emigrating thither. 

The building of a new courthouse for tlie county was considered 
by the county court of this county in the fall of 1847, and the Leg- 
islature of Virginia, on the 15th of January, 1848, authorized the 
County Court of Washington county, Virginia, to borrow ten thou- 
sand dollars for the purpose of erecting a new courthouse. The 
coimty court at the June term, 1848, decided to borrow ten thou- 
sand dollars and erect a new courthouse, and appointed John M. 
Preston, William Y. C. WHiite and John D. Mitchell, commission- 
ers, to borrow the money and superintend the erection thereof. 

The building of the new courtliouso was let to Herbert M. Led- 
botter and William Fields, contractors, and, by the spring of 1850, 
the courthouse was coniplctod and Jacob Lynch and Connally F. 
Trigg were appointed a committee to purcliase the necessary tables, 
cliairs, carpets, etc., for the new courthouse. 

The courthouse thus completed served the county until the 15th 
of noeember, 1804, at which time it was destroyed by the fire that 
burnt the town of Abingdon. 

In tlie year 1848, General Zachary Taylor and General Lewis Cass 
were the Whig and the Democratic candidates for the presidency, 
while the Honorable Fayette McJMullen and Samuel E. Goodson 
were the Democratic candidate;, and zVndrew S. Fulton the Whig 
candidate for Congress from this district. The Whig ticket was as 
follows : 

For President, 
MAJ.-GEN. ZACHAEY TAYLOE, OF LOUISIANA 

For Vice-President, 
MILLAED FTLLMOEE. OF NEW YOEK. 



490 



>^i>iilliirrsl. \'in/inia. 17.1,(1-1766. 



hllcclonil Ticket. 

1. .lohll ,1. .loiics. Isle nf VVi;;lil. 

2. (J('(.r-(« \\. r.olliii;.. ,.r I'clcisl.iir,-. 
."i. Ilciirv r. I IVIIIU. til' ( 'llliil»ril;iii(|. 
■]. J()S('|ili K. I i'\ III;;, (if I i\ iitliliiiri;. 
5, W. M.'irliii. (.r P'riiiildiii. 

(i. r>. .Iiiliiisoii r.;i rill Mir, of ( 'iil|ic|(cr. 

7. h'lilii'i'l I']. Scdl I , (if V:\ iM|ii icr. 

S. II. 'I'. (Jjinirll. uj- \\.'sli.i.Mcl;ili.l. 

!•. .Inliii A. IMciVilllli, i\\ h'irliiii(i|i(l ( 'll \ , 

ID. KNilicrl. Siiiindci's. of W'llliiiinsliiiri;-. 

II. Andrew 1 1 imlcr. of .IrlTersdii. 

I'J. A. II. II. Sliinrl. of Aiii'iisln. 

l;{. S. Mel). Mooiv. (.r LNiekliiidn-e. 

II. (\)iiii!illy V. Tnuu. (d' Wnsliiiioidn. 

\'>. (i. W . Slllllllirrs, id' K;iii;i\\ li;i. 

I •'. (!. IV ( '.'imdrii. of I Inrrisoii. 
I "i . V. 1 1. rirr|>i)ii|, of Miirioii. 

Assisl.'iiil MIcelor. 

I nil Dislricl, .Ijiiiics W. SlicHVv, Ms(|., of Siiivlii. 

("oiiiilv iiiid Tiiwii MleeiocH. 

(Jr.'ivsdii. Pr. K'olti'ilsoii. 
lie(>, .loliii M. ('r(.(K(«l|. 
h'lissell. I),il.- ('iiricr. 
Seel I, Will ill 111 Spe.'ir. 
Sm\ III, 'riioiiiiis I ;. rrcsjini. 
Tn/,e\v('ll. .Iidm A. Kelly, 
Wvllu«, r. S. niiekin-liMiii, 

w'jisiiiii^d"". <'ii!ii'i<"s s. r><'k('iii. 

Ill llic (Miiilcst for llie seal in ( '(tii:;i('ss, lli(> 1 1 Diinialdc A. S. 
I'lilliMi did'riilcil Ids hiMiKMral ic o|)|((>ii('iils and rcprcsenicd lids di^- 
In.d iiidil llir year IS ID. 

'Die lliin'iiaM(> l''avt>lle IMrIM iillcii i(>|)r(>sciil(Ml lids dislriel. fc^r :i 
iniinlier of years in llie Coui^ress of ilie United Slates, and wlulo 
lie had Inil little ahilily as a slnlesnian. lie was one of llie most -|)0]i- 
nlar men and cllVctivc canvassers that ever lived in tlii^' 'listi'ief. 
lie kisst>d llie halni'S. joked with the men and llatteied the women 



Wdshiiii/hiii ('tniiili/, 1777- IS'll). 



11)1 



upon nil occiiHiotiH. Ilr Knew, iMTHotinlly, ncni'ly cvd'y vuli i m (lif 

(iJHlricl.. NllllH'IfMIM. lllll'cdoIcK nil' llllll (if ('ulolK'l M C iM 1 1 1 l( 'I I . Ilir 

\u>hI now |f(<il|(r(c(| lirillj; lolil liy S<'llill<iC \'i' I, of Mliririii 'I'liil 
lllMM(|r.(i' Willi l<il(| liy llic Si'IiiiImI III lllll llJlli' llli' |i|M|ir|| ||y <i|| ||m' 
piill o| ifillji" |irii|)|c for M|MM'('ll lllllklll^. 

"II oiciincd III N'lr^jiiiii," Mllid Vi-Hr. "()|(| li'iiyrlli- MrMiillui 
WiiH ciiMviiHiiiii;.; liiH iId'I iicl I'll II ii'iiiiiiiiil Mill I'lr ( 'oli;/|'(iHH, yoil'H 
ii^^o, itinl (jiinii;' llii' ('iiiiviii'ii II iiiiiii Willi liiiii;' in lliiil, loniljly foe 
niiiifii'r. AImiiiI. Icii llioiiniind iiirn rollcclrd Id wiliM'ur. \\\i' iK'i'iH'. 
iiiMJ Jiiiion;' llii'iii fild Mill', who. liy llii' fiivoi oF IIh' iIh'IiIT, o(tii|i|('i| 
II pliici' on l.lic |iliiiroriii III I lie icir of jjic j'liJIowM, liiii oiiiloiniil 
nioiilli wiili-riii;; ill. IIm' lu/dil, ol llir iiiii/^'iiilii'i-nl. iiiidirni'i' in I'lonl 
W lirn I'vcrylliin^f wiih rnidy, iiM in iiiiiiil in iiiidi rnni'H, Ijic i'ImtiII' 
iiHkcil l.lir i'iil|ii'il. if In- liiid iiiivlliiii;' lo fiiy lii'i'oii' III!' ii'ii 
Lcnci' of llic liiw wiiw |iimn('d upon liini , lo wlmli IIm' < oiidiiniird 
I'cHpondfd llllll, lie would my iiolliiii//, Win ii'iipmi o|i| Mm; 
Kl^'ppcd foiwiird, iiililiiiii' III liiiiid , mid Miiiii 1 1 <'d ; 'Mr. SIh'IiIT, 
if llic j'fiii li'iiiiin will \ H'ld III' liiiM' lo nil', I will i'IiiIhikc IIu' 
orriiHJon lo niiil'.i' II li'u H'liiiiil.. mi iln' jinl 1 1 nil I iliiiilinn, mid 
.1 nnnnnci' nivHcH'ii rmididiiir I'm < 'on/M'nBH.' " 

Miijor UhIhtI. ]']. liiiidli'v, ii i|inlin^',iiiMlic(| mid |iii|iiil)ir cill'/.i'ii 
of lllll (fiiiidv, dud in Iln' nionlli of Novflnlii i , I'M!*, lind Iln- 
coiiiily coiirl, of lliiti coiinly oiil, of ii'ipcci lo In iiiriiini ', !iilii|ilrd 
iippi'opriiilc I'i'Koliil ionK. 

'I'lic ( 'oiihI il III i'lii of |H'!f) jH.'JO luid ni'Vi-r lu'cn mil i ifinlory lo ii 
liir^'o iiKijiiiilv of III"' pi'opic (if Vii,"iiiiii in Iliid. llllll llii' ri/dil 
of niilfrii>.M' WIIH i'chI riclcd lo ii. imtiiIcc cxlfiil llimi IIk' linicw 
di'iMiindcd, iind llio ri-prfHi-nliil ion, ii« iiclvvi'i'ii lli'' iilioii;', win' no 
iincipmlly iippoi I loin'd iih, lo j.'iv<' diHHiillHfnrl ion In nil lln' p'opli' of 
\V<'Hl»'rn Vii/'iniii. Ky IIk' yciir iK.'iO, WnHlcrn iind NoillivvcHlnrn 
Vir^dniii Imd incrciiH.cd in popnliilinn iind wcmIIIi i'o iiipidly lliiif in 
lliiH vf'iir lliiH Hi'cWou of Vir^^iniii Kiicc'cdfd in Imvini' iidoplcil ii 
n'Holnlioii liv III'- fli'in'mi AKMi-nihly Miilnnillin;^ (o lln' pioplc flif 
(pn'Hli<in of llic ciillifi^i; Iff II (lofiHliliilioniil (!onvciilion. 'I'lipi 'picH- 
lion wiiH Hiilnnillcd lo Ihc people i,i\ llic I'onilli 'riiiii't'diiy in April, 
IHriO, mid rcMilli'd in I he cjillini' id" ii ( 'on-l il id loniil ( !onvenl ion, 

'I'lic eleclidii frir nienihcrK lo lliiK convcfilion wim held in Ihc iiimi 
nicr of |Hri(». Thill dinlrjcl. wiM coinpoi'ed r»f Wyllic, Smylli mid 

WllHJlinjdon, mid the rmidldlllcH hefiire Ihe pr'r)p|e in ll(li<l <|erlir,|l 



492 Southwest Virginia, nJf6-1786. 

were: George W. Hopkins, B. R. Floyd, Thomas M. Tate, Demo- 
crats. Connally F. Trigg, Andrew S. Fulton, James W. Sheffey, 
Whigs. The two first named were elected by an average majority of 
three hundred and forty-one, while the majority of Thomas M. 
Tate, Democrat, over James W. Sheffey, Whig, was fifty-five. 

At the time in question, George W. Hopkins was a member of 
the General Assembly of Virginia, and, upon the convening of the 
General Assembly in the fall of the year, he was elected Speaker of 
the House of Delgates, and resigned his position as a member of 
the Constitutional Convention, and the Honorable Connally F. 
Trigg was elected without opposition to fill the vacancy. 

This Convention assembled in the hall of the House of Dele- 
gates at Richmond, on October 14, 1850. It was controlled in 
nearly all of its proceedings by what was known at the time as 
"Reformers." This convention extended the right of suffrage to 
every white male citizen of the Commonwealth of the age of twenty- 
one years, who had been a resident of the State for two years, and 
of the county, city or town where he offered to vote, for twelve 
months, excluding persons of unsound mind, criminals, etc. 

It was provided therein that the vote should be given openly, or 
viva voce, and not by ballot. 

It will be observed tliat this was a radical change from the pro- 
visions of the former constitution of the State, property qualifica- 
tions of all kinds were dispensed with, and manhood suffrage, for 
the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, was made a 
part of the organic law of the State. 

The question of the apportionment of representation was 
deferred by this Constitution until the year 1865, and was never 
put into operation, as in the year 1865 the Commonwealth was 
in great turmoil. 

Had the provisions of this Constitution become effective as to 
representation, this question would have been settled in. a manner 
satisfactory to the citizens of Western Virginia. 

By this Constitution, the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and 
Attorney-General were made elective by the people, the Governor 
and Attorney-General of the State having been theretofore selected 
by the Council of State and the General Assembly. This was a 
great chaiige from the former conditions existing in Virginia and 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 493 

was antagonistic to the old system and former institutions of the 
State. 

All the judges and justices were made elective by the people. 
Each county was to be laid ofl! into districts, and four justices were 
to be elected from each district. 

This Constitution was submitted to the people for ratification or 
rejection, and all persons qualified to vote under the proposed 
Constitution were permitted to exercise the right of suffrage in 
said election. The vote resulted in tlie ratification of the Consti- 
tution by the people in the month of October, 1851, the vote being 
75,748 for, and 11,0G0 against the new Constitution. The vote 
in Washington county was 1,083 for and 13 against the ratification 
of the Constitution, the twelve votes against the Constitution 
being polled at Abingdon precinct. 

In the fall of this year tlie Democratic and Whig parties nomi- 
nated their strongest men for Governor and the Legislature, 
George W. Summers, of Kanawha county, being the Whig, and 
Joseph Johnson, of Harrison county, the Democratic candidates 
for Governor, wliile in tliis county, Isaac B. Dunn and William 
King were the Democratic candidates and John A. Campbell and 
James Orr, the Whig candidates for the Legislature. The result 
was the election of the Democratic candidates in the State and 
llie comity by a greatly-reduced majority. This was the first time 
in the history of the Commonwealtli that tlie Governor of the Com- 
monwealth was elected by popular vote and Virginia's first expe- 
rience with manhood suffrage. 

At the same election the followiiXg county officers were selected : 

Clerk of the County Court, Jacob Lynch. 

Commonwealth's Attorney, Samuel Logan. 

Sheriff, Matthew IL Buchanan. 

County-Surveyor, James C. Black. 

Coramissioner-Eevenue, upper end, Kobert 11. Henderson. 

Commissioner-Eevenue, lower end, James L. F. Campbell. 

At the same time twenty-four members of the county court were 
elected by the people. In the year 1852, Washington county was 
divided into magisterial districts by Jonathan King, Washington 
Bishop, Eobert B. Edmondson, Alexander Findlay, James C. 
Fulcher, James L. Davis, Michael W. Weathers, John M. Hamilton, 
L. L. Waterman, Peter S. Hanby and Whitley Fullen, commis- 



494 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

sioners appointed for that purpose, and the members of the county 
court were divided into classes and held the court in the order 
arranged. 

Erom this time forward, the magnificent specimen of manhood 
that so often adorned the old county court of this county grad- 
ually disappeared, and their places, in many instances, were filled 
by men who were able to control the voters, either by an appeal 
to party passion or corrupt measures. 

The members of the county court were elected from this time 
until the year 1870, at which time tlie old county court system was 
abolished. 

In the fall of the year 1850, a considerable revival was evidenced 
among the agricultural portion of the people of Washington county. 
After notice, a number of the citizens of the county assembled at 
the courthouse for the purpose of organizing an agricultural 
society for this county. 

At this meeting, upon motion of Connally F. Trigg, Colonel Wil- 
liam Byars was elected chairman and John A. Campbell secretary, 
and the following resolution was adopted : 

That the chair appoint a committee of five gentlemen to pre- 
pare and report a constitution to our next meeting, under which 
the agricultural society for Washington county shall be organized. 

Thereupon the chairman appointed the following committee: 
Connally F. Trigg, chairman ; Wyndham Eobertson, F. H. Preston, 
Samuel E. Groodson and William Y. C. White. The meeting then 
adjourned to the 28th day of September, 1850, on which day a 
large number of the leading citizens of the county met at the 
courthouse and adopted a constitution and by-laws and elected 
the following officers of the agricultural society. 

President, William Byars. 

Vice-Presidents, David Campbell, William C. Edmondson and 
James L. Davis. 

Secretary, John A. Campbell. 

Treasurer, John M. Preston. 

Executive Committee, William Y. C. White, Lewis F. Cosby, 
Isaac Home, F. H. Preston and John Baker. 

The agricultural interest of Washington county was closely 
looked after, and prospered to a considerable extent for many 
years. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 495 

The General Assembly of Virginia at its session in tlie year 
1849, incorporated the Virginia and Tennessee Eailroad Company, 
and interest throughout this section of Virginia in the building of 
this railroad was greatly stimulated. 

A railroad meeting was held at Abingdon on the first day of 
July court, 1849, for the purpose of electing delegates to a con- 
vention to bo held at Christiansburg on the 7th of August. Gov- 
ernor A^'yndham Eobertson was elected chairman and Leo Shaver, 
secretary of the meeting, and on motion of John A. Cam})l)cll the 
cliairman appointed John M. Preston, Dr. Snead, Jacob Lynch, 
r. F. Trigg and John A. Campbell a committee to draft resolu- 
tions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The meeting was 
ii(hlressed l)y Governor Eobertson, who dwelt ujion the paramount 
iiujiortance of tlie road to this section of Virginia. 

John A. ('auij)l)elh cliaii'inan of Hie coniinittee, i-e[)nried ihc fol- 
lowing resolutions, which were adopted: 

"Eosolved, That we, the people of Washington county, respond 
ciirdially to the invitation made us by the county of Montgomery, 
to a|)|H)iiit delegates to the convention proposed to Ije held at Chris- 
lianshui-g on the 7th of August, next, to take measures in aid of, 
and io ju-omote subscriptions of stock to, the Virginia and Ten- 
nessee Eailroad. ^ 

]?esolved. That both local and general considerations urgently 
i-eeommend this great work to the enlightened self-interest and the 
])atriotism of the people of the whole Southwest. 

Eesolved, That iweuiy delegates be appointed in behalf of this 
(MUinty to attend the said convention; and that they be charged to 
coiiperate heartily in any measure proposed by said convention, cai- 
fidated to attain tlie desii-ed object. 

Pursuant to the third resolution, the chairman appointed tlie 
following-named gentlemen delegates to said convention: J(>h!i I\r. 
I'reston, Colonel William Byars, Major John Campbell, William 
King ITeiskell. William C. Edmondson, William Y. C. White, 
('. F. Trigg, Tbomas L. Preston, John Gray, Charles B. Coale, 
John A. Campbell, Colonel Ota H. Ward, C. S. Bekem, John D. 
Mitchell, Colonel James L. Davis, Dr. N. Snead, William B. Byars, 
Dr. A. E. Preston, John C. Cummings and Colonel Abram Morsgle. 

The convention M-as held at Clixistiansburg, and in the month of 



496 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

April, 1850, a corps of engineers were engaged in making a survey 
preparatory to the location of a railroad through this county. 

Another mass meeting of the citizens of the county was held in 
Abingdon on the 25th day of August, 1850, for the purpose of elect- 
ing delegates to a railroad convention to be held in the tovm of 
Wytheville on the 11th of September, 1850, at which meeting Dr. 
Daniel Trigg presided and James T. Preston acted as secretary. 

On the 30th of September, 1850, a railroad meeting was held 
at Elizabeth Chapel at Saltville, having for its object the election 
of delegates to a railroad convention to be held at Jeffersonville, 
on the 17th of October. The object of this convention was to have 
the Virginia and Tennessee railroad located from New river along 
Walker's creek and Holston Valley, passing Saltville. The pro- 
ceedings of said meeting were as follows : 

"On motion, Major A. B. Trigg was called to the chair and 
William P. Bishop and William King were appointed secretaries. 

The object of the meeting was explained by Dr. Robert Thurman, 
and the following-named persons appointed to report resolutions 
for the action of the meeting: Dr. Alex. McCall, Major Thomas 
Tate, Dr. Eobert Thurman, H. D. Poston, Theo. G. Pearson, D. 
M. Hunter and John Eoberts. 

The committee retired and afterwards reported the following 
resolutions which were unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That it is expedient for the carrying out of the objects 
of this meeting that the committee hereby appointed shall solicit 
the concurrent support of the people of Russell, Tazewell, Washing- 
ton, Smyth, Wythe, Mercer, G-iles, Boone, Monroe, Logan, Wyo- 
ming, Kanawha, Fayette and Greenbrier coainties, in behalf of 
obtaining a survey for the Virginia and Tennessee railroad from 
New river along Walker's creek and Holston Valley, passing the 
Gypsum bank and Salt Works to the Tennessee line for intersection 
with the Tennessee railroad at the most convenient point. 

Resolved, That a general meeting of the citizens of the aforesaid 
counties and others interested be held on the 17th day of October 
next, at Tazewell Courthouse, in aid of the aforesaid objects. 

Resolved, That the following-named persons be appointed dele- 
gates to said convention : Tobias Smyth, James Kelly, W. W. Har- 
vey, James McNew, J. M. Ropp, Wyndham Robertson, Alex. 
McCall, D. M. Hunter, Thomas L. Preston, James T. Morehead, 
Robert Thurman, James Saunders, T. G. Pearson, H. D. Poston, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 491' 

Whitley Fullen, 0. 11. Ward, John Eoberts, Charles C. Taylor, 
Charles C. Campbell, Jerome Campbell, Jezrell Harman, P. C. 
Buehanau, Jr., Joseph Sexton, A. H. Cox, James Cox, Eansom 
Tilson, Martin Davis, William P. Milner, C. F. McDonald, G. W. 
Buchanan, John B. Tate, C. J. Shannon, P. C. Buchanan, Sr. 
and J. F. Baugh. 

Resolved, That the names of the chairman and secretaries be 
added to the said delegation. 

Resolved, That the Abingdon Democrat, Abingdon Virginian, 
Jeffersonville Democrat, Wytlieville Republican and other papers 
friendly to the objects of this meeting be requested to publish its 
piweediijgs at the earliest time practicable. 

On motion, the meeting adjourned. 

A. B. TRIGG, Chairman. 

W. P. BTSnOP, 

WILLIAM KING, Secretaries. 

The County Court of Washington county, on the 28th of July, 
1851, directed the election officers of this county to submit to the 
qualified voters of the county, at the next general election, the ques- 
tion whetlier the court of this county, on behalf of the county, should 
subscribe to the stock of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad 
Company tlie suui of $33,400, on condition that said road be put 
imder contract to the Tennessee line the ensuing fall, and in the 
month of October, 1851, a great railroad meeting was held in 
Abingdon, at which meeting delegates attended from most of the 
counties of Southwestern Virginia and East Tennessee. The pro- 
ceedings of this meeting are here given. 

On Wednesday last, pursuant to previous notice, a great railroad 
convention was held in Abingdon. I.t met at 13 M. and was tem- 
porarily organized by the call of Major John Campbell as chairman, 
and the appointment of Charles B. Coale and William King Heis- 
kell as secretaries. 

On motion of C. F. Trigg, a committee of seven was appointed 
to select and report officers for the convention, whereupon the chair- 
man appointed- the following gentlemen said committee — viz. : C. F. 
Trigg, I. B. Dunn, W. Y. C. White, P. J. Branch, J. L. Davis, Dr. 
T. j\r. Tate and Colonel William Byars. 

The committee having retired for a few minutes, returned and 
reported the following nominations for officers, all of whom were 
unanimously elected. 



498 Southwest Virginia, 17Jk6-n86. 

For President, Hon. Seth J. Lucky, of Tennessee, 

For Vice-Presidents, Colonel William L. Burwell, of Bedford; 
Colonel L. C. Haynes, of Tennessee; Colonel Thomas J. Boyd, of 
Wythe; Hon. William B. Preston, of Montgomery; John S. Gaines, 
Esq., of Tennessee; E. S. Watson, Esq., of Smythe; Colonel Wil- 
liam Heiskell, of Tennessee. 

For Secretaries, Charles B. Coale, Leonidas Biuigh and William 
King HeiskelL 

The names of the delegates were then recorded. 

From Washington coimty, Virginia, there were several hundred 
delegates in attendance, and it was impossible to procure a list of 
them. 

Smyth county- — James F. Pendleton, Thomas L. Preston, James 
Saunders, Dr. Thomas M. Tate, H. D. Poston, Esq., Meade E, 
Smythe, Eichard Haller, John C. Poston, William T. Campbell, 
E. S. Watson, Esq., Dr. William T. Thurman, William Porter, 
Esq., Eobert Houston, Esq., A. H. Campbell, James C. Smythe, 
Dr. Robert Thurman, John C. Rogers James Campbell, John 
Campbell, Thomas H. Thurman, Colonel Hiram A. Greever, John 
H. Barton, John Pride and Eobert Goolsby. 

Wythe county — Colonel Thomas Boyd, Mitchell B. Tate, Charles 
S. Crockett, Esq. and P. S. Buckingham, Esq. 

Bedford county — William M. Burwell, Esq. 

Scott count}' — Samuel V. Fulkerson, Esq. 

Eussell county — Eichard H. Lynch, Dr. John T. Smith, John 
McElheny and Charles L. Creigh. 

Montgomery count}' — Hon. William B. Preston. 

Emory and Henry College — Professor Edmund Longley. 

Richmond city — Wyndham Eobertson. 

Giles county — (as alternates). Colonel Thomas J. Boyd, Dr. 
Thomas M. Tate and Colonel S. E. Goodson. 
From Tennessee. 

Sullivan county — Eobert P. Ehea, Samuel Ehea, William Lynn, 
James W. Preston, John S. Gaines, George M. Bachman, Rev. S. D. 
Grimes, Hon. A. McClellan, A. B. Tipton, Genei-al James Dulaney, 
Eli Marsh, Cyrus King, D. Willoughby, Benjamin Pembertoii, 
David McClellan, James Crockett, John G. King, WilHcim Wil- 
loughby, John L. Keys, William Odell, Leander G. Dryden and 
Leander M. King. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 499 

Jefferson county — William F. Anderson and Samuel N. Fain. 

Green county — John McGaughey, Peter Earnest and Colonel 
Loyd Pilghman, Chief Engineer of the Tennessee antl Virginia 
iiailroad. 

Washington county — Dr. Samuel B. Cunningham, Colonel Lan- 
don C. Hayues, Hon, Seth J. Lucky, William G. Gammon, Joseph 
S. Ehea, Samuel D. I\[itchell, Isaac McPherson, Henry Young, 
George Grisham, John A. Wilds, William H. Crouch, Albert S. 
Crahani and Colonel A. E. Jackson. 

McMinu— Thomas L. Preston, W. Y. C. White and Colonel Wil- 
liam King Heiskell as alternates. 

Monroe county — Colonel William King Heiskell. 

Carter county — N. J. Taylor, Colonel William C. Enmiert and 
Xathaniel M. Taylor, Esq. 

Caldwell county, North Carolina — Colonel William A. Lenoir. 

Huntsville, Alabama— Dr. L. B. Sheffey. 

The chair appointed Messrs. W. Pobertson and C. F. Trigg to 
conduct the president-elect to the chair, who promptly and cheer- 
fully performed that duty, when the president indulged in a few 
brief and eloquent remarks explanatory of the object of the con- 
vention, and closed by calling upon the president of the Virginia 
and Tennessee Eailroad Company (General 0. G. Clay) for an 
exposition of the condition and prospects of the work. 

General Clay, having complied, stated that but the comparatively 
insignificant sum of $200,000 was wanting to complete the work 
from Lynchburg to the Tennessee line. On motion of C. F. Trigg, 
Esq., Professor Edmund Longley, who was present, and who had 
been appointed a delegate to this convention, by a meeting of the 
students of Emory and Henry College, was invited to take a seat 
;uid participate in the deliberations of the convention. 

It was moved by Wyndham Eobertson, Esq., that a committee 
of seven be appointed to prepare a series of resolutions for the con- 
sideration of tliis convention; whereupon the president appointed 
the following gentlemen said committee: W. Eobertson, Esq., Dr. 
S. B. Cimningham, Colonel S. E. Goodson, Hon. A. McClellan, 
Thomas L. Preston, Esq., Captain J. A. Campbell and William 
King Heiskell, Esq. 

The committee having retired, in response to a call made upon 
liim, Colonel L. C. Ha}Ties, of Tennessee, entertained the audience 



500 Southwest Virginia, 1746-11'86. 

for more than an hour, -with a most thrilling, eloquent and 
unanswerable address, in advocacy of this great improvement; at 
the close of which (the committee not havirg returned), Colonel 
William M. Burwell, of Bedford, was loudly called for and briefly, 
but eloquently, addressed the convention. 

The committee returned, but not having accomplished their 
work^ 

On motion, the convention adjourned till to-morrow morning at 
ten o'clock. . 

The convention, in pursuance of adjournment yesterday^ assem- 
bled at ten o'clock. 

A number of ladies were present on the morning of the second 
day, blessing and cheering the members of the convention and those 
in attendance, ^\ith their smiles and presence, urging us on to 
renewed efforts in behalf of this great work, for their sakes, at least, 
if not for our own. 

Colonel John McGaughey, being called upon for that purpose, 
occupied tlie stand for a short time, during which he advocated 
the speedy completion of this great railroad line, and deprecated 
that want of energy and nerve that has lost to so many forlorn 
bachelors a prize worth more than all the gold of California; and 
the lack of wliich is so detrimental to the interests of our great 
railroad. 

After Mr. McGaughey concluded, the committee appointed yes- 
terday, through its chairman, Wyndham Eobertson, Esq., submitted 
the following resolutions — viz. : 

Eesolved, That all history has shown, and all experience still 
attests, that an easy and convenient means of intercourse between 
men and of a ready interchange of the products of labor, if not the 
main spring, is yet the indispensable condition of human progress 
and national power, and of all the ameliorations, social, moral, 
political and material, that follow in their txain. 

Resolved, That from the introduction of railroads to the present 
day, a like unvarying experience, wherever they have been tried, 
has fully established their vast and yet unrealized importance to 
the cause of civilization and of natural and individual wealth — 
outstripping in their results, year after year, all previous calcula- 
tions of their capacity for usefulness, and that, in view of the over- 
whelmino- array of concurrent proof, we feel authorized to declare, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 501 

that, in our opinion, the value of the railroad is no more than the 
value of light and heat, of the steamboat or mariner's compass, open 
to question. 

Resolved, That among the projected railway communications of 
the day, we recognize the great southwestern national route — pass- 
ing through Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee — which pur- 
poses to connect, through the most favorable depression of the Alle- 
ghanies, the waters and j>eople of the West and South with the 
waters and people of the East and North, which, in particular, by 
the most direct location possible across the Union connects New 
Orleans with the seat of the national government and the eastern 
cities, and which promises at no distant day to offer the most direct 
practicable connection between our Pacific and Atlantic borders, 
^as second in importance to no other, exerting, as it must, a great 
and most beneficent influence on all the great interests of our coun- 
try — commercial, social and political. 

Eesolved, That the Virginia and Tennessee Eailroad and the 
East Tennessee and Virginia Eailroad, occupying the very throat 
of the pass between the West and East, form a most interesting 
jxvrtion of this great line and must largely share in the mighty 
results to flow from it; and yet more, because, viewed in its local 
aspects, their result must inevitably be to augment production, 
cheapen transportation, increase population and diffuse knowledge, 
they pre-eminently deserve the fostering care of the States in 
which they lie, and present the strongest claims on them and on the 
people along the line, to a most liberal support. 

Eesolved, That, connected by the strong ties of vicinage with 
our sister State of Tennessee and by the bond of a common interest 
in the prosecution of this great line of improvement, this conven- 
tion feels at lilierty and does most earnestly appeal to the authori- 
ties of the State to lend their liberal aid and cooperation to our 
fellow-citizens of East Tennessee, who are now laboring, with inade- 
quate means, but enlightened and patriotic spirit, to construct the 
East Tennessee and Virginia Eailroad. 

Resolved, That the Ijegislature of Virginia, by its generous par- 
ticipation in the expenses of the construction of the Virginia and 
Tennessee Eailroad, by the liberal charter granted it and by the 
wise policy it encourages by authorized county subscriptions to 
public works, has well and wisely discharged a high public duty, 



502 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

and receive the merited tribute of the acknowledgments of this 
convention. 

Eesolved, That while we consider the ultimate completion and 
triumphant success of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad as 
beyond all contingency, we yet deem its early construction through- 
out the line to its western terminus to be of the highest importance, 
and to insure that, it is only necessary to put forth renewed exer- 
tions; that we entertain no doubt whatever of the great value of its 
stock, and, confidently recommending it as a safe and valuable 
investment, we earnestly invite present subscribers, so far as they 
can, to enlarge their subscriptions, and particularly appeal to those 
who are able to aid in the enterprise and situated so as necessarily to 
share its benefits, but who from whatever reasons have heretofore 
held back, now that its final completion is certain, to come up to the 
work and nO' longer refuse to share its preliminary burdens. 

Resolved, That we recommend the appointment of committees 
for the various counties interested in this improvement to solicit 
individual subscriptions and a standing central committee in the 
county of Washington, and that such subscriptions be on the condi- 
tion that steps be taken by the company during the present fall 
to place the road under contract through its whole length. 

Resolved, That in the opinion of this convention, the counties 
along the line of the road will derive benefits from a subscription 
to the road in increased wages to the laborer, increased prices of the 
farming products and lands, in the increased amount of circulating 
money, in increased variety of employments, and the early and per- 
manent reduction of county taxes, so great as to render a small tem- 
porary provision for any required loan scarcely felt as a burden, 
and felt in all time after as the source of unmixed benefits. 

Resolved, That the company shall apply its present resources first 
to completing and putting in operation the first division ter- 
minating at Salem ; secondly, the grading and masonry of remaining 
divisions to the Tennessee line; relying upon the remajinling 
resources after the said grading and masonry shall have been com- 
pleted and upon further subscriptions to purchase the iron neces- 
tion. 

Resolved, That we deem the uninterrupted prosecution and ear- 
liest possible completion of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad to 
be commended by every consideration of sound policy; that we 



Washington County, 1777-1810. 503 

applaud the euergetic policy which has heretofore marked its man- 
agement, and express the undoubting confidence that a persistence 
in it will insure within a period of three years from this day its 
triumphant consummation. 

A call being made for Hon. William Ballard Preston, he arose 
and took the stand and entertained a large and attentive audience 
for two or three hours, with a speech of great force and eloquence, 
in which he showed the importance of this road, not only as a local 
or State work, but as a great national work, and as an important 
link in the great chain of railway communication that is destined to 
convey the productions of the Eastern Hemisphere to Europe, and 
to the Eastern shores of this country. 

On motion the convention adjourned until this evening at half 
past four o'clock. 

EVENING SESSION. 
The first business in order was the report of the Committee on 
Iiesolutious, but before any action was taken thereon, a call was 
uuide on the ''distinguished gentleman from Bedford," Mr. William 
,M. Burwell, who entertained the convention for more than two 
hours with a masterly address in favor of the great line from New 
Orleans to Norfolk. 

The convention now took a recess for one hour. On reassembling 
at candle-light, Sidney Baxter, Esq., having appeared as a delegate 
from the city of Richmond and being introduced to the conven- 
tion, proceeded to address it for a short time. 

After Mr. Baxter "wound up," the resolutions of the Conunittee 
on Business coming up in order, they were unanimously adopted. 
Thomas L. Preston, Esq., then introduced the following resolu- 
tion : 

Resolved,That this convention highly approve of the proposed 
General Railroad Convention to be held at New Orleans, on the 
first Monday in January next, and request the appointment by the 
[)resident, on its behalf, of five delegates thereto. 

Hon. William Ballard Preston, submitted the following, which 
was adopted : 

Resolved, TJiat a committee of seven be appointed by the chair, 
to prepare, after the adjournment of this body, an address to the 
country setting forth the character, advantages and relations, State, 
National and international, of the Southwest Virginia and East 



504 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1186. 

Tennessee Eailroad, and that the same, with the re&blutioils 
adopted by this convention, be respectfully presented, on its behalf, 
to the legislatures of the two States. 

Mr. Eobertson moved that the President have leave to appoint 
the several committees required under different resolutions of the 
convention, after its adjournment, which motion was agreed to. 

The following resolution was on motion of Mr. McGaughey 
unanimously adopted: 

Resolved, That the thanks of tliis convention are due to the 
people of Abingdon and its vicinity for their bountiful hospitality, 
and to the ladies for their countenance and support to this con- 
vention. 

The president being requested to vacate the chair, Colonel Wil- 
liam M. Burweli was requested to occupy it for a few minutes, 
when on the motion of John A. Campbell, Esq., "the thanks of the 
convention were unanimously tendered to Hon. Seth J. Lucky, for 
the dignity, ability and impartiality with which he presided over 
the deliberations of this convention." 

The president in a few brief remarks signified his appreciation 
of the honor conferred upon him, and invoked the united efforts of 
all in favor of the railroad. 

On motion the convention then adjourned sine die. 

SETH J. LUCKY, President. 

CHAS. B. COALE, 

WILLIAM K. HEISKELL, 

LEONIDAS BAUGH, 

Secretaries. 

On the 2-lth of November, 1851, the county court, upon motion 
of the president and directors of the Virginia and Tennessee Eail- 
road Company, appointed James Edmondson, John Eakin, James 
Orr, Michael W. Withers and James K. Lowry commissioners to 
ascertain a just compensation to the owners of lands upon tlie line 
of the proposed railroad through this county. 

The election at which the question of voting the subscription to 
the railroad was considered was held on June 1, 1852, a consider- 
able majority of the citizens of the county voting for said sub- 
trcription. 

The advocates of the subscription held public meetings at the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 505 

six precincts in Washington county on the day of the election, at 
which meetings the following gentlemen addressed the people : 
follows : 

.Abingdon, Colonel S. E. Goodson. 

Three Springs, C. F. Trigg, 

Jones's Mill, J. H. Earnest. 

Meek's, Dr. N. Snead. 

Ward's Store, A. C. Cummings. 

Fieenor's, J. A, Campbell. 

TJie county court of this county on the 28th of June, 1852, sub- 
poril^ed, on behalf of the county of Washington, $33,400 for three 
h.iindred and thirty-four shares of the stock of the Virginia and 
Tennessee Railroad Company, and appointed William Y. C. White 
the agent for said county to subscribe said sum in three annual 
instalments of $ll,133i/{ each, and authorized the said agent to 
issue the bonds of the county payable twenty years after date bear- 
ing six per cent, interest from date, and to sell the same for the 
])urpose of paying the subscription to the railroad, the said bonds 
to bear interest from June 28, 1854. 

The railroad was completed to the town of Abingdon in the fall 
of the year 1856. 

At the February term, 1852, of the County Court of Washington 
county, Virginia, Green, a slave, the property of Thomas Wilson, 
was tried, convicted and sentenced to be hung for the murder of 
'J'om, a slave, the property of William Y. C. White, but, by a sub- 
sequent order of the court, his sentence was commuted and he was 
transported from the Commonwealth. In the spring of the same 
year, Campbell and Benjamin Smith were arrested, and, at the 
April court, were tried for rape. Campbell Smith was sentenced 
to be hung, and on the S3d of October, 1852, was executed pursuant 
to his sentence. An account of the execution is here given : 

"Campbell Smith, a free negro, was hung yesterday (Friday) 
near this place, in pursuance of the sentence pronounced upon him 
by his Honor, Judge Hopkins, at the late term of the Circuit Court 
for this county. 

The crime of which Campbell Smith was found guilty was one 
of so heinous and diabolical a character, committed as it Avas by 
two stout negroes, and upon a young respectable white girl, that 
hut. little sympathy was manifested for the prisoner by any one 



506 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

present. The culprit himself seemed indifferent to his fate, almost 
as much as many of those present to witness his execution. 

He was taken from the jail about twelve o'clock and followed to 
the place of execution by between 3,000 and 4,000 people. After 
arriving at the gallows, the Rev. George E. Barr, at the request of 
the prisoner, engaged in a short and appropriate religious service 
with him, having previously addressed a few remarks to the large 
crowd assembled around the gallows. The prisoner stated, through 
Mr. Barr, that he became religious six years ago, and continued 
faithful for four years, when in an evil hour, through the influence 
of intoxicating liquor, he lost the image of his Maker, and now 
found himself condemned to die for an offense which he told Mr. 
Barr, had it been committed by another, he would call as loudly 
as any in the crowd for his execution. 

He said he died at peace with all the world and trusted in the 
mercy and forgiveness of the Saviour of the world. He struggled 
for some time after the wagon was driven from under him. 

On the 25th of July, 1853, the County Court of Washington 
county, on behalf of the county, subscribed $4,000 to the old court- 
house and Abingdon turnpike, and appointed Jacob L3Tich the 
agent of the county to make said subscription, and on the 23d day 
of October, 1854, the court subscribed $2,250 to the Abingdon and 
Pattonville turnpike, and appointed C. S. Bekem the agent of the 
county to make the subscription. 

At this time in our history the attention of our public men 
was, to a great extent, directed to the internal improvement of 
the country, to the building of turnpikes, MacAdam roads and rail- 
roads. 

At the August term, 1853, of the County Court of this county, 
Peter C. Johnson, A. C. Cummings, I. A. McQuown, Andrew 
Edmondson and Washington Bishop were appointed commissioners 
to run and mark the boundary line between the counties of Wash- 
ington and Grayson, and in the month of October these commission- 
ers made their report, which was received and recorded on the 29th 
day of jSTovember, 1853. 

Among the public improvements that attracted the attention of 
the people of Southwest Virginia, and the one that was of greater 
importance to this section of Virginia than all others combined, was 
the Southwestern Turnpike road. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 507 

On the 28th of January, 1846, the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia incorporated the Southwestern Turnpike road, which road was 
to be a MacAdamized road from Salem, Virginia, by the way of 
Christiansburg, Xew bcrn, A\ ytlicvillc, Marion and Abingdon to the 
Tennessee line, and ai)propi'iatod seventy-five thousand dollars to 
cari-y into effect the object of the act. 

The said road was to be graded to a width not less than twenty- 
four feet, and to be MacAdamizod to a width not loss than twenty- 
two feet. 

This act provided for the condemnation of the lands over which 
the road was to pass, said road to be, at no point, on a grade 
exceeding three degrees. 

An engineer, who was also to be superintendent of the road, was 
to be selected by the president and directors of said company, and 
it was made the duty of the engineer to make all contracts for the 
opening and constructing of said road, erecting bridges and what- 
ever else was necessary for finishing the same, but all such con- 
tracts were to be approved by the president and directors of said 
company. 

The construction of this road was begim during the same year 
and the work npon the road was carried on with commendable 
speed until the year 1848. 

In January of this year, the road liad been completed as far 
as Wytheville, and there was an urgent demand for its immediate 
completion to the Tennessee line, by the citizens living in the coun- 
ties of Smyth, Wythe, Washington and Scott, and the General 
Assembly on the 17th of January, 1848, appropriated the sum of 
tliree hnndred tliousand dollars to complete said road, not exceed- 
ing S'vcnty-five thousand dollars of said sum to be expended in 
any ore. year. 

The superintendent and engineer of the Soutliwestern Turnpike 
li't the contract from Wytheville west to the Tennessee line to 
William L. Lewis, and this contract was approved by the president 
and directors of said company in the fall of the year 1848. At the 
fall session of the General Assembly in the year 1848, and, on the 
day of tlie approval of said contract as above stated, E. R. Watson, 
n memlxT of the General Assembly from Albemarle connty, intro- 
duced a resolution in the TjCgislature to suspend the work npon the 
Southwesteni road west of Wvthevillc. A large majority of tlio 



508 Southivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Legislature were in favor of the resohition, but in view of the fact 
that the Board of Public Works had signed a contract for the con- 
struction of this road, the resolution was defeated and work was 
continued upon the road. 

Fifty thousand dollars of the public money appropriated for the 
construction of this road was paid to William L. Lewis, the con- 
tractor, but for some reason, which cannot now be explained, the 
work of constructing said road was delayed, and but little progress 
was made until the year 1851. 

The road was surveyed and located to the Tennessee line by the 
spring of 1850. 

By an Act of the Assembly adopted on the 29th of March, 1851, 
it was provided that unless William L. Lewis, the contractor, 
should complete a section of the road twenty miles west of Wythe- 
ville by the first day of April, 1851, it should be the duty of the 
Board of Public Works within ninety days thereafter to take legal 
steps upon the bond of the said Lewis and his sureties to recover 
damages for his default, with the proviso that the sureties of the 
said Lewis might become undei-takers to complete the tM^enty miles 
of road according to the tenor of the said contract, and in that 
case action on the bond of the said Lewis should be suspended for 
one year. 

This same Act provided that, should the said William L. Lewis, 
abandon or forfeit any other portion of his contract for constructing 
the said road to the Tennessee line, the Board of Public Works 
were directed and instructed to relet said road to the sureties of the 
said William L. Lewis. i\nd in the event the said sureties did not 
become the undertakers of said road under this act, the Board of 
Public Works should not give the said Lewis any further time to 
complete his contract, but should, so soon as any part of his con- 
tract for constructing said road is abandoned or forfeited, proceed 
forthwith to relet the same in sections of not more than five miles. 

As a result of this act, Lewis, or his sureties, completed said 
MacAdamized road as far west as Seven-Mile Ford in Smyth county, 
Virginia. 

Such was the condition of affairs on the 5th day of April, 1851, 
at which time a resolution was offered by Colonel Hopkins, direct- 
ing the Board of Public Works to relet said road, to which resolu-. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 509 

tion Mr. Stoval], a member of tlie Legislature, offered the following 
substitute: 

"Ivesolved, by the General Assembly, That the Board of Public 
Works be and they are hereby authorized and required to suspend 
the f urtlier construction of the Southwestern Turnpike road, except 
so much as may be necessary to fmish any intermediate sections 
between the eastern part of said road which has been finished, and 
the extreme western part of said road upon which the contractors 
may have commenced work/' 

This substitute was eloquently and energetically opposed l)y (Li- 
onels Hopkins and Imboden, but was adopted by a vote of fifty-two 
to forty-four, and the friends of the road were unable to obtain 
a reconsideration of the vote. 

A number of unsuccessful efforts were made by the friends of 
this road to have work on the same resumed, but without success. 

The newspapers of Abingdon charged that Governor Johnson 
and tlie Board of Public Works were responsible for tlie suspension 
of work upon this road, and Governor Floyd was severely censured 
for his course in the matter. The road was never completed west 
of Seven-Mile Ford, and while Southwest Virginia and Wash- 
ington county have had to bear their portion of the great public 
debt created for public improvements previous to 1860, they have 
received no benefit therefrom. 

The failure to complete this road has been attributed to different 
causes, among the number being: 

First. The anticipated construction of the Virginia and Tennes- 
see Railroad. 

Second. The principles actuating Governor Johnson and his 
advisers, which principles were opposed to internal improvements 
by the Commonwealth and favored a strict construction of the 
Constitution of the Commonwealth. 

Third. The indisposition of the representatives from Eastern 
"\'irginia to interest themselves in tlie Avelfare of Western Virginia. 

It will be nothing more than an act of justice to this section of 
Virginia, if the General Assembly of Virginia should yet complete 
this road. 

In the year 1855 the Virginia and Tennessee Eailroad Company 
decided to build a branch railway from Glade Spring to Saltville, 
to be known as the Saltworks Branch, and on the 27th day of 



510 Soiithivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

February, on motion of the railroad company, the county court 
appointed William A. Preston, Lewis P. Cosby, Isaac Home, James 
Orr and Pleasant Smith commissioners for the purpose of ascer- 
taining a just compensation to the owners of the lands through 
which the Saltworks Branch would pass. This road was built 
shortly thereafter and the town of Glade Spring had its beginning. 
About this time, at the instance of Jolin M. Preston, a number 
of citizens contributed a smn of money sufficient to MacAdamize the 
main road leading east from Abingdon to near the railroad crossing 
at McConnell's Switch. Some evidence of this work is still to be 
seen. 

On the 23d of July, 1855, tlie county court of this county, upon 
receipt of inforination of the death of Samuel Logan, who had for 
many years been the very efficient attorney for 
the Commonwealth in this county, adopted the 
following resolutions : 

"Eesolved, That in the removal from amongst 
us of Samuel Logan by an all-wise Providence, 
tliis court has IVeen deprived of an able and effi- 
cient ofhcer, the members of the bar of a courte- 
ous and gentlemanly practitioner, the coinmu- 
nity of a laborious, al)le and well-informed law- 
ver, and his family of a kind and indulgent hus- 

Samuel Logan. j^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^-^^^^^^ 

"Resolved, That the court, its ofhcers and the members of the 
bar extend their Avarmest sympathies to the bereaved widow and 
children of the deceased in this inost afflicting dispensation of Di- 
vine Providence. 

"Eesolved, Tliat these resolutions be entered upon the minutes 
of the court, and that the clerk furnish a copy thereof to Mrs. 
Logan, and also to each of the newsi)aj)ers of Abingdon for pub- 
lication." 

JSTothing of any importance occurred until November, 1858, at 
which time John S. Mosljy, who had settled in the town of Good- 
son, qualified to practice law iu the courts of this county. 

The abolition sentiment in tbe meantime was fast obtaining 
prominence throughout the Union, and by the fall of the year 1860 
excitement was at fever heat, and the feeling between the sec- 
tions had grown to sucli an extent that Avar Avas inevitable. 




W'nshin;/h>ii Cnmiy, 1777-1S70. 511 

Tlio iJc'inofi'atii' Coincntiou lield in this year for the purpose 
of nominating a candidate for President was not harmonious, and 
as a result three candidates for President were nominated by three 
dilferent conventions lield hy tlie Democratic party, viz., John 0. 
JJi-eckenridge, John Bell, and Stephen A. Douglas, while Abra- 
ham Lincoln was nominated by the Republican party. 

The caiii])aign ])receding the election was exceedingly bitter, and 
the election rcsuHed in favor of Lincoln and the Eepublican party. 
'\'\\o cUcit nf the election of Lincoln was to create great excite- 
ment throughout the South and advocates of secession, peaceable, 
if possible, by force, if necessary, were heard and applauded 
throughout the Southern States; but such were not the souti- 
niciils of the people of Washington county. 

Pour iiundred patriots from tJic county of Washington had as- 
sisted in the erection of the T^nion. Their descendants long hesi- 
tate(l jjefoi-o lending their assistance to any movement that had for 
its object the dissolution of that Union and they did not give their 
consent nor lend their assistance to the movement until Presi- 
dent LiiK-oln called upon the States for seventy-five thousand men 
to invade and overcome the Southern country. 

It must not be understood from what is here stated that the peo- 
])le of this county were unanimous in their opposition to secession, 
for it is a fact that numbers of our citizens were strong advocites 
of secession from the beginning. 

War Betivcen the States— 1861-1SG5. 

Li tlie month of December, 1S()(», or January, 18G1, a volunteer 
company was organized in Abingdon and was known as the Wash- 
ington Mounted Riflemen, and the county court of this county, 
on the 29th of January, 18G1, entered an order permitting this 
company to use and occupy the rooms on the third floor of the 
co\n-thouse as an armory, and from this time on, during the spring 
and summer of the year 1(SG1, the sole theme of conversation was 
the organization of companies of volunteers and preparations for 
war. 

At the electioji foi- memlx-rs of the Heneral Asscml)ly in the year 
1859 George W. Hopkins and Jacob Lynch were elected to the 
Assembly from Washington coimty, and Ben Rush Floyd, of the 
county of Wythe, was elected to the Senate from this district, but 
Jacob lAnch soon thereafter became president of the Exchange 



512 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Bank of Abingdon, Va., resigned his seat in the Assembly, and 
Dr. A. E. Preston was elected to fill the vacancy. 

The one subject that engrossed the Assembly at its meeting in 
the year 1860-1861 was the secession of the Southern States from 
the Union, and on the 14th of January, 1861, the General As- 
sembly called a convention and directed that an election be held 
on the 4th day of February, 1861, to select delegates to. the con- 
vention thus called. 

This Act directed that the sense of the qualified voters be taken 
as to whether any action of said convention dissolving the connec- 
tion of the State with the Federal Union or changing the organic 
laws of the State should be submitted to the people for ratification 
or rejection. In other words, the Legislature, by submitting to 
the voters at this time the last question stated, did so for the pur- 
pose of securing their ratification of the action of this convention 
in advance of any action by the convention. 

The candidates for the position of delegates to this convention 
from Washington county were: John A. Campbell and Eobert E. 
Grant opposed to secession, and William Y. C. White for seces- 
sion. The result of the election held on the 4th of February, 1861, 
was an overwhelming triumph for Campbell and Grant, the vote 
in this county being as follows : 

WASHINGTON COUNTY— Official. 

WAIT-A-BIT. SECESSION. 

Precincts. Campbell. Granf. White. Floyd. Ref. No Ref. 

Courthouse 307 236 154 79 209 92 

Clark's Mills 11 9 13 13 10 13 

Davis' 36 34 18 16 35 17 

Waterman's 121 113 33 30 120 27 

Three Springs 173 169 61 60 169 60 

Gobble's 83 83 10 9 92 1 

Craig's Mill 125 125 4 21 127 1 

Worley's '. •■ 103 92 13 00 105 00 

Williams' 48 26 28 4 47 6 

Morell's •• 48 39 39 37 62 14 

Fullen's 58 54 32 38 59 34 

Matt Clark's 56 19 ^9 90 50 68 

Kelley's 51 50 33 33 52 32 

DeBusk's"; 75 74 17 18 69 19 

Arch. Orr's 64 64 41 39 61 43 

Miller's 122 119 34 37 119 31 

Good Hope 9 7 2 1 9 1 

Green Spring 65 62 21 23 66 ^ 

1555 1375 622 529 1551 476 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 6l3 

"Wliilc Governor Floyd was not a candidate, he was voted for 
in this election, being a strong advocate of secession, and Secretary 
of War in the cabinet of President Buchanan. 

It will be observed from an inspection of the returns from this 
election that the people of the county were overwhelmingly op- 
posed to secession and to permitting the convention to proclaim 
its action without referring the same to the people. 

At this time South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama 
and Georgia had adopted ordinances of secession, and excitement 
was at fever heat. 

At the February court following this election a tremendous 
crowd of people were in Abingdon, and an incident occurred that 
might, under other circumstances, have definitely fixed the senti- 
ment of the people of this county against secession and have placed 
this section within the State of West Virginia. 

A few over-zealous advocates of secession on the morning of the 
day in question obtained a Confederate flag and placed it upon a 
rope stretched across ]\Iain street from the residence of John D. 
Mitchell to what is known as the White House, on the south side 
of the street. 

When the presence of this flag was observed it greatly enraged 
the citizens of the county who were opposed to secession, and W' il- 
liam B. Clark,* one of the best and bravest men this county has 
ever produced, proposed to the anti-secession men present that 
they immediately tear down what he termed "that d — d rag," say- 
ing, "Boys, it is not the flag of our fathers,'' and immediately pro- 
ceeded to execute his threat. 

At the same time the advocates of secession appeared, and war 
seemed imminent, but by the advice and counsel of Joseph T. 
Campbell, Judge Campbell, Charles S. Bekem, and others the dis- 
turbance was quelled. 

It is proper to be stated at this point that as soon as Virginia 
had seceded from the Union and the homes of our people were 
tlireatencd with invasion, the men who that day proposed to tear 
down the Confederate flag were the first to enlist in the service of 
their State, were the bravest in battle and the last to surrender, 
William B. Clark himself dying in the service of his coimtry. 



•Grandson of James Hillan. who fouglit at King's mountain. 



514 ■ Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 

The convention assembled in the eit}^ of Richmond on the 13th 
day of February, 1861, and on the 17th of April, 1861, by a vote 
of 81 to 51, adopted an ordinance to repeal the ratification of the 
Constitution of the United States by the State of Virginia, and 
to resume all the rights and powers granted under said Constitu- 
tion. Tliis act of the convention was submitted to the people for 
ratification at an election held on the fourth Thursday of May, 
1861, at which election the ordinance of secession was ratified. 
Washingion county voted for the ratification by an overwdielming 
majority. On the 15th of June, 1861, the convention agreed to a 
permanent Constitution for the State, but this Constitution, when 
submitted tO' the people, was rejected by a small majority, and the 
Constitution of 1850 remained the fundamental law of the State. 

The convention that adopted the ordinance of secession elected 
five gentlemen to represent Virginia in the Confederate Congress, 
then in session at Montgomery, Alabama, Judge Waller R. Staples 
being the representative from this section of Virginia. 

While the delegates from Washington county sent to Richmond 
were opposed to secession, they afterwards voted in favor of the 
ordinance of secession in view of the course pursued by President 
Lincoln and his cabinet. 

In the month of March President Jefferson Davis formed his 
cabinet, which was con£rmed by the Senate of the Confederate 
States, and was composed of the following gentlemen: Robert 
Toombs, C. C. Memminger, L. P. Walker, S. R. Mallory, J. H. 
Reagan and J. P. Benjamin. 

On the 24th of December, 1860, the county court of Washington 
county, upon motion of the president and directors of the Virginia 
and Kentucky Railroad Company, appointed James L. Davis, L. 
L. Waterman, John Gobble, Roland T. Legard and William Fields 
commissioners to ascertain a just compensation to a number of 
land owners through whose land said road was proposed to be 
constructed, and these commissioners made their report to the 
county court on the 24th of February, 1861. This was the incep- 
tion of the efforts that resulted in the building of the Virginia 
and Southwestern railroad from Bristol to Big Stbne Gap. 

At the January term of the county court in 1861 the court gave 
permission to Thaddeus Harris, Samuel Merchant, Barbary Bev- 
erly and Senah Richmond, free persons of color, to remain in tlie 



Washington Countij, 1777-1870. 5l5 

county for the space of ninety days for the purpose of settling 
their business, the authorities having tlieretofore required all free 
persons of color to leave the county, but, notwithstanding this pro- 
vision, many free persons of color remained in the county through- 
out the entire war by having some responsible white man stand 
security for their good behavior. 

At the April term of the court of this county the sum of fifteen 
thousand dollars was voted by the county court for the purpose of 
securing necessary supplies for the support, equipment and arming 
of the volunteei- companies of the county, wliich companies were at 
that time being formed, and James K. Gibson, William Y. C. 
White, John W. Johnson, T. G. McConnell, James C. Greenway 
and Thoiiias S. Stuart were appointed a committee and autho- 
rized to borroM' said money and to issue the bonds of the county for 
the same, said bonds to l)e paid in one, two and three years, or upon 
longer time if said coiainittce should tliink })rop('r. 

At the May term of tlie county court the court adopted a plan to 
police the county for the protection of the citizens, the order of 
tlie court being as follows: 

1st. The magistracy of this county shall constit\ite a vigilance 
committee, who shall be always on the alert and at all times more 
prompt and active than ever in the performance of their duties 
under the law in the protection of the rights and interests of the 
citizens. 

2d. The county court shall have control over all measures of 
home protection and defence. 

3d. There shall be a central vigilance committee in each dis- 
trict, composed of four magistrates and two other discreet gen- 
tlemen, to be appointed by the court within the bounds of every 
district. This committee shall have power to direct and dispense 
all measures of protection and defence within the sphere of their 
actions, and make a report in writing at least once a month to 
tlie county court of all matters worthy of note. 

4th. There shall be one or more volunteer companies of not 
less than forty men within each district to be commanded by a cap- 
tain and two lieutenants and four sergeants, respectively, which 
oflicers shall be selected by the men of the companies and confirmed 
bv the court. Each man shall be armed with his own rifle, musket 
or shot-irun, or with arms of like character, loaned or furnished 



516 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

him by the citizens o.f each district from the house, stock or lands 
or otherwise. In like manner he to furnish or have procured to 
him a sufficiency of ammunition. The companies shall be divided 
into two platoons, extending from the center to the extremities of 
the district as nearly as practicable, and shall act as a general pa- 
trol within the proper bounds and under their proper officers 
at least once a week, performing alternate turns of duty. The 
company, or companies, of the district shall assemble semi-montlily 
at some central point, under the command of the captain, for the 
purpose of drill and instruction. At these meetings a report of 
the general operations of the company, and especially the condi- 
tion of things within the districts as regards the peace, security 
and good order of the ctiizeus, shall be made to the captain, and by 
him reduced to writing and forwarded to the central committee. 

5th. The district committee shall have power to order out, when 
in their opinion deemed necessary, an additional police to act in- 
dependently of, or in conjunction with, the armed police. 

6th. The needy families of all the volunteers absent in the ser- 
vice of the State shall be provided for, and with this view the 
magistrates of each district shall be appointed by the court a com- 
mittee whose duty it will be to inquire into the condition and ne- 
cessities of said families, and provide at once for the same, if neces- 
sary, and report in writing to the next and every succeeding county 
court, and thereupon the proper allowance will be made. 

7th. In the event of invasion or for the purpose of suppressing 
insurrections within the county, this court will at once proceed to 
appoint a field officer, who shall be empowered to call out and 
command the voluntary forces provided for, or so much thereof 
as may in his opinion be deemed necessary for the purpose of re- 
pelling such invasions or suppressing such insurrection. 

The court then proceeded to the appointment of the additional 
committee under the third clause, and thereupon John L. Brad- 
ley and Jacob Neif were appointed in district No. 1 ; Henry Eoberts 
and Francis Preston, in district No. 2; John Gobble and A. M. 
Apling, in district No. 3; Jeriel D. Linder and John J. Scott, in 
district. No. 4; Alex. G. Thompson and David M. Stuart, in dis- 
trict No. 5; Benj. K. Buchanan and Eobert B. Edmondson, in 
district No. 6; Andrew Edmondson and James Kelly, in district 



Washington County, 1111-1810. 517 

No. 7; Thomas M. Preston and John Eakin, in district No. 8; 
Robert L. Berry and Lilburn 0. Byars, in district No. 9. 

The court then unanimously elected James T. Preston colonel 
or field officer under the seventh clause. 

A number of muskets had been furnished the county by the 
State authorities early in the year, and had been distributed 
throughout the county, but in such a mauner as to render them of 
little value to the authorities, and at the May term of the coiirt 
the sheriff of the county was directed to collect and deposit them 
in Abingdon. 

During the spring and summer of 18G1 ten companies were or- 
ganized in Washington county, which were officered as follows : 

The Washington Mounted Pifles — Captain William E. Jones. 

The ]\Iountain Boys — Captain William White. 

The Clade Spring Eifles — Captain E. P. Carson. 

Washington Independents — Captain Dr. James L. White. 

Company B, Fortv-eightli Virginia Eegiment — Captain Milton 
Wliite. 

Company I, Forty-eighth Virginia Eegiment — Captain James 
C. Campliell. 

Company II, 'J1iirt3'-seventh Virginia Eegiment — Captain Eobert 
E. Grant. " 

Goodson Eifle Guards — Captain John F. Terry. 

Floyd Blues — Captain David C. Dunn. 

Company F, Forty-eighth A-^irginia Eegiment — Captain D. A. P. 
Campbell. 

The Washington Mounted Eifles were sent to First Virginia Cav- 
alry, Stuart's command, while the companies of Captains Terry, Car- 
son, Grant, James L. White and William White formed a part of the 
Thirty-seventh regiment, commanded by Colonel Samuel V. Fulker- 
son, and the companies officered by D. A. P. Campbell, James C. 
Campbell and Milton White formed a i)art of the Forty-eighth regi- 
ment, commanded by Colonel John A. Oempbell, of Abingdon, and 
D.C.Dimu's company formed a part of Floyd's Brigade. Captain A. 
C. Cuminings was commissioned colonel by a committee composed 
of Governor Letcher. Judge Allen and Francis Smith, in the 
month of May, 1861, and was ordered to report at once tO' General 
Jackson at Harper's Ferry, which he did, and was there assigned 
to the command of the Second regiment, afterwards the Tenth Vir- 



618 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

ginia regiment, but was soon thereafter placed in command of the 
Thirty-third Virginia regiment. 

At the June term of the county court Thomas G. McConnell 
was appointed by the court to visit ail the volunteer companies 
from this county then in the service of the State or thereafter to 
be formed, and to provide for their wants out of any money that 
might be in the hands of the committee appointed by the court at the 
April term. 

About this time Charles Eckerbusch was an-ested and comnutted 
to jail upon the suspicion that he was not true to the institutions 
of the South, but was discharged by the court upon his taking 
the following oaths, to-wit : 

"I declare myself a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 
and solemnly SM'ear that 1 will be faithful and true to the said 
Commonwealth, and will support the Constitution thereof so long 
as I continue to be a citizen thereof, so help me God." 

"I do solemnly swear that 1 will obey all orders of the legally 
constituted authorities of the State of Virginia and of the Confed- 
erate States, and that I will in no wise give aid and comfort to 
the enemies of the State or Confederate States either directly or in- 
directly, so help me God." 

On Sunday night, September 1, 1861, at about 10 o'clock a col- 
lision occuri'ed on the railroad, about one mile west of Abingdon, 
between trains loaded with troops. The first train, carrying a part 
of the second regiment of the Polish Brigade from Louisiana, was 
ascending the grade west of the depot when a sliackle pin broke, 
and the cars descended to the level at the 1) ridge over Wolf creek. 
At this time the second train, heavily loaded with soldiers, ran 
into the front section at the bridge, the result being one soldier 
killed and seventeen wounded, one of the wounded soldiers after- 
wards dying. The wounded soldiers were removed to the houses 
of the Eev. James McChain, Messrs. T. G. McConnell, J. M. Eopp, 
and Judge S. V. Fulkerson, and were attended by Drs. Preston, 
Barr, Heiskell and Pitts. 

On the 28th of October, 1861, the county court of this county 
appropriated an additional sum of $3,500 for the purpose of sup- 
plying the volunteers of this county in the service of the Confed- 
erate States, and directed the committee theretofore appointed to 
borrow said sum of money and apply it to the purposes mentioned. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 519 

At the same term of the court William B. Dickenson was ap- 
pointed quartermaster for the eastern and John M. Hamilton for 
the western district of the county, and they were directed to aid 
the committee appointed by the court in applying the suras above 
voted to the purposes directed. 

On Thursday, No'Vember G, ISOl, an election was held through- 
out the Confederate States for President, Vice-President and mem- 
bers of Congress. Jefferson Davis and Alexander H. Stephens had 
no opposition for the otfices of President and Vice-President of 
iiie Confederate States of America, but in this district the Hon. 
AValter Preston, of Abingdon, and the Hon. Fayette McMullen, of 
Scott county, were opposing candidates. 

Polls were opened at all the voting precincts in the county, and, 
in addition thereto, at Camp Dickenson, Camp Cooper and at the 
Confederate camp at Abingdon, soldiers being stationed in this 
county at the places mentioned. 

Preston was elected a member of the Confederate Congress by a 
considerable majority. 

On the 2.5th of Marcli, 18G2, the sheriff and his deputies and the 
commissioners of the revenue were directed to enroll, as soon as 
possible, all able-bodied free negroes in the county and report the 
same to the clerk of the court. 

By this time the families of the absent soldiers were beginning 
to feel the burden of the war, and a number of the wealthier citi- 
zens of tlie county by volnntai'y contributions undertook to relieve 
their situation. The following citizens contributed the sums set 
opposite their names to this cause : 

1862. April 28. Henry Preston $ 300 00 

1SG2. April 28. Stuart, Buchanan & Co., 1,000 00 

1862. Dec. 22. Mrs. Wyndliam IJobcrtson, 100 00 

18G3. Oct. 26. Wyndham Eobertson, 500 00 

The General Assembly of Virginia, on tlie 29th of Marcli, 1862, 
passed an Act autliorizing the counties to issue notes of less denomi- 
nation than five dollars, and the county court of this county, on 
the 28th of April, 1862, deciding to avail itself of the advantages 
of this law, appointed a committee, consisting of James Iv. GibS'On, 
Thomas G. McConnell and William King Heiskell, to ascertain 
and report to the court, 

First. A design for said notes. 



520 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



Second. Whether a supply of suitable paper could be procured 
and on what terms. 

Third. The terms upon which said notes could be printed and 
the amount and denomination of the notes necessary to be issued. 

This committee on the following day made their report, which 
report was filed, and, upon consideration of said report, the county 
court ordered that this county issue $15,000 of these notes of the 
following denominations and amounts : 

Nine thousand ten-cent notes. 
^ Six thousand fifteen-cent notes. 

Eighteen thousand twenty-five-cent notes. 

Three thousand four hundred and fifty one-dollar notes. 

Six thousand fifty-cent notes. 

Three thousand seventy-five-cent notes. 

Tlie form of said notes as prescribed by the court is shown by 
the fac-simile of a one-dollar note and a twenty-five-ccnt note. 





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By Order of the Cauvi. 


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Washington County, 1177-1870. 521 

John G. Kreger, clerk, Avhose name appears to said notes, was 
required by tlie court to issue the same as soon as practicable, and 
was appointed treasurer for the purpose of exchanging said notes 
for other funds to pay the indebtedness of the county. 

The court, on the 24th of June, directed the clerk not to issue 
the ten-cent notes as provided for by their former order, but to 
issue twenty-one thousand six hundred notes of the denomina- 
tion of twenty-five cents instead of eighteen thousand as provided 
by their former order, and John G. Kreger, the clerk, on the 24th 
of February, 1863, was allowed one thousand dollars for issuing 
and redeeming said notes. 

On Tuesday, the 4th of April, 1862, a company of Confederate 
soldiers was organized in Abingdon, to which was given the name 
of the Abingdon Confederates. This company was officered as 
follows : 

Captain, William L. Hunter. 

First Lieutenant, Milton W. Humes. 

Second Lieutenant, William McChesney. 

Third Lieutenant, James H. Smith. 

This was Compan}^ A, and fonuod n pari of tho Sixty-third Eegi- 
ment, Virginia Volunteers. 

On tlio 11th day of Ai)ril, 1862, the ]\Iotliodist Protestant church 
and the Protestant Episcopal church of Abingdon delivered the 
Ijells used by the respective churches to the ordinance department 
of the Confederate States for use in manufacturing cannon, and 
on the 25th of April of the same year the Presbyterian and Metho- 
dist Episcopal churches. South, performed a like service. 

In the spring of the year 1862, the armies of the Confederate 
States were reorganized, and upon the reorganization of the Thirty- 
seventh and Forty-eighth regiments Colonels Fulkerson and Camp- 
liell, as well as Lieutenant-Colonels Carson and Garnett, were re- 
t^lected. Major Williams was re-elected in the Thirty-seventh, and 
Captain James C. Campbell, of y\bingdon, succeeded Major Stuart 
in the Forty-eighth regiment. 

In the com]ianies there was a considerable change as follows: 

Captain Grant was succeeded by Sergeant Duff. 

Capt-ain William Wliite was succeeded by Lieutenant B. P. Mor- 
rison. 

Captain James L. White was succeeded by Captain James Vance 



522 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

and Captain \'ance was succeeded by Sergeant T. M. Gobble. 
Captain Milton White was succeeded by Lieutenant W. Y. C. 
Ilannum. Captain D. A. P. Campbell was succeeded by Lieu- 
tenant W. T. Greenway. 

At the October term of the county court, in the year, 1863, the 
court appointed agents in the several magisterjal districts of this 
county to solicit subscriptions in their districts of articles of cloth- 
ing, shoes, etc., for the use of the volunteers in tlio service of the 
Confederacy. 

At this time a great scarcity of salt prevailed in the county as 
a result of the State authorities taking charge of the salt works, 
and the county court appointed John N. Humes a committee to 
correspond with Governor Letcher and seek to have tlie contract 
of Stuart, IJuchanan & Company, made with the county authori- 
ties in July of this year, enforced, but the court obtained no relief 
in this particular. 

On the 27th of June, 1862, Colonel Samuel V. Fulkerson, of tlie 
Thirty-seventh Eegiment, was mortally wounded near Eichniond on 
the second day of the great battle before Eichmond, and died the 
next day. Upon the receipt of the news of his death, a public meet- 
ing was held at the courthouse of this county for the purpose of 
offering a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. 

"On motion, J. N. Humes, Esq., was called to the chair, and 
William King Heiskell appointed secretary. 

The object of the meeting was explained by Adjutant Joseph T. 
Campbell in brief but appropriate remarks, and, on his motion, a 
committee of ten gentlemen was appointed as an escort of honor to 
meet the remains at AVytheville. The following gentlemen were 
appointed: Adjutant J. T. Campbell, Hon. Walter Preston, Wil- 
liam King Heiskell, Colonel A. C. Cummings, Thomas G. McCon- 
nell, G. V. Litchfield, Jr., William Y. C. White, James C. Green- 
way, J. G. Kreger and D. M. Stuart." 

This cojnmittee met the remains of Colonel Fidkerson at Wythe- 
ville and accompanied the same to Abingdon. 

Colonel Fulkerson, at the time of his death, was judge of the 
Seventeenth Circuit of the Superior Court of Law and Chancery, 
and soon thereafter an election was held in this circuit to fill the 
vacancy, at which election John A. Campbell, John W^. Johnson, 
■\Villiam B. Aston and W. P. Cecill, were opposing candidates.^ 



Washington County, 1177-1810. - 533 

Judge Caiiipbell was elected by a considerable majority and served 
until removed by the military authorities of the United States in 
tlie year 1869. 

In May, 18G3, President Jefferson Davis issued his proclamation 
setting apart the 16tli day of May, 1862, as a day of fasting, humil- 
iation and prayer, and, on the day appointed, the several congre- 
gations of the town united in regular services at the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, South, at elevim o'clock in the morning, and at 
the jMethodist Protestant Church at four o'clock in the evening. 

On the 4th day of Octobei-, 18{)2, in the lower end of this county, 
on the farm of Colonel John Prc^ston. A\'illiam McDaniel, a very 
respectable citizen was brutally murdered by Jerry and Jim, two 
negroes, the property of James Allen, of Tennessee. These negroes 
had left their homes and were scouting in the woods, with a lot of 
stolen property in their possession, when they observed McDaniel 
approaching. After meeting ]\IcDaniel and engaging in a conver- 
sation with him, as to what tliey were doing there, and where they 
were going, Jack, one of the negroes, struck and seriously wounded 
McDaniel, and the negroes hid his body until night camo on and 
then returned and carried it to the creek and placed it therein. 
They were tried, and Jim and Jerry were sentenced to be hung on 
the 23d of January, 1863, on which day they were executed pur- 
suant to the sentence of the court. 

The Abingdon paper in describing the scene in Abingdon on that 
day says: 

"At an early hour the people began to pour into tmvn from the 
farthest limits of this and adjoining counties, and from the gorges 
and coves of the mountains. They came by railroad, in wagons, 
on horses and mules, and hundreds came wading up to their knees 
in mud. Some rode bare-back, others on sheep-skins, and again 
others with halters and 1)1 ind bridles. Little boys and negroes gal- 
loped into town almost breathless, bespattered with mud and wild 
with excitement to see two negroes choked to death. I>ut sti-anger 
still was it to see probably not less than a thousand hearty, robust 
young men jostling and elbowing their way through the dense 
mass of liumanity towards the field where the scene was to be 
enacted ; and when we saw them worlcing and twisting their tor- 
tuous way like so many eels in the mud, we wondered if they 
would have been as ea^rer and as hurried if there had been a squad 



524 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

of Yankees in that direction. If Stonewall Jackson had them, he 
would cross the Potomac in a week." 

This execution took place in the Academy field west of Abingdon 
and was the last execution of any person in this county for any 
offense. 

The Provost-Marshal at Abingdon at this time was Colonel 
John H. Earnest. 

In October of this year President Lincoln issued his proclama- 
tion emancipating all negroes after the first day of January, 1863, 
which information greatly excited the slave owners of the county. 

Some idea of the conditions existing during this time may be 
gathered from a diary kept by a very aged citizen of Abingdon, 
from the summer of 1861 to the fall of 1863, which diary is here 
given. 

"1861. July 1st. The evening train had about 150 troops; 100 
from Arkansas, the balance from Georgia, remnants of companies 
gone on. 

"1861, July 2d. At dark I saw the comet for the first time, but 
it was seen the night before by others. It is the largest I have ever 
seen; it was high up north of west, at ten o'clock it was large, the 
tail was broad and appeared to be 250 feet long, the body of it 
appeared the size of a common hat. 

"1861. July 3d. The evening train had 200 Arkansas troops. 

"1861. July 4th. This day eighty-five years ago since the Decla- 
ration of Independence of the old U. S. It's gone, and to-day there 
is another declaration going on for independence, the South against 
the North, and it must and will end the same way the first declara- 
tion did against old England. The South must be independent 
of the iSTorth, her cause is more just, etc. In 1775 there were two 
parties, one for immediate independence from old England, the 
other was for no separation from the mother country, as they called 
it. But independence was declared on the 4th of July, 1776. The 
party that went for independence of the mother country and fought 
for it and got it was called Whigs and the party against indepen- 
dence was the Tory party and fought against it, but was defeated ; 
yet they remained Tories, for I can remember hearing one of them 
in W}i:he county when he got drunk, 'Tialloo" for King George, &c. 
The present revolution for independence and a separation from 
Northern tyrants, or rather Northern Goths and vandals, against 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 525 

Southern rights is tenfold greater than tJie first revolution, and in 
all respects like it, as to tlie parties Whig and Tory. But I believe 
it will end just like the first revolution. 

"18G1. July 4t]i. Cold all day. 'J'he evening train took Captain 
David Campbell Dunn's company to General Floyd's Brigade at 
Wytheville, seventy-eight men and boys, 

'•'18G1. July IGth. To-day awful news from General Garnett's 
command at Beverly, Randolph county. Fulkerson's regiment is 
part of it. Colonel Fulkerson's regiment is composed of {[we com- 
panies from Abingdon and county, two from Eussell, one from 
Davis and oue company from Lee county. The news is that all are 
killed and taken and that General Garnett is killed. 

"18G1. July 23d. iS'ews this morning of a great battle fought on 
the 21st, last Sunday, at Manassas, between the Southern forces 
and Lincoln's Northern or black army, in which the latter lost 
25,000 men killed, the South 15,000. If this be true it beats 
Waterloo, for the South had only 60,000, while the Forth had 
95,000. 

"18G1. July 2Gth. Colonel John A. Campbell's regiment left 
for Staunton to-day, ten companies, three companies from Wash- 
ington county, nine companies of old Washington county now in 
the field. Colonel Campbell has Captain White's and David Camp- 
bell's and J. C. CampbelTs companies. 

''18G1. August 31. Tliis morning at five o'clock the house trem- 
bknl and shook, the window sash rattled so much that it awak(Micd 
all, the rocking of the house awakened me. I never felt such a 
sensation before, the house appeared to be standing on something, 
the house would quiver and rattle like it would fall. 

'*'18(il. September 1st. Two trains at ten o'clock with 1,100 
troops, one company of eighty-two from ^rol)ile, Alabama, and the 
balance from Xew Orleans, mashed up at the bridge west of 
Abingdon depot, killing one and wounding twenty odd, the front 
engine with the conductor cut loose and went on towards Lj'nch- 
burg, the other engine was mashed up in the wreck, but the engineer 
and conductor left rather suspiciously. 

"September 3d. The soldier scalded in the mash up died last 
night. 

"1801. September 21st. Jolin M. Preston died this morning at 
Seven-!Mile Ford. 



o2f) Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

•'1861. September 24th. Charles G. Preston, son of F. H. ]?rds- 
ton, died on the 15th. He belonged to the Greenbrier Cavalry, was 
in the retreat from Laurel Hill in July last when General Garnett 
was killed. 

"18G1. September 28tli. No trains from the East yesterday, no 
mail, the rivers were higher yesterday than any one recollects, 
honses were taken otf where never known before. The whole roof 
of one house was left on the bank of the river below Mr. Cole's 
on the Middle Fork. The Holston river was six feet higher than 
ever known before. 

"1861. October 1st. Part of a company of horse got here last 
evening from Kentucky. 

"1861. October 3d. Hon. John C. Breckenridge and William 
Preston, of Kentucky, got to Abingdon to-day. 

"1861. October 14th. A company of horse, 111 from Kentucky 
by way of Pound Gap, got here this evening, all armed with double- 
barreled shot-guns, under Captain Desha. 

"1861. October 15. I was wrongly informed as to the arms of 
the Kentuckians, they have Minnie rifles and muskets, and were a 
part of the State guard. Three thousand dollars reward for the 
above-mentioned Captain Desha ; his father is here with him. 

"1861. October 30th. The Kentucky company took the cars for 
General Buckner's headquarters by way of ISTashville, Tennessee, 
and all took the oath this morning. One of the Kentuckians by 
accident shot himself through the arm above and below the elbow. 

"1861. November 13th. TMs day the Cherokee artillery of Geor- 
gia got here from Goldsboro, North Carolina. The train with 
most of the regiment ran oft' near Senter depot last night and 
killed three and hurt several. They have three brass six-pounders 
and one iron rifled six-pounder. 

"1861. November 25th. Twenty of Colonel Jenlcins' cavalry got 
here to-day from Dublin, where they took ninety-four prisoners 
captured at Guyandotte on the 17th. 

"1861. November 26th. Colonel Stewart's Fifty-sixth Virginia 
Volunteer Eegiment got to Abingdon depot to-night on their way 
to Pound Gap to join General Humphrey Marshall. 

"1861. December 9th. Three hundred cavalry. Colonel Phillips, 
of Georgia' Legion,, got here to-day from Tory mountains of Vir- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 527 

ginia, and left for Taylorsville, Tenn., the Tory mountains of 
Tennessee. The balance of the regiment is behind. 

"N. \\. — The above regiment is said to be the Fifty-seventh Vir- 
ginia, and that a battalion from North Carolina went about the 
same time after night and stopped at Bristol. 

"18()1. December 8th. There are now at tlio depot six cannon, 
two of them rifled, and twenty-four carriages. 

"1861. December ;Ust. Mrs. Humes died to-day. General Floyd's 
l>i-igade has been going for the last week on the railroad from the 
Tory mountains of Virginia to Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

"1862. March 16t]i. Jacob Lynch died this morning at two 
o'clock, his brother Daniel died at Estillville, Scott county, the 16th 
of Marcli, 1843, at 12 o'clock. 

"1862. May 18th. Adam Hickman died this morning at twenty 
minutes past nine o'clock, has been in bad health for about ten 
years. 

"1862. July 1st. It rained very hard at sundown, just after the 
train got to the depot with the remains of Colonel Fulkerson, who 
was shot the evening of the 27th, in the battle below Richmond in 
a cliarge on the enemy's battery, which was taken, but the Colonel 
died the 28th, at twelve o'clock at night. His place cannot be 
filled in Southwest Virginia, and I doubt if it can be in the State. 
He was buried July 2d at twelve o'clock. 

"1862. November 6th. got home to-day from 

Kentucky ; has been there almost two months ; brought a fine Bowie 

kiiilV of a Union Tory and his cap (tip too) • 

killed him. Nothing now on this continent in the shape of man 
but thieves, robbers and murderers. 

"1862. December 22d. Jerry and Jim, slaves of Allen, of Ten- 
nessee, were convicted for the murder of William McDaniel on the 
farm of Colonel John Preston and sentenced to be hung on the 
23d day of Jamiary, 1863. 

"1862. December 31st.. It is said that 1,500 or 3,000 cavalry 
(Yanks) came through Stone Gap, and got to Blountville, the 30th, 
and took it. 

"1863. January 23d. This day between twelve and one o'clock 
Jerry and Jim were hung in the Academy field for the mnrder of 
William McDaniel in October, 1862. 

"1863. ]\rarch 4th. This night, 1841, Charles B. Coale and 



538 Southiuest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

myself were converted by Dave Shaver in what is called the Eadical 
Church, to Methodism ; Hum — 

"1863. March 28th. Yesterday was Jeff Davis' fast day, whether 
the people fasted or not I don't know, but they went to the different 
churches. 

"1862. November 22d. William Fields died the 22d of Novem- 
ber, 1862, in the fifty-second year of his age, no better man has 
lived or died in Washington county. His father died New Year's 
morning 1829, just such a man." 

By the fall of the year 1862, the Southern sympathizers living in 
the State of Kentucky were compelled to leave their homes, and 
the provisional Governor of that State, after being inaugurated at 
Frankfort, Kentucky, on the 4th of October, was forced to leave his 
State and had his headquarters in Abingdon on the 31st of October. 

In the month of December, 1862, shoes in Abingdon brought 
from $10 to $12 per pair, boots from $20 to $30 per pair, a pair of 
jeans pants, $20 ; a jeans coat, $30 to $40 ; a bushel of corn, $2.50 
to $3; a bushel of wheat, $4; a barrel of floiir, $25, and a bushel of 
sweet potatoes, $5. 

The people of this coimty were greatly excited by the invasion 
of East Tennessee by about fifteen hundred Federal troops under 
the command of G-eneral Carter. 

At the time, General Humphrey Marshall with his brigade was 
at Abingdon, and immediately started in pursuit, accompanied by 
a volunteer company from this county under Lieutenant Warren 
M. Hopkins. 

The invaders succeeded in destroying the railroad bridge across 
the Holston and Watauga rivers and made their escape. 

In January, 1863, the Governor of Virginia made a requisition 
upon the authorities of Washington county for one hundred and 
twenty slaves to work upon the fortifications around Eichmond, 
which request was complied with, after some time. 

The court directed the sheriff and his deputies to ascertain the 
number of slaves in the county of all ages and sexes and the num- 
ber of male slaves between the ages of eighteen and forty-five 
years. The sheriff and his deputies and the commissioners of the 
revenue reported, ascertaining the number of slaves in this county 
to be twent3'^-seven hundred and eighty-seven, and the number of 
male slaves between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years to 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 529 

be six liuudred and fourteen; thereupon the court directed Tobias 
Smith, John N. Humes, Abram Mongle and Joseph W, Davis to 
apportion the one hundred and twenty slaves required from this 
county, upon the male slaves between the ages of eighteen and 
forty-five years, and required the slave-holders of the county to 
deliver his or her quota of slaves to the sheriff of this county at 
Abingdon, Goodson and Glade Spring on the 21st of February, 
1863, and Jolm L. Bradley and Moses Brooks were appointed 
agents or overseers for such slaves, and Floyd B. Hurt was directed 
to notify the railroad company of the number of slaves to be sent 
from this county to Richmond. 

At the same term of the court an order was entered appointing 
the Eev. Thomas Catlett agent for the county to proceed to North 
Carolina to purchase cotton yarn and domestic for the destitute 
families of soldiers in this county. 

In the summer of the year 1863, the portion of salt allotted to 
this county from the Saltworks was distributed among the people 
by T. G. McConnell, William E. Rhea and Robert C. Allison, in 
quantities not less than ten bushels and at $2 per bushel. 

On Thursday evening, the 10th of September, 1863, Rebecca 
Lynch and Elizabeth Murray, of this county, were under an oak 
tree near Lynch's Spring on the turnpike at the head of McBroom's 
mill-dam, with two Confederate soldiers, during a storm. Light- 
ning struck the tree under which they had taken shelter and the 
four persons were killed. 

In the fall of the year 1863, Washington county was overrun by 
stragglers and deserters from the army, claiming to belong to the 
cavalry service. These men traveled about and over the county in 
bands of from two to twenty, and robbed the citizens indiscrimi- 
nately of their money, clothing, horses, saddles, bridles, their grain 
and forage, by force and actual violence, and such was the condi- 
tion of affairs that the County Court of Washington coimty 
appealed to the General Assembly of the State for a remedy, stat- 
ing that they had appealed to the military authorities, but without 
avail. 

In the fall of 1862 and the spring and summer of 1863 several 
companies of infantry and cavalry were organized in this county — 
viz. : Company E, of the Sixty-third Virginia Regiment, Captain 
David 0. Rush; Company F, of the Sixty-third Virginia Regiment, 



I 



530 Southwest Virginia, nJ^6-1786. 

Captain James Snodgrass; Company C, of the Twenty-first Vir- 
ginia Eegiment, Captain E. J. Preston; Company , Twenty- 

lirst Virginia Cavalry, Captain Fred Gray. 

In the fall of this year another requisition was made upon the 
county antliorities for eighty slaves to work upon the fortifications 
'at Saltville. 

The county had been threatened with an invasion by the enemy 
* during the fall of the .year and had been overrun a;s before 
'described, and the County -Court, at the October term, petitioned 
the Governor to exempt this county from the requisition, but their 
'petition was refused and the slaves were furnished early in the year 
1864. . 

At tlie same term of the court an order was entered appointing 
'John Eoberts a general agent for the county to purchase supplies 
for the families of soldiers who were in indigent circumstances, 
and district agents were appointed in the several districts of the 
county with autliority to purchase supplies for the same purpose 
and to draw upon John G. Kreger for such sums of money as 
were needed for the purpose. 

At the November court, 1863, the districts of the commissioners 
•of revenue for the county were designated, pursuant to an Act 
of Assembly, the Western District being No. 1, and the Eastern 
District No. 2. 

By December, 1863, the condition of affairs was such that the 
people of the county were threatened with a famine for bread, and 
the County Court entered an order calling the attention of the Con- 
federate authoTities at Eichmond to the condition of affairs in this 
county and asking their aid in every legitimate way to prevent any 
further appropriation of tlie means of the people of this county to 
the support of the army. 

On the 16th of September, 1863, a company was organized at 
Abingdon for home defence. This company was officered as fol- 
lows: 

Captain, Peter C. Johnson. 
First Lieutenant, Joseph T. Campbell. 
Second Lieutenant, Charles F, Keller. 
Third Lieutenant, W. E. Trigg. 

A full complement of sergeants and corporals were appointed 
and Saturday was fixed as the day for drilling. This was the sec- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 531 

ond company organized for home defence in the town, the first com- 
pany having l>een organized on the 22d of June, 18G3, and was 
oliicored as follows: 

A. C (Juiiiniings, captain. 

John A. Campbell, first lieutenant, 

G. Y. Litchfield, second lieutenant. 

Charles F. Keller, first sergeant. 

James L. Davis, second sergeant. 

Henry Koberts, third sergeant. 

John Ijcacli, fourth sergeant. 

James A. King, fifth sergeant. 

James 8. Munsey, first corporal. 

These two companies undertook the protection of tliis community 
upon ordinary occasions and discharged their duties well. 

In the spring of this year. Colonel William E. Peters was elected 
to represent this district in the Senate of Virginia, while Colonel 
A. C. Cummings and Captain George Graham were elected to 
represent the county in the House of Delegates, but, in the fall. Colo- 
nel Peters resigned his position as a member of the Senate of Vir- 
•riin'vd, and Colonel Joseph J. Graham, of Wythe, was elected to fill 
the vacancy. 

The threatent'd invasion by the Federal troops from the West was 
so imminent that on the IGth of October, 18C3, Abingdon was 
lionored with two major and six brigadier-generals — to-wit: Ean- 
-<jm, Samuel Jones, Corse, Wharton, Williams, W. E. Jones, Jack- 
son and Crittenden. 

By January 1, 18G4, this county had furnished at least two 
thousand men, nearly all volunteers, to the army of the Confederate 
States, and had been subjected to the necessity of having quartered 
on them large numbers of troops, and provisions and forage were 
scarcer in the county than they had been for many years. Serious 
a})pre]iensions were felt that the poor of the county and the families 
<.f soldiers would sufTer. During the fall of 1863, the brigades of 
Generals Corse, Jones and Wharton were encamped near Abing- 
d<m for more than a month, and had consumed large quantities of 
jjrovi^ion and forage. There were at this time about one thousand 
sick and wounded soldiers in the three hospitals in the county. 

P.ut, notwithsianding the situation of the people of the county, 
in the month of March, 18G4, officers were impressing in the lower 



532 Southwest Virginia, 1U6-1786. 

end of this county all provisions to be found except five bushels of 
grain and fifty pounds of beef or bacon to each adult of the family, 
and one-half the quantity for those under fourteen years of age, 
for use by General Longstreet's forces, and by the sumuier of this 
year, wheat sold at $30 per bushel and corn at $34. 

It seems tliat such a condition of affairs would have been unbear- 
able, but such was the patriotism and loyalty of our people to their 
Commonwealth, that they, with but little hesitation, furnished the 
officers of the Confederate government the greater portion of all the 
grain and provision that they could possibly secure. 

General Buckner and General Morgan were both in Abingdon on 
the first of April, 1864. 

A portion of General Morgan's Brigade were encamped for a 
few days near our town. 

On the 5th day of February, 1864, a young man by the name of 
Jacob Mullens, of Wise county, Virginia, was shot by order of 
Colonel Prentiss, in West Abingdon, at the location of the colored 
graveyard. Mullens had deserted from his company and joined the 
enemy. The Abingdon paper in speaking of Mullens says: "He" 
was an exceedingly ignorant young man, almost a heathen, having 
never read the Bible, nor heard it read until after his conviction, 
and never heard a sermon in his life. The chaplain of the post 
and several other ministers here gave him the benefit of their coun- 
sel and consolation, and he seemed to be penitent. He was greatly 
affected on the day of his execution, but exhibited a good deal of 
firmness and composure after arriving at the place of execution. 
He was sitting upon his coffin with his fingers in his ears when the 
order to fire was given. He expired almost immediately, five balls 
having pierced his breast.^^* 

This is but one instance of the many that happened during the 
war, such executions being necessary to enforce discipline and to 
render the armies of the Confederacy effective. 

The first day of April, 1864, was set apart as a day of humilia- 
tion, fasting and prayer throughout our Southland, and that day 
was observed by all our people. 

On the same day James K. Gibson resigned his office as Con- 



Abingdon Virginian." 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 533 

federate States Depositary at Abingdon, and Floyd B. Hurt was 
appointed his successor. 

The County Court at its April term, 1864, directed that $50,000 
be levied upon the county to buy grain in Georgia or elsewhere to 
be distributed among the poor and the families of soldiers who 
were in indigent circumstances in this county, and Aaron L. Hen- 
dricks was appointed to purchase the said corn and have it con- 
veyed to this county, and committees Averc appointed in each of the 
magisterial districts of the county to solicit subscriptions and 
relieve the sufferings of the people as far as possible. 

The County Court at this time had on hand six hundred and 
eighty bushels of salt, which was much more valuable than the Con- 
federate currency and county scrip, and the court directed Jonas 
S. Kelly to convey this salt to Tennessee and exchange the same for 
corn, to relieve the suffering families of the soldiers of this county. 

'Vhv indebtedness of Washington county on the 23d of May, 1864, 
was ascertained to be $53,648.66. 

To add to the sufferings of the people of the county, small-pox in 
a dangerous form appeared in the vicinity of Abmgdon, produc- 
ing a great deal of uneasiness among the people. 

On the 3d day of September, 1864, General John H. Morgan, 
who had been of great service to the people of this county, was 
foully murdered at the residence of ]\[rs. Dr. Williams in Green- 
ville, Tennessee. He was betrayed by a young Mrs. Williams, who 
had left her home upon the coming of General Morgan, and 
informed the Federal troops of the whereabouts of General Mor- 
gan and the number of guards on duty, and on Sunday morning 
the 3d, the house where General Morgan was sleeping was sur- 
rounded by Federal troops, and in attempting to escape General 
Morgan was shot through the right breast and killed, his body 
thrown across a horse and paraded through the streets of the town. 

On l\Ionday night the remains of General Morgan arrived at 
Abingdon, and were taken to the residence of Judge Campbell in 
tlie vicinity,* where Mrs. Morgan with one or two relatives were 
sojourning. On Tuesday evening at 4 o'clock, funeral services we^e 
performed by Chaplain Cameron, and the procession formed by 
General George B. Crittenden. It was the largest and most impoa- 



*Aoklin, home of Mr. Mingea. 



534 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

ing procession of the sort ever seen in this j^art of the country. The 
order was as folloAvs : 

1st. Hearse, with tlie body and guards on each side, without 
arms. 

2d. Chaplains. 

3d. Family of deceased. 

4th. Military family, mounted by twos. 

5th. Military court, mounted l)y twos. 

6th. Officers of the army, mounted by twos. 

Jiih. Privates, mounted by twos. 

8th. Citizens, mounted by t\^•os. 

9th.. Citizens, dismounted. 

As the sun went down beliind dark masses of chnids in the West, 
emblematic of the sorrow and glooin tliat pervaded the vast con- 
course in attendance, all that was mortal of the immortal John H. 
Morgan was consigned to the rest of the tomb, there to sleep, 
unmindful of the clash of arms and the terril)le tread of armies, 
until the trump that marshals the buried millions shall break his 
g] umbers. 

The remains of General Morgan were interred in Sinking tSpring 
Cemetery, but were subsequently removed to his home in Kentucky. 

General Morgan was succeeded in his command by General Duke, 
of Kentucky, but from this time forward the people of this county 
were without hope and calmly awaited the inevitable. 

The subscription price of the "Abingdon Virginian," at this time 
was $8 per year. 

BATTLE OF SALTVILLE. 

Major-General Eurbridge, in command of about five thousa'nd 
Federal troops, at this time entered ^'irginia by way of Pikevillo, 
Kentucky, and proceeded up the Big Sandy and crossed the moun- 
tains into Tazewell county at Eichlands. At the same time Gen- 
eral Gillem, at the head of a considerable force of Federal troops, 
was making every effort tO' enter Virginia from East Tennessee, but 
the progress of Gill'em was greatly retarded by the efforts of 
General Vaughan, who was in command of a considerable body of 
Confederate troops in that section. 

It was known that the destination of General Burbridge and 
General Gillem was the Saltworks in this county, and the reserves 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 535 

of this county (being boys under seventeen and men over forty- 
live years of age) were called ujjon to oi'ganize for the purpose of 
ticfending their homes, and, by the ;50th day of September, four 
companies were I'cady i'oi- service iimlci' ilir coiiiiiKiud of Colonel 
James T. Preston, as follows : 

Company I, Captain Thomas Patterson. 
Company C, Captain William !>. Campbell. 
Company E, Captain John \\. Wurley. 
Company F, Caplain William P)arrovv. 

A portion of thesi; companies were organized some time pre- 
vious to this time. 

At the same time, General Vaughan with his forces was ordered 
to Saltville from East Tennessee, where he had, until this time, 
successfully opposed the advance of General Gillem's Brigade. 
^\'hen it was known that General Vaughan had been ordered tO' 
Saltville, such a stainpede as occurred among the people of this 
section had never before been witnessed in this county. The roads 
were crammed and blocked with cattle, sheep, negroes, wagons, bug- 
gies and great numbers of citizens with their families. The scene 
was almost indescribable, and Abingdon was deserted, with the 
exception ot a Xi'vy few old men, women and children. 

.\l)out sev(ii hundred reserves had gathered at Saltville under 
the command of Colonel K'obert Smith, of Tazewell; Colonel Eobert 
Preston, of Montgomery; Colonel James T. Preston, of Wash- 
ington, and Colonel Kent, of Wythe. 

Colonel Robert Trigg, of tlu> Fifty-fourth A^irginia Regiment, 
being at Saltville at that time, took charge oi this force and was 
actively engaged in organizing it when General A. E. Jackson 
arrived and took command and hegan to plan the defences of the 
|>iace. 

General liui'bridge had followed the Stati' road from Kentucky 
into Tazewell county and from Richlands directed his course by 
Cedar Bluff toward the Saltworks. 

Giltner's Brigade, comix)5ed of the Fourth Kentucky, Johnson's 
Battalion, denkin's Battalion, Clay's Battalion, the Tenth Ken- 
tucky Cavalry and the Sixty-fourth Virginia Regiment, met Bur- 
bridge's army at Cedar Bluff, and from that point disputed his 
advance at every opportunity from the 30th day of September 



536 Southwest Virginia^ 17Jf6-17S6. 

until he had passed Laurel Gap in Clinch mountain on Saturday, 
October 1, 1864. 

This brigade of Confederate troops was composed of probably 
the best soldiers in the Confederate army and numbered about 
twelve hundred men. 

They not only assailed Burbridge's army at every opportunity, 
but cut trees across the road and placed every obstruction in the 
way that could be thought of to retard the progress of the Federal 
army through Tazewell county, and, notwithstanding the superior 
forces commanded by Burbridge, the Federal army was unable to 
pass through the Laurel Gap in Clinch mountain for more tlian a 
day. 

When Giltner's Brigade had, by superior strength, been driven 
from the Laurel Gap, it was divided into two sections of about 
equal numbers, the first section passing down the Poor Valley road 
destroying bridges and obstructing the road in every possible way. 
This force was commanded by Dr. E. 0. Guerrant, of Giltner's 
staff, and Colonel Pryor, of the Fourth Kentucky, while the second 
section crossed the river and followed the Valley road to Saltville, 
and was under the command of Colonel H. L. Giltner. 

Colonel Giltner expected Burbridge with his army to march 
to the Saltworks that night, and if he had, the capture of the works 
would have been inevitable, but, to the surprise of the Confederate 
forces, Burbridge's army went into camp in the bottom on the south 
of Laurel Gap and remained until the following morning, Sunday, 
October 2, 1864. 

The Federal forces began their march to Saltville and arrived on 
the north side of the river near Governor Saunder's residence 
between nine and ten A. M. of that day, and in the meantime and 
on the morning of the same day, General John S. Williams, of 
Wheeler's Cavalry, arrived at Saltville, with his division, which 
was composed of Eobertson's Brigade, of soldiers from Texas, 
Dibrell's Brigade and the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry commanded by 
Colonel William C. P. Breckenridge. 

The Confederate forces at Saltville at this time were as follows : 

Colonel H. L. Giltner's Brigade, composed of the Fourth Ken- 
tucky, commanded by Colonel Pryor ; Tenth Kentucky, commanded 
by Colonel Edwin Trimble; Johnson's Battalion, Kentucky troops; 
Clay's Battalion, Kentucky troops; Jenkins' Battalion, Kentucky 
troops; the Sixty-fourth Virginia Eegiment, commanded by 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 537 

Colonel A. L. Pridemoro; Brigadier-General John S. Williams' 
Brigade, composed of Robertson's Brigade, commanded by General 
Bobertson; Dibrell's Brigade, conmianded by General George Dib- 
rell; Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Colonel William 
C. P. Breckenridge ; First Kentucky, commanded by Colonel Grif- 
fith; the Thirteenth Battalion of Virginia reserves, commanded 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Eobert Smith, of Tazewell county, the rank- 
ing colonel then present. This battalion was composed of the fol- 
lowing companies: 

Company A, Smyth county, commanded by Lieutenant James 
Golahon. 

Company B, Tazewell county, commanded by Captain Samuel L. 
Graham. 

Company C, Washington county, commanded by Lieutenant 
J. S. Booher. 

Company D, Smyth county, commanded by Anderson. 

Company F, Washington county, commanded l)y (*aptain Wil- 
liam Barrow. 

Company G, Russell county, commanded by Captain A. P. 
Gihuer. 

Comjiany H, Tazewell county, commanded by Captain George E. 
Starnes. 

Company I, Washington county, commanded by Captain Thomas 
E. Patterson. 

Company E, Washington county, commanded by Captain Henry 
B. Rol)orts, was on duty at Abingdon, and did not reach the battle- 
ground until about sundown of October 2d. 

Kent's Battalion. c<>nimaiid(Ml by Colonel Kent and Major Houn- 
shell. of Wythe. 

This battalion was composed of several companies of militia from 
Wythe, Carroll and Grayson counties; the officers' names I do not 
know. 

The forces at Saltville were under command of General A. E. 
Jackson until about 9 :30 of the morning of the day of the battle, 
when he was succeeded by General Williams, who arrived at that 
time, and took command of all the forces then at Saltville. 

GemM-al Williams began his preparations for the battle and 
arranged his forces as follows : 

Colonel James T. Preston, with one hundred and twenty reserves. 



538 Southivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

was directed to form a skirmish line along the river and to defend 
the ford one-half a mile above the lower works. 

The line of battle was formed from right to left on the south side 
of the river, the right wing of the army fronting the residence of 
Governor Saimders, tlie forces being arranged in the following 
order : 

To the north of the road and on the extreme left the First Ken- 
tncky, C-olonel Griffith, and, in the order named, to the right, the 
Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel William C. P. Breckenridge, 
Giltner's Brigade, as follows : Fourth Kentucky, Colonel Pryor ; 
Johnson's Battalion. Colonel Thomas Johnson; Jenlvins' Bat- 
talion, Captain Jenkins; Clay's Battalion, Colonel Clay; Sixty- 
fourth Virginia Eegiment, Colonel A. L. Pridemore; Tenth Ken- 
tucky, Colonel Edwin Trimble — this last regiment defending the 
ford. 

To the south of the road and facing Governor Saunders' resi- 
dence, in the order named, the Thirteenth Battalion of Virginia 
Reserves, Colonel Ro. Smith; Kent's Battalion, Colonel Kent; 
Robertson's Brigade, General Robertson, and Dibrell's Brigade, 
General George Dilirell — this last brigade forming the extreme 
right of the army, while the artillery under the command of Cap- 
tain John W. Barr, was placed on Church Hill, north of the pub- 
lic road near the position occupied by the First Kentucky and in a 
position that commanded the advance of the enemy. 

William King's Battery was to the south of Robertson's Brigade 
and south of the ridge, and did not have an opportunity to take 
part in the battle. 

The Federal forcas were partly on the north side of the river 
and partly south of tbe river and cast of Dibrell's Brigade. Such 
was the position of the opposing forces when an overwhelming force 
of Federal troops, colored soldiers, assaulted Dibrell's Brigade, 
which brigade retired to the west side of Cedar creek, and had every 
advantage of the attacking forces. 

A part of Kenfs Battalion of Reserves commanded by Major 
Hounshell and stationed east of and near to Governor Saunders' 
house, thinking that Dibrell's Brigade were acting in a cowardly 
manner and not being themselves accustomed to war, refused to leave 
their position and for some time and without any assistance main- 
tained the contest against overwhelming numbers, suffering the loss 



Washington CounUj, 1777-1870. 539 

nf a number of excellent men, Major Ilounphell himself exhibiting a 
braver}- never excelled, but after some time this force was induced 
to retire to the west side of Cedar creek, and at this point the 
battle began in carncsl. and in a few inonients ihe colored regiment 
was repulsed with great numbers killed, Colonel Dibrell's Brigade 
being especially eifcctivc in mowing down the advancing enemy. 

About the time of ihe attack mi DibivlTs Brigade the Federal 
troops attempted to force (be foid at the position occupied by the 
Tenth Kentucky, and the right wing of Colonel Giltner's Brigade, 
notwithstanding the fact tliat they fouglit with determined bravery, 
were gradually ])ress('(l back a short distance fi'om tlieir position by 
a whole brigade of the enemy commanded by Colonel Hanson, and 
every field officer of the Tenth Kentucky was killed or wounded at 
this time. 

Colonel Trigg, seeing the situation of Giltner's Brigade, detached 
two companies from Kent's Battalion, "Wythe and Carroll compa- 
nies, and sent them forward under the command of Colonel Kent 
to i-einforce Colonel Giltner. 

'Jlie two companies thus sent to the assistance of Colonel Giltner 
were soon in the thickest of the fight and lost twenty-four men, 
including Captain Shockley and First Lieutenant Bolt of the cav- 
alry com])any. 

The artillery, under connnand of Ca])tain Biirr, did very effec- 
tive work. The reserves under the command of Colonel Eol)ert 
Smith, Colonel Bobert Preston and Colonel Kent, were in the thick- 
est of the fight, and their gallantry and bravery upon this occasion 
were highly commendiMl at tlie time and have since been the pride of 
all the citizens of Southwest Virginia. 

The force commanded by Colonel James T. Preston was attacked 
at about two o'clock by a brigade of infantry and a regiment of 
cavalry under Colonel Charles Hanson, but held their position from 
two o'clock in the afternoon until dark, with the assistance of about 
one hundred men from the Tenth Kentucky Begiment. About 
one-half an hour before dark. Colonel iranson. who commanded the 
enemy's forces, was wounded and thereupon withdrew. The battle 
lasted from ten o'clock in the morning till sundown of the same 
day. and resulted in the precipitate retreat that night of General 
Burbridge to Kentucky l)y the road that lie had come, hotly pur- 
sued bv the Confederate forces. 



540 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The forces engaged in this battle were, according to the official 
report of General Burbridge, four thousand eight hundred picked 
troops on the Federal side, while not more than three thousand 
men, including the reserves, were on the Confederate side. 

The Federal loss in killed and wounded in this battle was about 
three hundred and fifty, the number of prisoners captured is 
variously estimated at from three to twelve hundred. The Federals 
left dead upon the field one hundred and four white and one hun- 
dred and fifty-six negro soldiers. 

The Confederate loss was eight killed and fifty-one wounded, 
among the killed being Colonel Trimble and Lieutenant Crutch- 
field, of the Tenth Kentucky Eegiment. 

General John C. Breckenridge, who was in command of this 
department at that time, reached the field of battle about sun-down, 
and General Vaughan, who had made a forced march from East 
Tennessee, with his own and Duke's and Cosby's Brigades, reached 
the field of battle just as the enemy began to withdraw and in time 
to hear the shout of victory given along the lines of this gallant 
army of Confederate soldiers. 

It was thought at the time that the bravery exhibited in this con- 
test by the reserves from Southwest Virginia was equal to the 
bravery exhibited by the citizens of this county at King's mountain 
in 1780. 

General Burbridge was not only hotly pursued by the victorious 
forces, but he was assailed at all points upon his retreat, and escaped 
into Kentucky with great loss. 

This victory, if it could have been the fortune of our country to 
take advantage of it, as did our forefathers of the battle of 
King's mountain, might have turned the tide of the war and won 
for the South her independence. But the condition of our country 
at this time was hopeless. 

The greater portion of the South had been overrun by the Fed- 
eral forces, and the armies of the Confederacy were starving and 
naked, while the families of the soldiers with the greatest difficulty 
kept starvation from the door. 

The County Court of this county at the November term, 1864, 
appropriated $10,000 to be used for this purpose. 

The last call for troops was made by the Confederate States 
in the month of November, and met with a hearty response from 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 541 

our authorities, but, as the county was about drained of its male 
population, the court of this county petitioned the Secretary of War 
of the Confederate States to exempt from this call two to four men 
in each of the nine districts of the county, blacksmiths, wagon- 
makers, coflin-makers, shoemakers, tanners, one physician, and one 
miller. The names of tlie men thus asked to be exempted were fur- 
nished to the Secretary of War and entered of record by said court. 

General Burbridge, shortly after his return to Kentucky, united 
his forces with those of Generals Stoneman and Gillem, making an 
army of at least ten thousand men, and again began the march for 
Southwest Virginia. The people of this county were informed of the 
movements of the Federal troops, but were so reduced by the pov- 
erty and want that surrounded tliem upon all sides and the almost 
total absence from the county of men able to bear arm>s, that the 
march of the Federal troops met with but little resistance. The 
people were expecting the arrival of the Federal troops for several 
days preceding the 14th day of December, 1864, and on the even- 
ing of the 14th at about nine-thirty o'clock, the report of the guns 
of the Federal pickets was heard at the western outskirts of Abing- 
don. 

A i)art of General Duke's command of Confederate soldiers was 
i'iicam])ed at the farm of James A. Bailey, a few miles northeast of 
Abingdon, and a nunibor of soldiers from that camp were in Abing- 
don at the time the fire of the Federal pickets was heard. 

These soldiers undertook to delay the Federals in entering the 
town, but a company of the Federal troops advanced up Main 
street, firing at intervals, and when they had reached a point oppo- 
site the residence of S. N". Honaker, a discharge from their guns 
in the direction of the court-house caused Duke's men, who had 
formed a line at the intersection of Court and Main streets to 
rapidly dis})erse in the direction of their camp at Bailey's. 

General Stoneman, after taking possession of the town, passed 
on rapidly in the direction of the Lead Mines, having directed the 
l)urning of the Virginia and Tennessee depot. Hurt's store, Sinon's 
wagon-shop, Musser's wagon-shop, the county jail and the barracks 
opposite the jail, at the corner of Court and Valley streets. All of 
the places thus burned were occupied by the officials of the Con- 
federate States and in all of tliem were stored Confederate supplies. 

The Federal commander issued orders forbidding the troops to 



542 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

enter private houses or to plunder or burn any portion of the town 
other than tlie places mentioned. 

A number of Federal soldiers and stragglers remained at a black- 
smith shop in the east end of tJie town on the morning of the 15th 
for the purpose of having their horses shod. 

A company of Confederate soldiers numbering about twenty men, 
being a part of Colonel Lee's regiment from Mississippi, had 
become detached from their regiment and were following in the 
rear of Stoneman's army, capturing, plundering and harassing the 
enemy to as great an extent as possible. 

This company reached Abingdon some time during the night oi 
December Mth, and encanqjed on the Glebe land back of the reser- 
voir, and early on the morning of the 15th, sent one of their num- 
ber disguised in Federal uniform into the town to see what was 
going on. 

About the time this messenger reached Abingdon, a straggler 
from the Federal army Ijy the nauie of James (Tites) Wyatt, who 
had been reared in this community and had served as an apprentice 
to Gabriel Stickley, rode into town, dressed in Federal uniform, 
and declared his purpose to burn the town, because, as he said, 
"Noble I. McGinnis, a prominent citizen of the town and a member 
of the County Court, had some time previous to the war, pun- 
ished him for an offence of which he was not guilty." He dis- 
mounted in front of the court-house, had a negro to liold his horse, 
went to the cupola of the court-house and set it on fire. He then 
remounted and proceed to fire all the buildings on the south side 
of i\Iain strtx't. riding into the buildings and firing them as he 
went. After he had partially completed his work, he halted his 
horse at the intersection of Main and Court street, in front ol the 
store now kept by Nidermaier & Barbee, put his leg across tlie horn 
of the saddle and watched the fire as it rapidly devoured the build- 
ings on eitlier side of the street. 

He would not permit any one to extinguish the flames. In the 
meantime the messenger from the camp of the Confederate soldiers 
had returned and reported the presence in the toAvn of the Federal 
soldiers at John' G. Clark's blacksmith shop, and the firing of the 
town by Wyatt. 

While AYyatt was occupying the position last stated, this com- 
pany of Confederate soldiers, partially disguised in Federal uni- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 543 

form, were seen rapidly galloping down the hill fronting Jackson 
Institute, and from that point they began to disperse, a part of the 
soldiers turning to the right and to the left at Hayes and Slaughter 
streets. After passing Slaughter street, two of the number kept up 
Main street, the others following Valley and Water streets to^ the east 
end of the town. The two that came up ]\[ain street were named 
John and Samuel Findlay, and were from Holly Springs, Miss. 
^^■hon they liad reached a point near the residence of N. K. White, 
Samuel Findhi}- asked a number of boys as to the whereabouts of 
the uinn who was firing the town. In answer, a boy by the name 
of Deady pointed out Wyatt at the corner of Main and Court 
sti-eets. Thereupon Findlay began to fire upon him, and Wyatt 
began to call to Findlay that he was shooting at his own men, but 
Findlay continued to fire, and Wyatt, getting himself in position, 
rushed his horse by the Fiudlays, going toward the west end of the 
town. Samuel Findlay thereupon turned his horse and pursued 
\\'yatt to Hayes street, when Wyatt's horse turned to the left and 
\Vyatt fell to the ground, mortally wounded. Findlay captured 
^Vyatt's horse, and soon joined his fellows in the east end of the 
town. 

Jolm Findlay did not halt liis horse as he passed Wyatt at the 
court-liouse, but ra])id]y proceeded to the east end of town. Before 
he had readied tlio intorsoction of the street at Webb's store, the 
Fede]-al troops at Clark's Ijlacksmith sliop had been charged by the 
Confederate soldiers that came down Valley street, and Findlay 
joined in tlie pursuit 

One of the Federal soldiers, beyond question a brave man and 
bolder than tlio rest, turned in his saddle as he started east from 
^Vebb's store and deliberately fired upon his pursuers, and, as a 
result he was shot from his horse near the residence of A. B. Trigg, 
the horse making its escape. The Confederate soldiers thereupon 
returned to Abingdon. 

The fire started by Wyatt consumed all the buildings, including 
I he coiirthouse. on botli sides of ]\rain street from the Court street 
to Brewer's street. 

Tliis account of the circumstances* attending the burning of 
Al)ingdon w^is given me l)y an eye-witness of th'e transaction.* 

Tlie Federal troops continued their march to the Lead Mines in 



*W. H. Mitchell. 



544 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Wythe county, which they destroyed, and from that point they 
returned to Seven-Mile Ford and thence to the right to Saltville. 
When they had reached Saltville, some slight resistance was offered 
by a number of Confederate soldiers and reserves who were at the 
place at that time, but the town was easily captured and the 
works destroyed. The particulars of the last visit of the Federal 
troops to Saltville it is impossible to obtain at this time, as all 
newspaper plants in this country had been destroyed previously 
thereto, and the accounts given by persons present at the time are 
so conflicting and unreliable that T do not undertake to state the 
facts. 

On the 29th of December, 1864, the County Court of this county 
appointed Peter J. Branch, John G. Kreger, Joseph T. Campbell 
and James Fields, a committee to procure suitable rooms for a 
courthouse and clerk's office, and tO' report at that term of the 
court. On the same day this committee reported that they had pro- 
cured Dunn's store-house, (now the old Arlington Hotel), for one 
year, at the price of $1,500. This report was accepted by the court 
and the committee before named were directed to proceed at once 
and have said building fitted up in a proper manner for the court- 
house and clerk's office, and the jail of Smyth county was adopted 
as the jail of Washington county. 

Dunn's storehouse, at the time, was occupied by Captain J. G. 
Martin, commandant of the military force at this place, as a guard 
house, and he declined to surrender possession to the committee 
appointed by the County Court, which fact the committee reported 
to the court, and the court at its January term, 1865, issued a rule 
against Captain Martin, summoning him to appear before the court 
at once, and show cause why he should not surrender the pos- 
session of the building to the court. 

This rule was issued, and Captain Martin appeared before the 
court and answered that he had made a report to Major-General 
Breckenridge and had received a communication from Adjutant 
J. Stoddard Johnston directing him to hold possession of the 
rooms, and that he intended to obey the order, and immediately 
retired to an adjoining room and ordered his guard under arms, 
some of whom went into court with arms in their hands. The 
court evidently thought that this action was taken to intimidate 
the court, for thereupon an order was entered referring the matter 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 545 

to the GoTernor of the Commonwealth, requesting that a sufficient 
force be ordered out by the Governor to enforce the order of the 
County Court of this county. 

Nothing more of importance occurred in this county until the 
close of the war in the following April, 

This county, in addition to furnishing more than three thousand 
soldiers to the armies of the Confederate States, produced a num- 
ber of officers who won distinguished honors in their several 
spheres, among them being Generals Joseph E. Johnson, John B. 
Floyd, William E. Jones, William Y. C. Humes, John S. Preston 
and Colonels John S. Mosby, Samuel V. Fulkerson, John A. 
Campbell, John F. Terry, E. P. Carson, A. C. Cummings, D. C. 
Dunn, Connally F. Lynch, James W. Humes, Abram Fulkerson 
and many others, all of whom were citizens of this county by birth 
or by choice. 

The Confederate officers stationed in Abingdon during the war, 
so far as I can ascertain, were M. B. Tate, William Eodefer and 
E. Crutchfield, quartermasters; E. A. Williams and Francis Smith, 
commissaries; John H. li^arnest, D. B. Baldwin and J. G. Martin, 
provost marshals; James K. Gibson and Floyd B. Hurt, Confeder- 
ate States depositaries. 

A hospital was maintained in the White House, opposite the 
residence of Mrs. John D. Mitchell, during the greater part of the 
war, and Dr. Lightfoot, of Kentucky, was the principal surgeon 
in charge, in lSG-1. The wounded soldiers at this hospital were 
attended by Di-s. Barr, Heiskell, Pitts and Preston, and received 
every attention possible from the ladies of the town. 

The close of tlie war found the people of this county in as de- 
plorable a condition as could be imagined — without money, credit, 
clothing or the wherewithal to eat, Avith hundreds of wounded and 
disabled soldiers, their farm houses, fences, and farming utensils 
destroyed, and with grave apprehensions as to the future. 

BECONSTRUCTION, 1865-1870. 

Upon tlie surrender of the Confederate armies, the people of Vir- 
ginia accepted the situation in good faith and were ready and 
willing to resume their former position in the Union and to loy- 
ally discharge all the duties imposed thereby. The victors in this 
contest had insisted that the one object in view was the preserva- 



546 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

tion of the imion of the States, and the people of Virginia sup- 
posed that it was their dnty to proceed with their gOiVernment as 
formerly, and did not anticipate any interference tlierewith from 
the victors. 

The people of Washington connty, pursuant to the proclamation 
of Governor Pierpont, hehl an election for county officers in this 
county on the M day of August, 18G5, at which election David C. 
('Ummings was elected clerk of the circuit court and James C. 
Campbell clerk of the county court of this county, and Eees B, 
Edmondson Commonwealth's attorney; James Fields, sheriff; 
CJommissioners of the IJevenue, District No. 1, Jolm F. Terry; 
District No. 3, D. A. P. Campbell and members of the county 
court, constables, and overseers of the poor. 

Soon after this election the attorney-general of the State gave it 
as his opinion that all persons who had held office imder the Con- 
federate States Government were ineligible to office, and as a re- 
sult a number of officers elected in July were compelled to resign 
in the latter part of this year. 

The county court thus elected held several meetings and trans- 
acted sojue business of importance. 

This court, on tlie 38tli of August, 1865, took into consideration 
the building of a new jail and courthouse for this county. James 
Fulcher, William C. Edmondson and Joseph W. Davis were ap- 
pointed a committee to contract for the erection of the new 
county jail, while Jolm A. Campbell, Newton K. White and W. 
W. Blackford were appointed a committee to ascertain on what 
terms a courthouse and clerk's office could be erected upon the pub- 
lic square; and on the same clay the court proceeded to classify the 
justices lor the performance of their duties in court. 

Governor Pierpont, by proclamation, appointed John N. Humes 
and Charles J. Cummings commissioners to reorganize the govern- 
ment of the county, and pursuant to this authority they adminis- 
tered the oaths of office required by law to the members of the 
county court. 

Governor Pierpont, acting upon the opinion of the attorney- 
general, ordered new elections to be held in the counties of the 
State to fill the vacancies occasioned by the resignation of all 
county officers who had held Confederate commissions. 

The county court, on the 2Gth day of September, 1865, directed 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 547 

the commissioners of election of this county to hold an election 
ill said county on 'JMiursday, the I'^th day of October, 1865, for 
liie election of a representative in the Congress of the United 
States, a member of the Senate, members of the House of Dele- 
gates, and to take the vote of the electors upon the question, "Shall 
\\\v next (icno-al Assembly bo clothed with power to alter or amend 
tiie third article of the Constitution according to law?" 

in this election Daniel Hoge, of Montgomery county, Edmund 
liongley and ThonuL^ J. McChilloch, of Washington county, were 
caiulidates for Congress, the election resulting in favor of Daniel 
ll<.-v. 

,I(is*'i)li \V. Davis was elected to the State Senate, and Charles S. 
P)ekem and Josiah Teeter were elected to the House of Delegates, 
and a considerable nuijoi'ity was given in favor of clothing the 
General Assembly with ])nwer to alter or amend the third article 
of the Constitution. 

The Congress of the United States and the General Assembly of 
\'irginia assembled in December of this year. Daniel Hoge was 
not permitted to take his seat in Congress, and Virginia was de- 
jirived of representation in the Congress of the United States from 
this time until January 24, 1870. 

But the representatives from this county in the Senate and 
llDiise of Delegates were permitted to take their seats, and the 
business of the General Assembly proceeded without interruption, 
(rovernor ]*ierpont, pursiumt to the provisions of the Constitution, 
adopted for the State at Alexandria, Virginia, nominated Judge 
•lohn A. Campbell to preside over this circuit, which nomination 
was confirmed by the Legislature on the 23d of February, 1866, 
-fudge Campbell receiving the unanimoiis vote of the General As- 
sembly. 

Kees H. Kdmondson, James Fields and John F. Terry were 
compelled to resign the offices to which they were elected, and at 
a special election held on January 11, 1866, Rees B. Edmondson 
was elected Commonwealth's attorney, James L. Campbell sheriff, 
and Ben C. Clark commissioner of the revenue in District No. 1. 

At the November term, 1865, of the county court of this county, 
orders were ent(>red letting to contract the building of a new jail 
;ind directing the fitting up of the Temperance Hall for the use of 
the court until a new courthouse could be built, and the court was 



548 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

held in the Temperance Hall from the spring of the year 1866 until 
the year 1868. The action of the court in occupying the Temper- 
ance Hall was authorized by proclamation of Governor Pierpont 
in the month of October, 1866. 

The government of the county as thus reorganized was in the 
hands of tlie best citizens of the county, men who in nearly every 
instance had been active supporters of the Government of the 
Confederate States. 

In the month of December, 1865, York A. Woodward, first lieu- 
tenant Twenty-fourth V. R. C, assistant superintendent Eighth 
District of Virginia, arrived in Abingdon for the purpose of or- 
ganizing the Freedmen's Bureau. His district was composed of the 
counties of Washington, Russell, Buchanan, Wise, Scott and Lee. 

He established his headquarters at Abingdon and had his office 
in the Swedenborgian Temple on Main street, but subsequently 
his office was removed to the courthouse by permission of the 
county court. 

The Freedman's Court for Washington county was organized at 
the December term of the county court of this county, and was 
constituted as follows : Lieutenant, York A. Woodward, of the 
Freedman's Bureau; John K. Humes, Esq., selected by the county 
court; Colonel D. C. Dunn, selected by the freedmen. This court 
held weekly sessions, commencing Saturday morning of each week 
at 9 o'clock. 

The purpose of this court was tO' determine all matters of diffi- 
culty, civil and criminal, that arose between the whites and the 
freedmen, to take a census of the freedmen in the district, to cele- 
brate the rites of matrimony between freedmen and freedwomen 
and to require all the able-bodied freedmen and freedwomen to 
enter into written contracts for their services and to see that the 
contracts were faithfully observed by both parties. 

The organization of schools for the instruction of freedmen and 
freedwomen was also imdertaken by this court. 

In this year a white man, by the name of Parks, and his wife 
came to Abingdon at the instance of the Freedmen's Bureau and 
for some time conducted a school for colored children in the build- 
ing now occupied by the colored Masons of Abingdon, on the south 
side of Water street, the land having been purchased for the pur- 
pose. Colonel D. C. Dunn, of his own volition, contributing one- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 549 

lialf the cost. The object sought to be obtained by the Freedmen'« 
J>ureau was accomplished to a great extent in this community, and 
the conduct of Captain Woodward was such as to command the 
respect of all good citizens. 

Captain Woodward remained in Abingdon for some time and 
^\•as s\icceeded by Captain Sherwood. 

Upon his departure the Abingdon Virginian said : "The people 
of Abingdon and Washington county will regret to hoar of the 
transfer, as tlie official conduct of Captain Woodward has been such 
as to entitle him to the respect and confidence of those with whom 
he had business transactions. The system here worked well under 
his direction and, in the main, gave the fullest satisfaction to 
l)oth races. The Frcedmen's Bureau was abolished in the year 1869. 

In January, ISGG, the General Assembly of Virginia authorized 
the county court of Washington county to sell and dispose of its 
stock in the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Company, and the 
cuimty court of this county, pursuant to this Act, at the May 
term of said court, ap))ointed A. C. Cummings, J. C. Greenway 
and James K. Cibsoii a committee to ascertain for what price these 
bonds could be sold and upon what terms a courthouse could be 
built, 'i'his committee reported, and the contract for the erection 
of the new courthouse was awarded as follows : To Messrs. James 
and David Fields, the plastering; Mr. Hockman, of Harrisonburg, 
the carpenter's work; Messrs. Keller & Grim, the roofing; Messrs. 
Morrison and Vaughan, the painting. 

The courthouse thus let to contract was com])leted in N'ovem- 
ber, 1868, and was occupied by the courts of the county in De- 
cember of the same year. 

Elections were held throughout the county on the 34th of August, 
1866, for field officers in the militia regiments of the county, pur- 
suant to an Act of the General Assembly passed on the 2d day of 
March, 1866. 

At this election the following officers were chosen : 

One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Eegiment — Colonel, James L. 
F. Camijibell ; Lieutenant-Colonel, David 0. Eush ; Major, Joel W. 
I lortenstine ; 

One Pfundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment — Colonel, D. A. P. 
Campbell; Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert J. Keller; Major, W. W. 
Hurt 



550 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The officers elected in the One Hnndred and Fifth Regiment I 
cannot ascertain. 

The militia organization of the county, an organization that had 
existed from the earliest times, was alxdished hy the Constitution 
of 1868. 

The '^'loyal" citizens of Virginia were very much dissatisfied with 
the manner in which the State and county governments were reor- 
ganized and undertook to have tlie C^ongress of the United States 
set aside the government tlius organized in Virginia and to es- 
tahlish a territoral government in its place. 

The thirteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United 
States had been adopted in the year 1865 without opposition from 
the people of tliis State, but no sooner had the amendment been 
adopted than the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution was 
proposed. This amendment had been vetoed by President Johnson, 
but was passed over his veto by a two-thirds vote of both Houses 
of Congress. 

The General Assembly of Virginia declined, with one dissenting 
vote, to ratify this amendment. 

The Congress of the United States, on the 20th day of Febru- 
ary, 1867, passed the Shellabarger bill, which provided that when- 
ever the people of any of the States lately in rebellion should adopt 
a Constitution framed by a convention of delegates elected by the 
male citizens of said State twenty-one years of age and upwards, 
of whatever race, color or previous condition (excepting therefrom 
such persons as were disfranchised for participation in rebellion), 
and when the General xissembly of said State should ratify the 
fourteenth amendment to the Constitution, their representatives 
should be admitted to seats in the Congress of the United States. 

On the 22d day of March, 1867, another Act was passed over the 
vetO' of the President providing for the registration of the voters 
and the calling of constitutional conventions in the States lately 
in rebellion. 

By the provisions of the Acts in question a great majority of the 
white citizens were denied the right to participate in the elections 
contemplated, and great mieasiness prevailed, as there was strong 
})robability that the persons lately freed would be able to control 
the State and county organizations. 

The Southern States were divided into military districts, this 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 551 

portion of ^'il■ginia being District No. 1, comnian«lo(l by General 
.Scliofield. and, pursuant to Ibe auihority vesterl in bim by Ibo 
Congress of tbe United States, on April 2, 18G7, be issued an order 
suspending all elections by tbe j)i'0[)le until the registration of tbe 
voters had been, taken as recpiiicd by the Act of Congress. 

The IJegistration Board for this county was appointed by Gen- 
eral Scholield, and Captain John O'Neal was elected President of 
the board for this county. 

The registration of the voters of this county began on the 22d 
day of June and ended on the lUth of July, 18G7. The result of 
the registration in the nine districts of this county was as follows: 

White. Colored. 

First District, 276 170 

Second District, 33G 84 

Third District, 351 42 

Fourth District, 2,78 15 

Fifth District, 309 59 

Sixth Disti-iet, 280 106 

Seventh District, 201 38 

Kighth District, 279 34 

Ninth District, 112 19 

Total, 2,422 567 

Upon the conclusion of the registration of the voters in this 
county, by order of General Scliofield an election was ordered to be 
iield throughout Virginia on the 22d day of October, 1867, for the 
purpose of selecting delegates to a Constitutional Convention to be 
held in Richmond in December, 1867, and by the same order the 
counties of Washington and Smyth wei'c made one district and 
were entitled to two representatives. 

The two parties existing at this time were termed Conservatives 
and Kadioals, and the candidates voted for in this election were 
Joseph T. Campl)ell and J. H. Thompson, Conservatives, and 
G. G. Goodoll and Henry C. White, Radicals. The vote of this 
county for delegates in tliis election and upon the question of Die 
holding of the ccmvcntion was as follows : 

White. Colored. 

Campbell (Con), 1,180 5 

Thompson (Con), 1,175 5 



552 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1186. 

Goodell (Ead.), 416 500 

White (Ead.), 417 498 

For Convention, 422 500 

Against Co^nvention, 1,154 5 



Campbell and Thompson were elected to represent this district 
in the Constitutional Convention. This convention assembled in 
the city of Eichmond on the 3d day of December, 1867, and was com- 
posed of a hundred and five delegates, thirty-three of whom were 
Conservatives and seventy-two Eadicals. 

The Constitution proposed by this convention embodied many 
praiseworthy principles, and while some objectionable features 
were found in the instrument as originally proposed, it may be 
truthfully stated that the Constitution as ratified has given greater 
satisfaction to the majority of the people of Virginia than any simi- 
lar instrument adopted in the history of our State. The one serious 
objection to this Constitution, in the opinion of many, was the 
enfranchisement of a gi-eat body of illiterate voters, while on the 
other hand it provided for the free school system and gave all the 
guarantees necessary to the enjoyment of personal liberty to its 
fullest extent. 

This Constitution was submitted to the people at an election 
held on the 6tli day of July, 1869. 

At the same time an election was held for Governor, Lieutenant- 
Governor, Attorney-General, Congressmen, Senator and Eepresen- 
tatives in the House of Delegates. 

At this election the vote of the county was as follows : 

For the Constitution, 2,539 

Against the Constituton, 35 

For Clause 4, 491 

Against Clause 4, 2,109 

For Section 7, 493 

Against Section 7, 2,115 

For Governor— G. C. Walker, 1,971 

H. H. Wells, 569 

For Lieutenant-Governor — J. F. Lewis, 1,969 

J. D. Harris, 521 

FoT Attorney-General— J. C. Taylor, 2,042 

T. E. Bowden, 663 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 553 

For Congress — J. K. Gibson, 3,^026 

A. C. Dunn, 13 

George S, Smith, 573 

For Congress at Large — Joseph Segar, 1,876 

A. M. Crane, 564 

For State Senate — E. B. Edmondson, 860 

J. S. Greever, 1,163 

Charles McDougall, 517 

For House of Delegates — George Graham, 1,675 

.Tohn F. Terry, 1,702 

Harry Eemine, 49.7 

M. L. Ingram, 629 

Jeriel D. Linder, 98 

White voters, 2,212 

( '•olorod voters 389 



2.601 



'I'lio Constitution was ratified by the people, and Gilbert C. 
Walker, John F. Lewis, J. C. Taylor. J. K. Gibson, Joseph vSegar, 
James S. Greever, George Graham and John F. Terry were elected 
to the respective offices for which they were candidates. 

James K. Gibson was permitted to take his seat in the Congress 
of the United States on the 24th of January, 1870. 

Early in the year 1868, the Conservative party in Virginia nomi- 
nated a ticket for Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Attorney- 
General, which ticket was as follows : 

For Governor, Robert E. AVithers, of Lynchburg. 

For Lieutenant-Governor, James A. Walker, of Pulaski. 

For Attorney-General, John L. Marye, of Fredericksburg. 

The object of tlie Conservative party was not only to elect their 
ticket, but to defeat the Constitution proposed by the convention that 
adjourned on the 15th of April, 1868. iSTumerous canvassers were 
appointed tliroughout the St<ate and every preparation was made to 
defeat the Constitution proposed, but in March of the year 1869 
the Eadical convention assembled in Petersburg and two tickets 
were nominated, headed by H. H. Wells and Gilbert C. Walker, 
respectively, the latter being termed the nominee of the Liberal Ee- 
publican party. 



554 Southivest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

The State Executive Committee of the Conservative party, believ- 
ing this to be the opportunity to accomplish their object, withdrew 
their ticket and decided to support the ticket headed by Gilbert C. 
Walker, witli the result tliat Walker \\as elected by an overwhelm- 
ing majority. 

On the first day of January, 1868, the term of office of Gov- 
ernor Pierpont having expired, General Schofield appointed H. H. 
Wells Governor of the State, and on the 27th of March, 1869, an 
order was issued by the military authorities removing Wells and 
vesting all executive power of the State in General Stoneman. 

The Congress of the United States, on the 23d day of January, 
1869, adopted a resolution directing the removal of all persons 
holding civil offices under the provisional governments of Virginia 
and Texas, who could not take the oath prescribed by an act of 
Congress passed on the 22d of July, 1806, and conferring upon the 
military authorities the power to fill all vacancies from persons who 
could swear tb.at they had not engaged in the rel)ellion against tlie 
United States. In the month of February, 1869, Judge John A. 
Campbell, of the Circuit Court, was removed and John W. John- 
son, Avho'Se disal)ilities had been removed, was appointed Judge of 
this Circuit, and the following persons were appointed to fill vacan- 
cies occasioned l)y the removal of the officers of the county. 

Clerk of the Circuit Court, John O'Neal. 

Clerk of the County Court, Charles McDougall. 

County Surveyor, Leonidas Baugh. 

Sheriff, W. A. Dunn. 

Commonwealth- Attorney, Henry C. Auvil. 

At the same time members of the County Court, constables and 
overseers of the poor were appointed by General Stoneman. 

The Constitution, as originally proposed by the convention' of 
1868, contained many objectionable clauses, and, had the same 
been adopted as proposed, it would have been very disastrous and 
humiliating to Virginia, but through the intercession of a com- 
mittee of nine prominent citizens of this State, among the num- 
ber being Governor Wyndhara Eobertson, of Abingdon, General 
Grant, soon after his inauguration on the -Ith of March, 1869, by 
the direction of the Congress of the United States, issued a procla- 
mation appointing July 6, 1869, as the day for the people of the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 555 

State to vote upon the qut'stioii of tlic ratitication or rejection of 
tlie proposed Constitution. 

By tJie terms of this Act of Congress General Grant was author- 
ized to submit to the voters of the State, separately, such clauses of 
the proposed Constitution as he might think proper, and, pursuant 
to this authority^ clause four and section seven of the proposed 
Constitution were submitted to the people to be voted upon separ- 
ately and, as a result, the only obj emotionable clauses contained in 
this Constitution were eliminated. 

The General Assembly elected on the Gth of July, 1869, assembled 
in Richmond on October 5th, of the same year, and, after organiz- 
ing, ratified the fourteentli and fifteenth amendments to the Con- 
stitution of the United States, elected two United States senators 
and adjourned to meet again on the 8th of February, 1870. 

On the 28th of January, 1870, the Congress of the United States 
passed a bill admitting the representatives from the State of A'ir- 
ginin to their seats in the (^ongress of the United States. 

\\'lien the General Asseml)ly re-assembled on the 8tli nf February, 
1870, they proceeded to reorganize tlie government of the State 
under the Con.stitution. 

John A. Kelly, of Smyth county, Avas elected judge of the Circuit 
Court and R. ]\I. Page, judge of the County Court of this county. 
County officers were elected on the 8th of November, 1870, as fol- 
lows : 

Clerk of the Circuit Court, L. T. Cosby. 

Clerk of the County Court, W. G. G. Lowry. 

Commonwealth- Attorne}', James U. White. 

Sheriff, James L. F. Campbell. 

Treasurer, G<'orge H. Barr. 

The last term of the old Coiiniy Court was held on the 9th day 
of April, 1870. with tlie following members present: Henry Daven- 
port, John D. Rose and Jacob B. Kent. 

'J'his court, during it'^ existence, was one of the most valued insti- 
tutions in the State, being well suited to the genius of our people 
and affording a reliable and speedy remedy for wrongs. 

For a iiumlier of years immediately subsequent to the close of 
the war. an organization existed in this county and in man}' por- 
tions of the South, known as the Ku-Klux-Klan, having for its 
object the restriction of that large body of freedmen found in every 



556 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



section of the South, and, in many instances, very diflScult to con- 
trol, the object being to restrain the vicious without the commission 
of any wrong against the well-meaning freedman. The terror 
created in the minds of the ordinary f reedmen by the mention of the 
word Ku-Klux-Klan would be hard to describe. 

The following notice was published in the Abingdon paper on the 
3d of April, 1868 : 

"NOTICE. 
TO THE UNTEREIFIED KU-KLUX-KLAN". 



No. 969. 



.1- 



X O 



Meet at the Smoky Den of Destruction to hear what the royal 
avenging Giant has to say for the good of this Klan; be prompt to 
be there at 2 o'clock on the 1st April (night).* 

By order of the 4th Demon now in the land." 

In the month of January, 1869, a depot was erected by the Vir- 
ginia and Tennessee Railroad Company near Goforth's Mill, six 
miles east of Bristol, and since that time a considerable town has 
grown up at this point and is now known as Wallace's Switch. 

A Law Library Association was organized in Abingdon in Octo- 
ber, 1869, by James W. Humes and other prominent citizens of the 
town, but for some reason this association was short lived. 

On the 24th of November, 1870, the sense of the people of this 
county was taken upon a proposition for a county subscription of 
$200,000 to the Norfolk and Great Western railroad, and the propo- 
sition was negatived by a vote of nine hundred and ninety-five 
against, to twO' hundred and thirty-eight for. 

The county of Washington, previous to the year 1872 divided 
into nine districts, was changed in that year, pursuant to an 
Act of the General Assembly, and was divided into six districts by 
M. H. Buchanan, I. A. McQuown, D. A. P. Campbell, John Eob- 
erts, John M. Hamilton and W. P. Wallace, commissioners 
appointed by the County Court of this county for that purpose. 

The names of the districts as thus established were Glade Spring, 



•This notice was published along with a representation of a skull an4 
cross bones. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 55 1' 

Siiltville, North Fork, Abingdon, Goodson and Kinderhook Dis- 
tricts. Tu 18TG, by order of the County Court of this county, Hol- 
ston District was established and became the Seventh District of 
Hie county. 

At this point I will close the history of tlie county, as it has often- 
times been truly said : "Nations only begin to look after the his- 
tory of their founders and search into their origin when they have 
outlived the memory thereof." 

EDUCxVTION. 

By far the most creditable chapter in the history of Abingdon and 
the people of Washington county, has been the effort of the people 
to afford excellent facilities for the education of the youthful 
inhabitants of Abingdon and the surrounding country. 

William Webb was the first schoolnuister that tauf^ht an Enolisli 
scliool in the vicinity of Abingdon. lie was an Englishman and 
came to America in the employment of Lord Fairfax, in whose 
land otlice in the Northern Neck of Virginia he wrote for many 
years at the same time that George Washington, with whom Mr. 
Webb was well acquainted, ^\*as surveying for Lord Fairfax. He 
came to Abingdon in 1782 or 1783 with a wife and nine chil- 
dren and was employed by John Campbell, clerk of the county, in 
recording deeds and doing other work in the clerk's office. Soon 
after his arrival Mr. Campbell had a school made up for him, and a 
schoolhouse was built just across the creek from Mr. Findlay's old 
tan-yard, at the liead of Black's mill pond, and near where a good 
spring came out from between rocks. The ground was the floor and 
the seats for the sciiolars were made of hewn slabs placed on forks 
driven into the ground around the walls, and their writing table was 
of the same material placed on forks in the middle of the room. Such 
was the furniture of the first school-house in Abingdon. Mr. Webb 
was a very small man, with a round face and sparkling black eyes. 
lie was talkative, lively and intelligent, and though feeble, was very 
inde|)endent in his opinions, and when aroused was as bold as a 
lion. He had a ready use of his pen and wrote a most beautiful 
hand, as is evident from an inspection of his work now to be found 
in the clerk's office of Washington county. Mr. Webb removed to 
Russell county in 1786, and settled near the present location of 
Tazewell Courthouse, Virginia, and taught school until his death in 
the year 1818. 



658 Southwest Virginia, IHS-IHSG. 

The next teacher of any distinction that came to the vicinity of 
Abingdon was Turner Lane, an Irishman, who had previously 
thereto tauglit school at the Eoyal Oak, where Marion, in Smyth 
county now stands. lie began to teach school in Abingdon in the 
year 1786, in a house on the land of John Bradley. In 1788 or 
1789 a school-house was built for him near the "meeting-house 
spring, at a location within the present enclosure of the Sinking 
Spring Cemetery. At this location he taught for several years, 
and subsequently removed to Tennessee and settled near Sparta. 
He was a man of good size and appearance, very orderly in his 
requirements in school, but not tyrannical.* 

At this location a school was conducted until the organization of 
the Abingdon Male Academy in the year 1802. 

ABINGDON MALE ACADEMY. 
At the fall session of the General Assembly of Virginia in the 
year 1802, Eobert Craig, Sr., a member of the Legislature from 
Washington county, at the request of a number of prominent citi- 
zens of Abingdon, introduced a bill in the Legislature of Virginia 
having for its object the incorporation of the Abingdon Academy. 
This bill became a law on the i;ith of January, 1803, and provided 
that: 

John Campbell, Eobert Craig, Sr., 

Eichard White, Eobert Campbell, 

James Bradley, Gerrard T. Conn, 

William King, Francis Preston, 

James White, Claiborne Watkins, 

Andrew EusseJl, William Tate, 

Henry Dixon, Frederick Hamilton and 

David Campbell, 
should constitute a body politic and incorporate by the name of 
the Trustees of Abingdon Academy, and by that name should have 
perpetual succession, a common seal, and sue and be sued. They 
Avere given the power to make rules and regulations, to appoint 
oflBcers and remove the same, in the establishment and conduct of 
the proposed Academy, and vacancies occurring on the Board of 
Trustees were to be filled by the surviving trustees." 

By this same act the trustees of the town of Abingdon and their 
successors, or the majority of them, were authorized to raise, not , 



»Gov. David Campbell M;S 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 559 

exceeding $:<!,UUU, by lottery or lotteries, to be applied l)y tlieiu in 
purchasing a library, philosophical and mathematical apparatus, and 
anything else necessary for the use of the said Academy, 

The scliool as thus chartered was opened in the Masonic Hall,* 
in the town of Abingdon, in the fall of the year 1803, and the Acad- 
emy was conducted in the same hall until about the year 1820. 

JOvery member of the Board of Trustees appointed by this act was 
personally interested in the success of the Academy, each contribut- 
ing everytliing possible io I ho institution and the success of the same. 

Four members of the Jioard of Trustees of the town of Abing- 
don mot at the courthouse in the town of Abingdon on the 18th 
of Juno, 1803, and, pursuant to the provisions of the Act of the 
Assembly of date January 13, 1803, had the following proceedings: 

"At a m(>oting of the trustees of the town of Abingdon, at tlie 
courtlionso of \\';isbingii)n ooimty. on Saturday, the 18th day of 
, I lino, 1803. 

l^rosent. Robert ("ani|)l)oll. Andrew IJussell, Frederick Hamilton 
iiml .lames White. 

By an act of tlie Cenoral Assembly of the Commonwealth of Vir- 
ginia. ]>assed the 13th day of ,lanuary, 1803, it is enacted that it 
shall and may bo lawful for the trustees of the said to^^oi^ and their 
successors or a nuijoi'ity of tliom. to raise by lottery or lotteries, a 
sum, not exceeding two thousand dollars, to be applied by them in 
purchasing a library, philosophical and mathematical apparatus, 
and anything else necessary for the use of the said Academy. In 
pursuance whereof we have adopted the following scheme of a lot- 
torv to 1m^ denominated 'TIio Abingdon Academy Lottery,' to raise 
the sum of two thousand dollars for the purposes aforesaid, by 
account of tw(^nty i)er cent, on prizes alone. 

1 Prize of $1,000 $ 1,000 

2 Prizes of $500 1,000 

15 Trizes of $100, 1,500 

40 Prizes of $50, 2,000 

50 Prizes of $20 1,000 

700 Prizes of $5, 3,500 

808 Prizes, $10,000 

1192 Blanks, 

2,000 Tickets(??$5, $10,000 

•This hall stood on the lot^ now occnpied by the new oonnty jail on Water street. 



560 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The drawing will cx>nmience in the Abingdon Academy as soon 
as the tickets are sold, and continued from day to day until finally 
completed; immediately after which the prizes will be paid to the 
fortunate adventurers. Such as shall not be demanded within six 
months after the close of the drawing will be considered as relin- 
quished. We have adopted the following form of the tickets: 

Abingdon Academy! 

This ticket, No. entitles the drawer to the first 

prize annexed to its number subject to a discount of twenty 
per cent, thereon. 

ROBERT CAMPBELL, 
ANDREW RUSSELL, 
FREDERICK HAMILTON, 
JAMES WHITE, 

Trustees. 

There can be no question that the drawing under this lot- 
tery took place, but with what success it is impossible to ascertain. 

The first principal of the Abingdon Academy is unknown, and 
the success attending the Academy previous to 1820 is equally 
unknown; but it is probable that the institution received consid- 
erable patronage and to some extent at least met the object of its 
projectors. 

William King, a young man who had been identified with the 
town of Abingdon since an early day in its history, became very 
much interested in the Abingdon Academy, and being a man of con- 
siderable means, at the time of the execution of his will he made the 
following provision for the Academy — to- wit: I also leave and 
bequeath to the Abingdon Academy the sum of ($10,000) ten thou- 
sand dollars payable to the trustees in the year 1816, or lands to 
that amount, to be vested in said Academy with the interest or rents 
thereon forever." 

His will was probated on the 20th of December, 1808. 

William King was an Irishman and a self-made man in every 
particular, but evidently had received a good English education 
himself. By this act he rendered a great service to many gen- 
erations of people, and his name will be intimately associated with 
the history of his adopted home as long as education is appreciated 
by our people. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 561 

In the fall of the year 1812, tlie following advertisement appeared 
in the "Political Prospect/' a newspaper published in Abingdon : 

ABINGDOJS^ ACADEMY. 

"The trustees of this institution have the happiness to announce 
to the friends of Erudition, that the muses are about to pour out 
tli'eir treasures from the Pierian Spring in this Seminary. To the 
American Youth who thirst for literary acquirements, they offer the 
draughts of: 

LANGUAGE AND SCIENCE. 

Under 

Tlio KEV. THOMAS EKSKINE BIRCH, WHOSE TALENTS 

as a preceptor have been so universally authenticated that any 

encomium is unnecessary. 

PEICES FOR TUITION. 

For a novitiate, $10 00 

Reading and writing, 12 00 

English Gram., Arithmetic, &c., 15 00 

Language & Mathematical Science, Elocution, Philosophy, 
Belles-Lettres and Astronomy, Book-keeping, geography 

and Navigation, &c., 20 00 

Nothing more is known of the Academy at this time. 
The trustees of the Abingdon Academy in the year 1819 insti- 
tuted a suit in the court of this county having for its object the 
enforcement of the provision made by William King in his will for 
Abingdvu Academy. 

Matthew Willoughby, Edward Latham and James Vance Avere 
iijipointed coimnissioners by the court to ascertain the lands owned 
l)y \\'illiam King in Abingdon and vicinity, and to ascertain the 
value of taid lands and report to the court. 

These commissioners reported to the court at the October term 
thereof, and by a decree of said court entered on the 22d of Decem- 
ber, 1819, the following lands were directed to be conveyed by the 
lulult heirs of William King, deceased, and by Jacob Lynch, com- 
misfiioner of the court, to the trustees of the Abingdon Academy, 
99 acres and 31 poles; 29 acres and 80 poles; 10 1-2 acres; 20 3-4 
acres; 32 acres and 59 poles; 32 acres; 40% acres; 15 acres and 
120 poles; 17 acres and 88 poles; 8^/4 acres; 100 acres; 10 quarter- 



562 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

acre lots in the Robert Craig addition to the town of Abingdon^, and 
being lots Nos. 31, 35, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 43; 10 quarter-acre 
lots in the David Craig addition to said town, and being lots Nos. 
15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30." 

Deeds were executed pursuant to this order of the court, and the 
trustees of the Academy set about in earnest to make the institu- 
tion of great service to the community. 

Soon after the determination of this suit, the trustees of Abingdon 
Academy employed Nathaniel Holley as principal of the xVcademy, 
and rented a room for the school to be taught in until the Academy 
building could be erected. 

In the year 1824, the Board of Trustees appointed Francis Smith, 
James Cummings and Earl B. Clapp, curators for the Academy 
land, and in the same year appointed David Campbell, James White 
and Francis Smith, a committee to select a location for the Academy 
and have the site for the ilcademy cleared out, and in the following 
year, Francis Smith, John M. Preston and David Campbell, were 
appointed a committee tO' let the contract for the erection of a brick 
Academy to cost $2,000, and at the same time the Board of Directors 
directed that the cost of the erection of this Academy be paid by 
money raised by private subscription. 

In the year 1826, when the brick Academy was nearing com- 
pletion, the Board of Trustees of the Academy sold and conveyed 
to General Francis Preston, all their interest in the old Academy 
building on Water street, and in the year 1827, occupied the new 
Academy building, and elected W^illiam Ewing principal. 

The brick x^cademy erected in this year was situated upon the 
location of the present Academy building, and was one of the best 
school buildings in AA^estern Virginia at the time. 

William Ewing served as principal of the Academy until 1833, 
and during his occupancy the attendance was considerable and the 
Academy prosperous. 

From the year 1833 to 1837, Professor Peter McViccar, formerly 
a professor in Hampden-Sidney College, was principal of the Acad- 
emy, and received for his compensation $1,300 yearly. The tui- 
tion fee was $10 per session and the number of students exceeded 
forty. 

In the vear 1833, the trustees of Abingdon Academy decided that 
it would be advisable to unite the male and female schools of the 



Waskinglon County, 1777-1S70. 563 

town, and appointed a committee to ascertain the practicability of 
selling the Academy lands and uniting the two schools, but this 
undertaking of the trustees evidently failed, as there is no evidence 
that the two schools were ever united. 

In the year 1833 there were four schools for bo3's in the town 
of Abingdon, conducted by the Eev. David Spyker, Rev. F. L. B. 
Shaver, Samuel Baillie and a Mr. Hathaway, and one school for 
girls. 

In the year 1774, Dr. Thomas Walker conveyed to the minister 
and congi'egation of Sinking S})riug and their successors fifty-five 
acres of land, now in West Abingdon and including Sinking Spring 
Cemetery, and a portion of Fruit Hill and Taylor's Hill. 

In the year 1800 the validity of this deed was questioned by some, 
and on the 11th of January, 1800, Colonel Francis W^alker, as 
executor of Dr. Thomas Walker, conveyed this same land to the 
Eev. Charles Cummings and others and their successors. 

In the year 1840, the validity of this last conveyancee was ques- 
tioned, and on the 23d of May in that year, William C. Rives and 
his wife, Judith P. Rives, Mann Page, and Jane F. Page, the heirs- 
at-law of Dr. Thomas Walker, conveyed these lands to the trustees 
of Abingdon Academy and their successors. 

Subsequently it was decided that the first deed executed by Dr. 
Walker was valid and, consequently, all subsequent deeds void. 

The next information that we have of the Academy is in the year 
1849, at which time W. A. Woodson and B. F. Fieklin were prin- 
cipals. 

During the administration of Woodson and Fieklin the Academy 
was a military institution, and for a number of years thereafter. 
The students were uniformed and daily drilled. The uniform worn 
by the students was as follows : A coatee of gray cloth with white 
metal buttons, with pantaloons of the same material for winter, 
&nd white linen or cotton for summer and a blue cloth cap. The 
attendance during this period in the history of tlie school was 
large, and the school was exceedingly prosperous. 

W. A. \\'oo(lson and J. M. Brockenbrough were the principals 
of the Academy in the year 1851, but they disagreed, and J. M. 
Brockenbrough during the following year conducted a school for 
boys in the basement of the Temperance Hall. To this school he 



564 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

gave the name of Washington Institute, but the school ceased to 
exist after the first year. 

Tlie principals of tlie Abingdon Academy from 1822 until the 
present time have been as follows: 

1823-1827, Nathaniel Holley. 

1827-1833, William Ewing. 

1833-1837, Peter McViccar. 

1837-1838, Eev. Ephraim D. Saunders, Cumberland county. 

1838-1840, George Clive, Albemarle county. 

1840-1843, Eev. Samuel Matthews. 

1843-1849, John G. Winniford. 

1849-1850, B. F. Ficklin and W. A. Woodson. 

1850-1851, W. A. Woodson and J. M. Brockenbrough. 

1851-1852, W. A. Woodson and W. Y. C. Humes. 

1852-1853, J. E. Blankenship. 

1853-1854, Eev. Thomas Brown. 

1854-1855, Eev. Henry T. Lee. 

1855-1856, Stephen J. Pendleton, Williamsburg. 

1856-1859, Eev. Thomas Brown. 

1859-1860, Charles T. Brown. 

1860-1861, E. H. Hall. 

1861-1865, William Farmer. 

1865-1871, Eobert P. Carson. 

1871-1872, John H. McEae. 

And since 1872, Eobert P. Carson, J. B. Baker, A. P. Wilraer, 
J. W. Cole and B. E. Smith in the order named. 

It is worthy of mention at this point that Jolin G. Winniford, who 
for a number of years successfully conducted the Abingdon Acad- 
emy, was the son of the principal contractor in the building of 
EmO'ry and Henry College, and probably the first graduate of that 
institution. 

Mr. Hall, the principal of this Academy in the year 1861, resigned 
his position as principal of the Academy and enlisted in the service 
of the Confederate States. 

Eobert J. Preston, Samuel B. Paston and James G. McChain, in 
the order named, were assistant professors at the Academy during 
the administration of Eobert P. Carson. 

In the spring of the year 1861, the volunteers from Scott county 
were permitted to occupy the Abingdon Academy temporarily, but 



Washingion County, 1777-1870. 565 

this permission was abused, and the trustees of the Academy peti- 
tioned the Secretary of War of the Confederate States to prohibit 
the use of the Academy by the soldiers, and in June, 1862, tliis 
petition was granted and the soldiers forbidden to occupy the 
Academy. 

By the year 1872 the Academy buildings by neglect and bad usage 
had cracked and were in a very dilapidated condition, and the Board 
of Trustees, because of the necessity above stated, began the erection 
in that year of the present Academy building and the brick residence 
near thereto. 

The corner-stone of the Academy was relaid Jointly by Waterman 
Lodge, No. 219, and Al)ingdon Lodge, No. 48, Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masons, on the 15th day of July, A. L., 5872, A. D., 1872, 
conducted by P. G. M. Thomas F. Owens. 

The program was as follows : 

Robert E. Withers, Grand Master of Virginia. 

Waterman Lodge, No. 219. 

John C. Campbell, Master. 

John G. Clark, S. W. 

William White, J. W. 

George R. Barr, Secretary. 

Charles B. Coale, Treasurer. 

Abingdon Lodge, No. 48. 
John A. Barrow, Master. 
P. C. Landrum, S. W. 
John D. Cosby, J. W. 
G. V. Litchfield, Secretary. 
W. F. Barr, Treasurer. 

Committee of Arrangements: 

P. M. Page, 1 

George P. Barr, I Lodge No. 219. 

Thomas K. Trigg, J 

G. V. Litchfield, ] 

John D. Cosby, V Lodge, No. 48. 

John A. Barrow, I 



5G6 Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

Trustees of Al)ingdoii Academy: 

E. M. Campbell, President. 

John G. Kreger, Secretary and Treasurer. 

James K. Gibson, C. S. Bekem, 

John A. Campbell, A. C. Cummings, 

A. E. Preston, George V. Litchfield, Sr., 

Charles J. Cummings, IST. K. White, 

T. G. McConnell, D. G. Thomas, 

James Fields, S. N. Honaker, 

James L. White. 
Contractors : 
James Fields, Masonry. 
Frank Smith, carpenter. 

The buildings thus begun were completed in a short time, and at 
this day are in use by the authorities of the Academy. 

The trustees of the Academy in the meantime had sold and con- 
veyed the property derived imder the will of AVilliam King, and, pre- 
vious to 18G1, had used the interest arising from this endowment 
fund in discharging the current expenses of the school, but by the 
depreciation of the securities held by the Board of Trustees for this 
fund, the entire fund was exhausted by the erection of the buildings 
before mentioned and since that time the school has been without 
an endowment fund. 

Since the close of the war the following gentlemen have acted as 
principals of the Academy in the order named: Colonel E. P. Car- 
son, J. B. Baker, A. P. Wilmer, J. W. Cole, and B. E. Smith. 

This Academy is situated within view of the Norfolk and Western 
Eailway and about one-quarter of a mile from the depot thereof. 
The grounds consist of about eighteen acres of land, and the 
Academy buildings are situated on a high hill in the midst of a 
splendid grove of poplar., oak and chestnut trees overlooking the 
town of Abingdon, and from this hill a splendid view may be had 
of all the surrounding country. 

Many of the distinguished men produced by this county and this 
section of Virginia have been students of this Academj', and under 
its present very efficient management many of the sons of this sec- 
tion of Virginia are being prepared for a life of usefulness and 
honor. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 567 

What this Academy most needs is an endowment fund that will 
enable the trustees to extend the sphere of usefulness of the institu- 
tion, and if some of our well-to-do citizens could be impressed with 
the fact that wealth transmitted to descendants has an enervatine: 
effect and oftentimes destroys the usefulness of excellent men, maybe 
they would be impelled to confer a small portion at least of their 
wealth upon this institution, and thereby forever merit the love 
and respect of their fellow-citizens and their posterity. The pro- 
vision contained in the will of William King, as above set out, has 
done more to perpetuate his memory and to instill into the minds of 
his posterity and fellow-citizens a sublime respect for his character 
as a man than all the great wealth that passed at his death to his 
relatives. 

Female Education. 

As early as March, 1840, the General Assembly of Virginia in- 
corporated the Abingdon Female Academy with a capital of $50,- 
000, under the management of the following trustees : 

David Campbell, John M. Preston, 

Alexander Findlay, John W. C. Watson, 

John N. Humes, Fairman H. Preston, 

Jacob Lynch, Daniel Trigg, 

Samuel H. Wills, William Y. C. White, 

-leri'iuiah Bronough, Jolm C. Greenway, 
John Dunn. 

This school was for many years conducted in a room in the Ma- 
sonic Hall, which was located on Valley street, on now the vacant 
lot between the Presbyterian manse and the residencee of Mrs. S. 
M. Withers. This school for many 3'ears was under the supervision 
of Miss Melville and ^liss Agnes Mitchell (the latter won distinc- 
tion by her production entitled the "Smuggler's Son"), and after- 
wards by Miss Bettie Litchfield, and at one time by the Rev. Thomas 
Brown. 

In the year 1851, Miss Bettio Litchfield conducted the school at 
the Masonic Hall, and Misses Scillie C. and Elizabeth Balfour con- 
ducted a school for young ladies in the Methodist Protestant church. 

In February of the year 1851, a committee appointed by the 
Holston Conference met in Abingdon and discussed the propriety 
of establishing a female college within the bounds of the confer- 



568 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



ence ; and while this committee failed to establish a school in Abing- 
don, the subject was extensively discussed and was finally bronght 
to the attention of McCabe Lodge, No. 56, I. 0. 0. P., of Abingdon, 
and, as a result, tlie lodge, in the year 1853, projected a plan for the 
erection of a first-class female college in Abingdon, to which was 
given the name of 

MAETHA WASHINGTON COLLEGE. 

This name was suggested by Colonel John Campbell, of Hall's 
Bottom, who, in speaking of this enterprise, said : "If the name of 
your county was the first honor of the kind paid to General Wash- 




rr-jT-*,-* >f».«i-s.V4* vt '^fd 



ti*" 



J'^-^-i^j 







4. -■•^ 

•f^ s-V 3S> i',MS~t 



Martha Washington College, Abingdon, Va. 

ington, the name you are about to give to your female college will 
be the first of the kind paid to his wife, who shared with him his 
anxieties and hopes in our struggle for liberty and whose domestic 
virtues made her a perfect model of female excellence. By thus con- 
ferring the name you Avill do honor to the bosom friend of Washing- 
ton, who consoled him during his wonderful career. You will also 
do honor to the first settlers of Washington county, who proved 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 569 

themselves in the darkest hours of the revolution to be worthy the 
name that had been selected for their county." 

The Odd-Fellows Lodge that undertook this worthy enterprise 
was organized on tlie 27th of June, 1847, the following persons 
being charter members : James D. McCabe, John C. Campbell, F. L. 
B. Shaver, Matthew Davis and Charles B. Coale. 

The growth of the lodge was rapid, and its usefulness was un- 
bounded, and by the year 1853 most of the leading citizens of Abing- 
don were active members. 

When the lodge had decided to undertake this enterprise co'mmit- 
tees were appointed to select the location for the college and ascer- 
tain the cost thereof, to solicit subscriptions from the citizens of the 
town and county nnd from other lodges, and shortly thereafter the 
lodge purchased from A\'illiam Y. C. White about ten acres of land 
oil the hill nortli of the county courthouse for the sum of twelve 
hundred dollars, the purcliase money being paid in casli. W. W. 
l')l;u'kford, a member of the lodge, was employed to furnish the plan 
for said college, which ])l;iii was rejini'ted and adopted, and contracts 
wore let for the building of a largo threo-story biiilding intended 
as the main building of the college. 

In the moantimo ilio (ionoral Assembly of Virginia, on the 3d 
day of ]\rarch, 1854, incorjioralod tho,pro}X)vsed college under the 
name and style of the Trustees of the ]\Iartlia Washington College, 
the following gentlemen being named as trustees: B. E. Johnston, 
James IT. Dunn, James Fiolds. David C. Dunn, John L. Bradle}^, 
Samuel Garner, George I?. Barr, Samuel Ijogan, William K. Heis- 
koll, Thomas L. Preston, Peter E. B. C. Henritze, Henry W. Baker 
and John C. Cummings, to which board were subsequently added 
Cliarles B. Coale and John G. Kreger. 

This board organized by the election of Thomas L. Preston as 
president of the board. 

The ladies of the town were interested, and conducted several 
fairs for the benefit of the college. A Gift Enterprise was conducted 
at Abingdon and 50,000 tickets were sold at $1.00 each. Fifty thou- 
sand gifts were bestowed upon the holders of the tickets sold, among 
the gifts being a farm of 150 acres of land, house and lot in the town 
of Abingdon, piano, carriage, buggy, certificates of scholarship in 
iho pro]x>sed college, and several thousand steel engravings of the 
proposed college buildings. 



570 Southwest Virginia, 17J/6-1786. 

By the year 1858 the main building of the college was about com- 
pleted and the grounds somewhat improved, when, during a very 
severe storm, the building was so badly injured as to make it neces- 
sary to tear it down and rebuild it, and it was apparent that the 
lodge would not be able to complete the undertaking as at first pro- 
posed, although they had expended $30^000 thereon. 

At this time the Rev. E. E. Wiley, representing the Holston Con- 
ference, submitted a proposition to the lodge on behalf of the confer- 
ence. The lodge accepted the proposition of the conference, and 
the college, with its debts, real estate and subscription list, was 
transferred to the Holston Conference, the transfer taking effect 
on Monday, Jime 14, 1858. 

The conference immediately began preparations for the comple- 
tion of the enterprise undertaken by the lodge, and soon thereafter 
purchased from Thomas L. Preston the present location of the col- 
lege for the sum of $21,600. 

The property thus purchased was the former residence of Gen- 
eral Francis Preston, and the home at one time of William C. Pres- 
ton and John S. Preston, of South Carolina; Mrs. Wade Hampton, 
South Carolina; Mrs. Robert J. Breckenridge, of Kentucky; Mrs. 
General Carrington, of Albemarle county; Mrs. John B. Floyd, 
Mrs. James McDowell, of Rockbridge, and Mrs. John M. Preston, of 
Abingdon. 

The Grcneral Assembly of Virginia incorporated Martha Wash- 
ington College on the 22d of February, 1860, naming the following 
trustees : 

George V. Litchfield, Ephraim E. Wiley, 

Milton Y. Heiskell, T. P. Hoofnagle, 

B. R. Johnston, William P. Bishop, 

C. B. Coale, W. K. Heiskell, 
Thomas S. Stewart, Edmond Longley, 
Joseph Haskew, Thomas G. McConnell, 

John A. Campbell. 

This board organized by the election of John A. Campbell as 
president, and the first session of the school was duly opened on 
March 15, 1860, and, save for the suspension of a few months in 
the year 1862, has continued in successful operation to the present, 
the last few years being the most prosperous in its entire history. 

This college can boast of more than three hundred and fifty grad- 



Washington Cnuniy, 1777-1870. 571 

nates, representing all of the Southern States and many of the 
Northern and Western States. 

The description of the buildings and grounds is best given by one 
of the original trustees of this college : 

"The buildings and grounds are of the most elaborate and mag- 
nificent order, unsurjiassed for beauty and convenience in the South 
or out of it. The grouuds comprise eight acres, and are gorgeously 
ornamented with trees and shrid)S and flowers. There are more 
than a mile of continuous serpentine walks for the young ladies 
to jjromenade in, all tastefully bordered with flowering shrubbery. 
Fruits in great variety^ including !)erries and grapes in great abund- 
ance, grow in all parts of the ground, at all times in their season 
accessible to the inmates, and the young ladies seem, in their beau- 
tiful and well-ordered "home school," to be as happy as the first 
inhabitants of Eden, before that Snake came along. The buildings 
are extensive, convenient and imposing, and capable of accommo- 
dating from 125 to 150 boarders. The Faculty is equal to any 
anywhere; and if we were young again, we believe we might be 
bewildered at tlie sight of the bright eyes, sunny curls and fairy- 
like forms that sport amid the flowers of the campus on calm sum- 
mer evenings. Some of our young men are half crazy now, but 
they dare not pass the enclosure, except to see a sister or a cousin, and 
they all have cousins of cours(\. and even then nearly every tree and 
bush and flower seems to say — ^"tlius far shalt thou go and no 
further."* 

The buildings, four in nund)er. are constructed of brick, and are 
heated by steam rind are lighted by incandescent electric lights. 

The pi-incipals of this college during its very useful career have 
l)een : W. A. Ilnnis. I>. Arbogast, R. W. Jones, Warren Dupree, 
F. E. IToss. K. Iv Wih'v. D. S. ITcaron. S. N. Barker and W. M. 
Dyer. 

STUXKWALL JACKSON INSTITUTE. 

Tn tlie vear ISGS, a luiuihcr of the prominent citizens of Abing- 
don, principally alliliating witli the Presbyterian Church, feeling 
it necessary that another school for the education of girls should be 
estivblishcd in this section of the State, undertook the founding of 
sucli an institution in the town of Ai>iiigdon. 



*Charles B. Coale. 



572 



Southwest Virginia, 17.1/6-17S6. 



The location selected was the brick residence erected by General 
John S. Preston in the year 1833, and lots K"os. 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 
21 and 3-4 of lot No. 9, in West Abingdon. This property was 
occupied by General Preston until his removal to South Carolina, 
and then by Governor Floyd until the time of his death. 

After the death of Governor Floyd, his Avife, Sally B. Floyd, and 
W. B. Byars, trustee, conveyed this property to A. L. Hendricks, 
who, on the 16th of January, 1868, sold and transferred the same 
to the trustees of Martha Washington College. 




Stonewall Jackson Institute, Abingdon, Va. 

When it was definitely determined to undertake the establish- 
ment of this school, the trustees of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian 
Church, purchased from the Trustees of Martha Washington College 
the property above mentioned, and the gentlemen interested at 
once met and organized a Board of Trustees composed of the fol- 
lowing gentlemen: W. Y. C. White, A. C. Cummings, T. P. Clapp, 
F. B. Hurt, Eobert A. Preston, T. M. Clapp, James W. Preston, Eev. 
James McChain, D. G. Thomas, D. C. Dunn, S. A. Preston, 
D. C. Greenway and J. G. Kreger, and elected the following officers : 

President, W. Y. C. White. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 51Z 

Vice-President, A. C. Cuinmings. 

Secretary, John G. Kreger. 

Treasurer, Samuel A. Preston. 

The Trustees of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church 
appointed the Rev. A. L. Hogshead as agent to solicit subscrip- 
tions to the new enterprise, and the Board of Trustees gave to the 
new institution the name of Jackson Female Institute, and selected 
tlie Rev. Samuel Davies Stuart, of StauntoD, Virginia, as principal 
of the institution for the first year, and the Rev. Thomas Brown as 
])rincipal professor. The first session of this school began on the 
l.")t]i of September, 18G8, with a large attendance and bright pros- 
pects. The name given to the institution was bestowed and intended 
as a tribute, so far as such an act can constitute a tribute, to a 
majestic character, a great name that will ever shine with un- 
iliimiK'd glory upon the page of history. 

W'lien General Tjce received information of the organization of 
this institution he addressed the following letter to the principal 
of the Institute, expressing his feelings in regard thereto: 

h'l'V. 6'. D. Stuart: 

In reply to yours of the Kith instant in reference to the Stone- 
wall Jackson Institute, I assure you that any scheme designed to 
perpetuate the recollections of the virtue and patriotism of General 
.Jackson meets with my approval. As he was a friend of learning, 
I know of no more effective and appropriate method of accomplish- 
ing the pi-aiseworlhy object in question than the establisliment of 
.m institution in which the young women of our country may be 
iiained for the importiint and responsible duties of life. I hope 
tlie institution established by the peo])le of Southwest Virginia, and 
• it-dicated to the memory of General T. J. Jackson, may meet with 
■ iitire success and prove a blessing to the State. 
"S'ery respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE. 

\\'liat more fitting monument could be erected to the memory of 
General Jackson, who was loved chiefly for his patriotism, gen- 
tleness, truth, his love for his family and his God, than an institu- 
tion of learning of this character. 

Could General Jackson know the manner in which the young 
lady pupils of this institution are taught and witness them in their 
uniforms of Confederate gray, he would feel that this is the grand- 



574 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

est monument that has yet been erected to his name by a loving 
people. 

By the year 1870, it was found necessary to have this institution 
incorporated, and the General Assembly of Virginia, on the 37th of 
June, 1870, incorporated the same with the following Trustees: 
W. Y. C. White, T. P. Clapp, James W. Preston, S. A. Pres- 
ton, David C. Dunn, Floyd B. Hurt, D. G. Thomas, John G. 
Kreger, David C. Greenway, H. S. Preston, E. H. Barnett, George 
E. Barr, James W. Humes, George W. Palmer, A. C. Cummings, 
Isaac B. Dunn and Joseph P. x4.nderson. 

I. B. Dunn and Joseph It. Anderson declined to serve as trustees 
and E. M. Page and John A. Buchanan were elected toi fill the 
vacancies. 

Considerable difficulty was experienced by the trustees of this 
institution in relieving it from its indel)tedness, but after a few 
years the financial condition of the institution was such as to 
justify the erection of a commodious addition, three stories in height, 
at the east end of the original building, and about ten years ago a 
handsome building was erected at the west end of the original build- 
ing, and the grounds were terraced and placed in excellent condi- 
tion. 

The trustees of this institution until recent years were selected, 
one-half by the trustees of the Institute and the other half by the 
trustees of Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, but, in the year 
1896, the trustees of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church 
transferred their interest in the institution to Abingdon Presbytery, 
and the charter of Jackson Female Institute was amended by the 
General Assembly changing the name to Stonewall Jackson Insti- 
tute and provides for the appointment of new trustees by the Abing- 
don Presbytery and the trustees of the Institute. 

It may be said that this institution bids fair to experience in the 
near future such an era of prosperity and usefulness as is seldom 
witnessed, and that not without cause. 

Could the fathers and mothers of our country know and expe- 
rience the gentle Christian-like influences that are constantly 
exerted by the principal of this institution in her dealings with her 
pupils, they could not liesitate to intrust their daughters to her care. 

The Institute is situated upon a beautiful eminence on west Main 



Wxshinr/toH rnunii/, 1777-1870. 575 

street, the grounds are studded with handsome shade trees, all of 
them of full growth, many of them of stately stature and patri- 
archs 1 age ; the surface is undulating in graceful terraces and inter- 
sected hy winding paths. The front and sides of the campus are 
enclosed with a handsome stone wall, surmounted throughout its 
entire length by an artistic iron fence. The buildings occupy the 
crest of a hill of considoi-aldo elevation above the street upon which 
they front and from which they are quite far removed, while the 
town of Abingdon is 2,05,7 feet above the level of the sea. In salu- 
brity of climate, which is an important consideration in selecting a 
school, Southwest Virginia is not excelled by any other section of 
the country. 

The principals of the institute since its founding have been: 
Rev. Samuel D. Stuart, Thomas D. Davidson, A. Q. Holliday, Eev. 
John 0. Sullivan, J. D. Anderson and Miss Kate M. Hunt. 

Tender the present administration the institute has received a 
larger patronage than in any preceding period of its history. 

EMORY AND HENRY COLLEGE. 

From an eai'ly day in our liistory the need of an institution of 
learning that would afford educational advantages of a high order 
was keenly felt, and for many years the practicability of establish- 
ing such an institution was discussed by the leading citizens of this 
section of onr country, ])ut no practical results were obtained until 
about the year 1833. Oolonel William Byars, Tobias Smith, Alex- 
ander Findlay and the Rev. Creed Fulton, about this time, under- 
took the establishment of such an institution in this county, and 
had made some progress, when the Holston Conference of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, at its fall session of 1835, held in Knox- 
ville, Tennessee, resolved to establisli in Southwestern Virginia a 
luanual labor college, and soon thereafter, on the 9th of April, 1836, 
Colonel William Byars and Alexander Findlay purchased from 
George M. Crawford and the other devisees of the Rev. Edward 
Crawford, 554 1-2 acres of land for the sum of $4,158.75. 

The lands thus purchased were situated on the waters of Cedar 
creek, described in the deed as the waters of the Little Holston creek, 
and were the same lands that were surveyed by John Buchanan, 
deputy surveyor of Augusta county, for Colonel James Wood, on 
the 26 th of March, 1874 and the 24th of March, 17*49. These 



576 



South/west Virginia^ 171^6-1186. 



lands were devised by Colonel Wood to his wife, Mary Wood, and 
by her conveyed to James Dysart and Matthew Eyburn, executors 
of John Beattie, deceased, and by Dysart and Eyburn conveyed to 
the Eev. Edward Crawford, and by the Rev. Edward Crawford 
devised to his children by his wife, Jane.* 

The Holston Conference, at the same time that it decided to 
establish the manual labor school in Southwest Virginia, commis- 




Emory and Henry College, Emory, Va. 

sioned the Eev. Creed Fulton as an agent to solicit funds for the 
.undertaking, which duty he immediately proceeded to discharge. 
Upon his return from Knoxville, a meeting of the citizens of the 
upper end of this county was held at the Old Glade Spring Church, 
having for its object the obtaining of subscriptions for the enter- 
prise. This meeting was largely attended and $5,000 was sub- 
scribed to the enterprise at that time and pi ace, f and soon there- 
after another meeting was held in Abingdon at which a subscription 
equally as large was obtained. In the meantime Colonel William 
Byars, Alexander Findlay and Tobias Smith were furnishing the 



*The -will-of Eev. Edward Ci-awford -was probated on January 2l8t, 1823. 
fTobias Smith was the first subscriber, his stibscription being $500. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 571 

inoney and were giving their time to the erection of buildings upon 
the location selected for the school, being the lands purchased by 
Byars and Find lay from George M. Crawford and others. 

The corner-stone of the main college building was laid with 
Masonic ceremonies on the 30tii day of September, 1836, in the 
presence of a lai'ge concourse of people. The contract for the build- 
ings had been previously let to Lyle & Sheppard and the carpen- 
ters' work to Gco]-ge A\'inniford, and by the spring of 1838 the 
buildings were suthciently advanced to justify the opening of the 
school, and the first session began on the 13th day of April, 1838. 

The name given to this college was Emory and Henry College, in 
honor of Bishop Emory and Patrick Henry, and the Rev. Charles 
Collins was elected the first president of the college. 

ColoDcl William Byars was elected president and Alexander Find- 
lay secretary, of the first Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry 
College. The first Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry College 
was composed of the following gentlemen: 

Colonel William Byars, John W. Price, 

Alexander Find lay, John W. C. Watson, 

Tobias Smith, Eev. Creed Fulton, 

Daniel Trigg, M. D., Eev. Nathaniel Sherman, 

Colonel Thomas L. I'reston, John N. Humes, 
Eev. Thomas Catlett, Nickerson Snead, M. D., 

Eev. Arnold Patton. 
This school, in its inception, was called a manual labor college, 
and was intended as an institution in which the pupils were to be 
taught to labor with tlicir hands as well as to think. They were to 
be pernutted to work upon the farm and to receive credit upon 
tlieir tuition and board for labor thus performed, and while this 
feature of the institution was maintained for many years, it was 
finally found to be impracticable and w^as abandoned. One hun- 
dred students were enrolled during the first year, and, as far as 
patronage was concerned, the school was prosperous. 

This institution was incorporated by an act of the Assembly 
approved March 5, 1839, and on the 24th of December, 1840, Wil- 
liam Byars, Alexander Findlay and Catherine Findlay, his wife, 
conveyed to the trustees of Emory and Henry College the lands 
they had purchased from the devisees of the Eev. Edward Crawford 
in 183G, and in this deed William Byars retained a lien on the 



578 Southwest Virgima, 111^0-1186. 

lands t]ms conveyed to secure to himself the sum of $7,400, and to 
Alexander Findlay and John D. Mitchell $2,000, money advanced 
by them in tlie establishment and support of said college. 

By the year 1S43 tlie trustees of the college, found the institu- 
tion considerably in debt and petitioned the General Assembly of 
Virginia for a loan of $18,000 from the Literary Fund, and by an 
Act of the Assembly approved on the 27th of February, 1843, the 
directors of the Literary Fund were authorized to loan to the 
trustees of Emory and Henry College the sum of $18,000, provided 
the trustees of said college would secure the payment of said sum oi 
$18,000 and its interest by a deed of trust upon all their property, 
and by good personal security, and pursuant to this Act of the Assem- 
bly the trustees of the college on the 24th of March, 1843, executed 
to Beverly E. Johnston a deed of trust upon all their real estate in 
this county to secure the said sum of $18,000 and its interest, and 
William Byars, Alexander Findlay, Tobias Smith and other prom- 
inent citizens of the county became endorsers on their note. 

This incumbrance upon the property of the college was discharged 
on August 20, 1890, by the trustees of Emory and Henry College 
conveying to the Board of Public Works of Virginia 248 1-3 acres of 
their real estate situated at Emory. 

It should be stated to the credit of the management of this insti- 
tution that, from the year 1843, the college, without an endowment, 
was free from debt for about thirty years, and that the income from 
tuition and board ^\•as not only sufficient to meet the current 
expenses of the school, but the trustees were enabled to^ make con- 
siderable improvement during this time, such as the erection of 
handsome buildings and enlarging the library and apparatus. The 
patronage of the school reached 280 pupils in the year 1860, and 
since the close of the war has varied from 80 to 150. 

Colonel William Byars and Governor Wyndham Robertson, each, 
in the early history of the college gave to the trustees a sum of 
money the annual interest of which has for many years furnished 
the Byars' Medal for the highest proficiency in Natural Sciences, 
and the Robertson prize medal for encouraging oratory, while Pro- 
fessor James A. Davis donated to the college valuable instruments 
costing about $700. 

Moi''- than five thousand young men have been educated and more 
than five hundred have o-raduated from this institution in its his- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 579 

tory. It has accomplished great good in its time, and the prospects 
aie that it will accomplish untold benefits to our country in the 
future. 

The presidents of this institution have been: 

1837-1852, Eev. Charles Collins/M. A., D. D. 

1852-1879, Eev. Ephraim E. Wiley, M. A., D. D. 

1879-1880, John L. Buchanan, M. A., LL. D. 

1880-1884, Rev. David Sullins, M. A., D. D. 

1884-1885, Eev. E. Enibree Hoss, M. A., D. D. 
and since that time, Thomas W. Jordan, Eev. James M. Atkins 
and Eev. E. G. Waterhouse. 

The location of Emory and Henry College is in a beautiful val- 
ley nine miles east of Abingdon, just south of the extreme west end 
of Walker's mountain, and cannot be excelled for its beauty and fer- 
tility anywlierc in our country. The college is situated 2,000 feet 
abo\c the level of the soa, with the Wliite Top mountain in plain 
view, and directly upon the line of the N'orfolk & W'estern Eailway. 

LIBEETY HALL ACADEMY. 

Liberty Hall Academy was founded in 1866 — thirty-seven years 
ago. It has ranked high as a school ever since. Its founder was 
Eev. James Keys, who had taught successfully for many years in 
Johnson county, Tennessee, and was driven out by the war. It is 
a commodious brick building, built at Mr. Keys' own expense. He, 
as principal, assisted by his daughter, Mrs. T. W. Hughes, had 
• barge until 1878. 

His patronage exceeded that of any other school in the county ex- 
t'cpt Emory. In the year above mentioned Mr, Keys retired -on ac- 
count of age and infirmity, and the property was purchased by a board 
of gentlemen of the Presbyterian Church. This purchase was made 
in 1878. The object was to continue the school, and to that end they 
signed and placed an agreement on record that the property should 
be used for school |)ur])oses forever. 

I'he first principal after the purchase was Professor T. W. 
Hughes. He continued in charge seven years, and was succeeded by 
Eev. Mr. McClure, who resigned at the end of the second year. He 
was succeeded by a number of gentlemen who remained for brief 
periods and whose success was not conspicuous. Professor W. J. 
Edmondson, at present county superintendent, became principal 
in ISOl, and continued in charge six years. The character of the 



580 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

sclioo] was fully sustained iiiidcr liini and the patronage very large. 
His successor was Professor W. G. Edmondson, who resigned at the 
end of the second year, and was succeeded by Professor Sam 
Edmondson, the present principal. 

Liberty Hall has been a school for thirty-seven years. Its average 
patronage has been large. Its instructors have generally been men. 
■of fij'st-class attainments. Its standard has always been high, and 
no similar institution in Southwest Virginia has fitted as many 
young men for college or sent into the ranks so many of the teachers 
of our common schools. 

While Liberty Hall Academy is nominally Presbyterian, it is not 
in any sense denominational. 

An effort is now beiiig made to secure an endowment of $10,000, 
by which means the salary of the principal will be secured, and rates 
of tuition correspondingly low^ered. 

BAERACK INSTITUTE. 

While the writer has but little information in regard toi Solomon 
G. Barrack or the history of the institute established by his donation 
near Love's Mill in this county, he thinks it worthy of note that 
Solomon G. Barrack, a citizen of this county, and of very limited 
means, by his will, which was executed prior to the war between 
the States, devised the larger portion of his estate to Leonidas Love, 
to be invested by him upon undoubted security as a school fund, 
and directed that said fund be kept on interest, and the interest 
expended yearly in paying the salary of a competent teacher under 
the direction of Leonidas Love, David Jones, Oscar Love and 
Charles Meek, and by the same will directed the erection of a school- 
house upon a piece of land near Love's Mill, Virginia. 

The gentlemen above named were incorporated under the name 
and style of Trustees of Barrack Institute in the year 1866. The 
school-house provided for was erected imder their supervision and 
for now more than thirty-five years the youth of that comnmnity 
have been enjoying the benefits of educational advantages that they 
would not have enjoyed had the founder of this institution been 
actuated by selfish motives alone and conferred his property upon 
his relatives. 

The memory of Solomon G. Barrack is entitled to a position 
along-side that of William King, and the memory of both shonld be 
honored and respected by the citizens of this county. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 581 

WHITE TOP :\rOUNTAIN.t 

*"This is a peak in the Appalachian range, here more familiarly 
known b}^ the local name of Iron mountain, and near the point 
where the three States of Viroinia, Tennessee and North Carolina 
all unite at a common corner. It is about twenty miles from 
Abingdon the way the crow flie^, though perhaps thii'ty by the 
intricate bridle paths through intervening mountains, by which it 
is approached. Until within a few years comparativelj^, owing to its 
inaccessibility^ it was alrmost in its primitive state, and visited 
only by hunters and trappers, and here and there a "squatter," who 
may have fled to its fastnesses to evade those penal exactments which 
a certain class of men in most communities deem oppressive. It is 
some 5,000 feet high from base to summit, and upwards of 6,000 
feet abo\'e the level of the sea. Its summit is a vast field compris- 
ing from 300 to 500 acres, without a tree or shrub, and covered with 
a luMii'iant Lii'owtli of wild grass resembling that of our north- 
western prairies, which is highly nutritious and cropped with 
insatiable avidity by vast herds of stock driven from the neighbor- 
ing settlements to graze and fait(^ii. During the months of May 
and June, this field, as well as a large portion of the wooded parts 
of the mountain, is gorgeously carpeted with wild flowers of every 
imaginable hue, and so fragrant that their pejvfume is often wafted a 
considerable distance on the wings of the wind, which sometimes 
sweeps across the broad fields like the dying throes of a hurricane, 
with fitful shrieks of wild and melancholy music. 

Bordering this natural field are great numbers of native goose- 
berry and currant bushes, which yield their acrid fruits in never- 
failing abundance, and the wild leopard lily, springing from its 
rocky bed, sways to and fro and scatters its rich ]ierfumc as the 
blast sweeps by. 

Upon the very summit, various springs of ice-cold walcr gnsh 
from the rocks and leap down the declivities, babbling their wild 
music as they disappear among the magnificent rhododendrons and 
the dazzling crimson of the Indian pink. These waters are so 
pure and light that they never o]i]u-ess, no matter how freely the 
thirsty visitor may quaff them. 

The field above referred to is bordered by a very singular as 



fFor ilhistration see page 282. 
♦Charles B. Coale. 



582 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

well as ver)^ beautiful growth of timber, known in that region by 
the name of Lashorn. Some of these trees grow to an immense 
height, bnt generally are not more than from thirty to fifty feet 
high, and, what is very remarkable, where not crowded they are 
perfectly flat on top, spreading out to a diameter of from fifteen 
to thirty feet. It is a species of, and very much resembles, Norway 
spruce, an ornamental tree often found in the yards of our more 
■elegant city residences. The Lashorn of White Top mountain is 
peculiar to that locality, and of the thousands that have been trans- 
planted, not one has ever been known to grow, though some have 
lived several years. The limbs at the top where they spread out are 
so tenacious and inflexible, and so closely interlaced, that the writer 
has seen as many as twenty persons standing and stepping about 
upon the top of the same tree at the same time. It is very easy to 
ascend and descend, as the limbs usually begin at the ground, and 
being cut oft' about a foot from the trunk, a very convenient "Indian 
ladder" is formed, and then a hole being cut through the foliage 
in the centre of the top, it is not difficult for even a lady to ascend and 
step out upon the vernal platform. Where the forest of this singular 
and beautiful growth is dense there is no undergrowth, the trees 
limbless to the height of forty or fifty feet, the tops intermingling 
and forming a canopy the sun can scarcely penetrate, and the earth 
covered with a carpet of lichen moss which feels to the tread as 
soft and elastic as a sponge. During the summer months these 
trees are literally alive with snow birds, tlie little creatures con- 
gregating here in millions to build their habitations and rear their 
young. 

Notwithstanding the romantic beauty of this grand elevation, 
and the exhilarating effects of the highly rarified atmosphere upon 
the system, hundreds and thousands have lived and died within sight 
of it without ever having paid it a visit. The reason for this has 
been the difficulty of access, want of accommodations in the vicinity, 
and the mere cattle paths by which it is approached through deep 
and intricate gorges, over steep foot-hills, and through almost 
impenetrable laurel jungles, sometimes infested by bears, Avolves, 
wild-cats and rattlesnakes. There are but few of these "varmints" 
there now. 

The view from the summit of the White Top is grand beyond 
description or even conception. Looking toward the south, you have 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 583 

within the scope of vision^ stretching away from east to west, tlie 
Blue Eidge Eange, which, in the dim distance, looks like an azure 
band bordering the horizon, with here and there a tall peak hiding 
its head in the clouds. To the east, mountain piled upon mountain 
meets the view, their gentler slopes in places dotted with "clearings,'' 
and a column of smoke, here ascending and th'ere lying in long 
folds along the mountain side, denoting the rude habitation of the 
ruder "squatter.'^ Looking toward the north you have the grand old 
Cumberland range, the barrier that divides the "Dark and Bloody 
Ground'' from the Old Dominion, as if swelling up from an ocean of 
green, and struggling to lift itself above the vapor that hangs lazily 
upon its sides. To the west the view, though less imposing, is not 
less beautiful. You have before you the broad valley of the Holston, 
which, although diversified with hill and dale, bold promontories and 
pine-clad ridges, still, fi-om t])e altitude from which you look out 
upon it, lias the appearance of a vast sea dotted with picturesque 
islands. In the distance the spires and tin roofs of the town of 
Abingdon glisten in the sunlight, large plantations look like blan^ 
kets spread out in the forest, and at intervals, as it dashes out from 
behind a blulT, or winds its way tlirough a green pasture, may the 
White Top Fork of Laurel be seen, like a serpentine thread of silver, 
its. sparkling waters shimmering like diamonds among the foliage 
and wild flowers upon its bank. 

The writer of this has enjoyed the luxury of many a magnificent 
scene in his wanderings, but has never seen that from the summit 
of the ^Yhite Top excelled, or even equaled. He was there on one 
occasion when a storm came riding on the blast more tJian a thou- 
sand feet below where a company of gentlemen were standing. The 
whole valley was shrouded as with a pall. The deep-toned thunder 
bellowed below, preceded by brilliant flashes of lightning, illuminat- 
ing the dark bosom of the cloud. The scene was awfully grand, and 
^o far transcends the powers of mortal doscriptinn, tiiat he would 
not dare attempt it." 

NATURAL BEIDGE AND TL'XXEL OF SCOTT COUNTY. 
One of the curiosities of Southwest Virginia is the Natural Tun- 
nel and Bridge of Scott county. It spans a turbulent and rapid 
stream bearing tlic name of Stock creek, and like the Natural Bridge- 
of Eockbridge county has a ])ublic road passing over it. It is not so 
perfect a bridge as that of Rockbridge county, but is much grander 



584 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

in proportion and is laid out upon a much more stupendous scale. 
It is by actual measurement 420 feet higli^ about twice as high 
as the Natural Bridge of Eockbridge county, and the face of the 
structure is as smooth and perpendicular as if fashioned by the skill 
of a mason. Its imperfections consist in being much wider than 
long, and in the small proportion of arch to the immense mass of 
rock above it. It is really more of a tunnel than a bridge, although a 
public road crosses the chasm upon it. The tunnel is not straight, 
but is in the sbape of an S, and from two to three hundred yards in 
length."* 

The track of the Virginia and (Southwestern Eailroad is located 
through the tunnel, and the arch is far more than sufficient for the 
na:-?age of the train. In the vicinity of the tunnel there are several 
large caves in whicb are found a great variety of stalactites and sta- 
lagmites in all stages of formation, and in these caves are found 
Indian bones and many Indian relics. 

SALTYILLE A^ ALLEY. 

Tlie location of the Saltworks in this county was surveyed by John 
Biiclianan, a deputy surveyor of Augusta county, for Charles CJamp- 
hrll, on December 12, 1748, and in the plat that was returned with 
the sur>-ey,f the Avords "Buffalo Lick," are written, and a patent for 
the same was procured from the Governor of Virginia in 1753. 
Charles Campbell was the father of General William Campbell, of 
King's mountain celebrity, and, upon his death. General Campbell 
Ijecame the owner of this tract of land, but the presence of salt water 
upon this property was not discovered until about the time of the 
death of General William Campbell, which occurred in 1781. 

General William Campbell left two children, Sarah Buchanan 
Campbell and Charles Henry Campbell, the latter dying at the 
age of five years, and Colonel Arthur Campbell and Colonel Wil- 
liam Christian, upon the death of General Campbell, qualified as 
guardians of his children, and they proceeded to improve this 
property to a considerabe extent. 

When the General Assembly of Virginia voted Charles Henry 
Campbell five thousand acres of land in consideration of the distin- 
guished services of his father. Colonel Arthur Campbell, his guard- 



*Charles B. Coale. 

fSurveyor's record, Augusta county, Staunton, Ya. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 585 

ian, entered this grant in the name of Charles Henry Campbell ou 
lands adjoining the Salt Lick tract, and this land passed, upon 
the death of Charles Henry Campbell, to his sister, Miss Sarah 
Buchanan Campbell, afterwards Mrs. General Francis Preston. 

Some years after the death of General Campbell, his widow mar- 
ried General William Eussell, who moved with his family to the Salt 
Lick in February, 1788, and built what was afterwards known as 
the "Madam Eussell" house. 

General Eussell dug a well on the margin of the flat in front of 
his hoiLse, obtained salt water, and built a furnace and salt houses; 
the furnace was an open shed, and the kettles were the camp kettles 
of that day. of a capacity of from eight to ten gallons. 

A dispute arose between General Arthur Campbc'U and General 
William Ihissell, and, in 1.789, the court appointed Colonel 'J'houias 
i\radison, an uncle of Sai'ah Buchanan Campbell, her guardian in 
the place of Colonels Cauipbell and Christian. In 1790 Colonel 
Thomas ]\ra(lisnn removed to the Salt T^ick, built a log cabin upon 
the location of what was at'tciwnrds known as the .Preston House, 
and, digging a well, began the manufacture of salt, and continiied 
to numufaeture it at tliis place until t]ie marriage of his ward to 
General Francis Preston in ^79:]. 

In the meantime Cenoral William KusscU had died at the home of 
his son, Eobert L. IJussell, in Culjx'per county, on the 14th of Jan- 
uary, 1793. 

In 1795 General Francis Preston luiilt an addition to the log 
cabin of Thomas Madison, and, in 1797, upon his retirement from 
the Congress of the United States, moved with his family to the 
Salt Lick, and made his homo there until the year 1810, when he 
removed to Abingdon. 

Soon after General Pj-eston located at the Salt Lick, he had 
another well dug near that of Colonel Madison, and enlarged the 
furnaces and the kettles. 

In 1795 William King bought 150 acres to the west of the Preston 
tract, and in 1799 erected furnaces and other buildings thereon and 
began the manufacture of salt. On the 2()th of February, 1801, he 
rented the Preston Salines foi- tlie period of ten years, for $12,000 
per year, and manufactured salt wilh great success until the date of 
his death, which o<:'Curred in 1808. From that time until the year 



586 Soutluvcst Virginia, 1746-1786. 

1819, the works were carried on by James King, William Trigg, 
Mary King, Charles S. Carson,"executor of James King, and Lilburn 
L. L. Henderson, executor of William Trigg. 

On the 17th of June, 1819, the Saltworks were leased to John 
Saunders for five years from August 1, 1819, at an annual rental 
of $30,000, but Saunders, during the following years, assigned his 
lease to James White, who renewed the lease and continued his 
operations until Septeml^er 2. 1833. The Saltworks were then leased 
to Alexander McCall and William King at an annual rental of 
$15,972 for the' King Saltworks, and $16,000 for the Preston 
Salines, during the life of Mrs. William Trigg, and they continued 
in possession of the property until 1 845, wlien Thomas L. Pre^!on 
took charge of the Preston Saline, and King and McCall and Find- 
lay, Mitchell & Company took joint possession of the King Salt- 
works. 

In 1846 Thomas L. Preston rented the King estate from tlie 
court at an annual rental of $16,000 for five years, and at the 
expiration of his lease, Wyndham Eobertson became the l"essee 
thereof for the period of five years, and was in turn succeeded by 
Thomas L. Preston, who, in the 5^ear 1858, rented both estates to 
Spencer, Ackerman & Company. In 1863, Stuart, Palmer and 
Parker purchased the Preston property, and in 1864 a joint stock 
company of the two estates was formed under the title of the Holston 
Salt and Plaster Compan}^, and this company continued business 
imtil 1893, when the present proprietors of the Mathieson Alkali 
Works became the owners of the two estates. 

The King Salines, in the year 1819, produced from 90,000 to 
100,000 bushels of salt per year, and in 1861-1865 the production 
of the Saltworks was many times greater than in the year 1819. 
The larger portion of all the salt nsed in the Southern States during 
that time was supplied from the Saltworks, it being a common thing 
to see as many as a thousand salt wagons at one time' at the Salt- 
works during the period mentioned. 

Since 1893 the present company have manufactured soda and 
other alkalies upon an extensive scale, and employ hundreds of 
hands. 

In the eighteenth century, and soon after the discovery of salt 
water at the Salt Lick, the bones of a mammoth, the king of the 
land animals, were dug up by the laborers at the Preston Salines. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 587 

They were from three to seven feet below the surface of earth, and 
furnished convincing proof that the mammoth was formerly an 
inhabitant of this country. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

By th© year 1806, the enterprising citizens of this county had 
secured the services of a printer, and a newspaper outfit had 
arrived at Abingdon, and on the 4th day of January, 1806, the 
first newspaper published in tJiis portion of Virginia Avas given to 
the public. The editor of this paper was John G. Ustick, who 
aftcrwai-ds married a Miss Berry, of this coimty, and the name of 
the pajx^r was the Holston Intelligencer and Abingdon Advertiser. 
'I'his paper was published every Tuesday, and the subscription price 
was $3 per annum, payable half-yearly in advance, if the sub- 
scription was paid in cash, but if paid in produce the subscription 
was required to be paid for the entire year in advance. When the 
subscriber neglected to pay his subscription in advance, the price 
was fifteen shillings per annum, half of which was to be collected at 
any period after the commencement of each six months, subscrip- 
tions to the paper to be withdrawn at the end of each six months 
on the payment of arrearages, but not otherwise. The terms of 
advertising were 62 1-2 cents per square for the first insertion and 
three dollars for chancery notices. This paper was ably edited by 
^fr. Ustick, was uncompromising in its Republicanism, advocating 
the policies of Madison and supporting his administration upon all 
occasions. 

In the year 1812, Mr. Ustick changed the name of this paper from 
the Holston Intelligencer and Abingdon Advertiser, to the Political 
Prospect, and continued to publish the Political Prospect until the 
year 1830. 

Mr. Ustick was not only an enterprising editor, but ,hc was a 
patriotic citizen, and in February, 1815, being a member of the 
l^ifle Company formed at Abingdon, he accompanied this com- 
pany upon their expedition to Norfolk and was absent from his 
liome for nearly five months, as he says, "in the service of a righteous 
iiovernment and a holy cause." The descendants of the editor of the 
ilrst newspa]>or published in tliis portion of Virginia have entirely 
disappeared from among our people. ' 

Mr. Ustick was succeeded by James Alexander, who published a 
newspaper in Abingdon from 1830-1835, under the title of tlie 



b 



588 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

Virginia Republican. As to the character of this paper I can say 
nothing, as I have been unable to obtain a copy of the same. 

Alexander was succeeded by J. W. Lampkin, who published a 
newspaper in Abingdon from 1835-183,8, called the Virginia States- 
man. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Lampkin formed a partnership with Charles 
B. Coale, and this partnership published the Southwest Virginian 
from 1838 to 1840, in the old frame building that stood on the 
southeast corner of the jail lot in the rear of the courthouse. No 
copy of the Virginia Statesman or Southwest Virginian is now in 
existence, and nothing is known of the policy or character of these 
papers. The editors of these papers were men of character and 
ability, John W. Lampkin being a young lawyer of fine attain- 
ments. He subsequently married and removed to Russell county, 
where his descendants are to l)e found at this time, while Charles B. 
Coale continued to reside in Abingdon, and won a place in the 
hearts of the people of this country that will be forgotten only 
when the sons of the fathers who had the pleasure of reading the 
old Abingdon Virginian have all passed away. 

In 1840, John N. Humes became the owner and editor of the 
Southwest Virginian and published the same in the building occu- 
pied by the Academy of Visitation east of the creek in East 
Abingdon. 

While no copy of this paper has been preserved, there can be no 
question as to its politics, as John N. Humes was one of the leaders 
of the Whig party, at the time in question, in Southwest Virginia. 
In this year, he was the elector for this district upon the presidential 
ticket headed by William Henry Harrison. 

In March, 1841, Greorge E. Barr and Charles B. Coale became the 
owners of the Southivest Virginian and began the publication of 
the Abingdon Virginian as a Whig paper in the town of Abing- 
don, and continued the publication of this paper until the year 
1873, with but oue interruption. 

When the town of Abingdon was destroyed by fire on the 15th of 
December, 1864, the Abingdon Virginian was published in the 
brick building opposite the Colonade Hotel (now occupied by C. A. 
Pobst), and, of course, was destroyed at the same time that the 
building was burned. The publication of the Abingdon Virginian 
was resumed in December, 18G5. This paper during the thirty- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 589 

lliree years that it was publishotl by Coale & Barr, was, beyond doubt, 
one of the most readable and deservedly popular country newspapers 
that have ever been furnished to' the public in this section of Virginia. 
During the war between the States, notwithstanding the great diffi- 
culties which confronted the newspaper publisher, the Ahingdon 
Virginian never failed to stand nobly by its people or to issue weekly 
until the destruction of its plant as before described. 

In the year 1803, the following advcrli-^cnient a})|)(';n-(^d in tlie 
.1 hingdon Virginian : 

"EACS ! 

"We call upon everybody "who has rags, rich and pooT, old and 
young, learned and unlearned, to send them to us and get four 
cents per poamd, or more if demanded. We are obliged to have 
tliem or stop printing. So send them along for humanity's sake, 
and help us to keep the machine in motion." 

In the year 1873, the Abingdon Virginian was transferred to 
George R. Dunn, and soon afterwards became the property of 
(George W. Ward. 

The Ahingdon Virginian, as publislied by Coale & Barr, advo- 
cated in a high-toned and able manner the Whig cause, and the ef- 
fect upon the politics of the people would have been exceedingly 
dangerous if not counteracted. 

In December, 1841, at tlie instance of the Democratic leaders in 
Washington county, Eobert Latham became the editor and W. R. 
Fitzsimmons the publisher of a Democratic paj)er in the town of 
Abingdon called 2'he Banner. This paper, a copy of which is now 
in existence, was a very creditable publication. In the copy now in 
existence is to be found an account of a Democratic mass-meeting 
lit'lil in the town of Al)iiig(loii on the second of March, 1843, at 
winch lueoting Colonel Samuel E. Goods(>n was nouiinated for the 
1 iCgislature, and in the proceedings of the meeting Colonel Harold 
Smyth, Colonel William Byars, Robert Latham, Dr. Nick Snead, 
Tobias Smith, John W. S. Watson, Parker Smith and James Davis 
took an active part. This paper survived but a few years, and was 
succeeded by a paper called the Jaclcsonian, edited by W. R. Fitz- 
simmon. The Jculsonian was published in a house owned by Jack- 
son Toncray, on the lot now owned by S. N". Honaker, opposite the 
former residence of James K. Gibson in East Abingdon. 

The Jacksonian ceased to exist in 1846, and the outfit was sold 



590 Southwest Virginia, 111^6-1186. 

to Dr. H. F. Peery, who removed the same to Jeffersonville, now 
Tazewell Courthouse, Virginia, and, in the year 1847, began the 
publication of the Jeffcrsonville Democrat. 

On the 28th of April, 1849, Leonidas Baugh, of Abingdon, be- 
gan the publication of the Abingdon Democrat^ a paper strong in 
its advocacy of Democratic princij)les, to which the greater part oi 
its space was devoted. This paper thrived for a number of years, 
but was transferred by Mr. Baugh some time after his appointment 
as postmaster at Abingdon, in 1853, to John B. Fl()yd, and the paper 
was thereafter, until the ye^r 1857, published by J. M. H. Brunet, of 
Petersburg, who soon died, and then the paper passed into the hands 
of Stephen J. Pendleton. 

lb. th6 year 1857) this paper was sold at public auction to pay 
the debts of Mr. Pendleton, and Henry W. Baker became the editor 
and owner thereof, and continued to publish said paper until 1861, 
when the plant was sold tO' the Southern Advocate, G-oodson, Vir- 
ginia, 

From tliis time until the year 1876, the Abingdon Virginian was 
the only newspaper published in Abingdon. 

In April, 1882, George W. Gary, of Eichmond, began the publi- 
cation in Abingdon of a monthly paper called The Trade Journal, 
and continued the publication of the same until the year 1883, when 
he became the owner and editor of the Abingdon Virginian. Mr. 
Gary conducted an excellent and successful paper until the year 
1890, when the entire outfit was sold and transferred to the Abing- 
don Publishing Company, which company had become the owner 
of the Standard, a Democratic newspaper that had been established 
in Abingdon in the year 1876 and was edited by Hindlay Harris, 
afterwards by Samuel P. Withers and then by E. E. Hardwiek. 

The Virginian, under the management of Judge Ward, strongly 
advocated the cause of the Eeadjuster party in Virginia. After 
the retirement of Judge Ward from the Abingdon Virginian, he 
became the owner and editor of the Southwest Examiner, a Eead- 
juster-Democratic paper, but after Judge Ward went upon the 
bench the Southwest Examiner passed into the hands of E. E. 
Hardwiek and in a short while ceased to exist. The Abingdon 
Virginian, during the ownership of the Abingdon Publishing Coin •■ 
pany, was edited by Thomas H. Mason and W. F. Smith. 
While the paper was well edited, it was a financial failure, and in 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 591 

the year 1896 was sold at public auction ancl piu'chased Ity L. P. 
Summers. The Virginian from this time till June, 1901. ua> an 
advocate of Republican principles and was a success financially. 

Upon the acquisition of the Abingdon Virginian by baumiers 
in ISOG, and during the five years of his ov.uevship, a number of 
efforts were made by the advocates of the Democratic party to estab- 
lish a Democratic paper in the town. 

In the year 1<S97, the Glade Spring Citizen was removed to 
Abingdon and began publication as a Democratic paper, "The 
Citizen,'' with G. C. Portorfiold as editor, but within the year the 
newspaper outfit became the property of the editor of the Virginian, 
and ;Mr. Porterfield became a strong advocate of the Republican 
party. 

In the year 1809, J. W. Lyons, of Greenville, Tennessee, became 
the editor of a newspaper in Abingdon, to which was given the 
name of the Abingdon Democrat. 

This effort upon the ])art of Mr. Lyons proved a failure and in 
the spring of the year 1900 he returned to Greenville, his former 
liome. 

In the fall of the year 1900, Thomas S. Hamilton and George H. 
j\IcCormiek began the publication of the Washington Herald, a 
Democratic newspaper, in the Scott building in West Abingdon. 
This venture also proved a failure, and the property of the Herald 
was sold and transferred to the editor of the Virginian, in the same 
year, since wliieh time no eff'ort has been made to establish a rival 
newspaper to the Virginian in Abingdon. 

On the night of the ?9th of May, 1898, the Greenway store was 
destroyed by fire ; the oflices of the Abingdon Virginian caught 
therefrom and the entire outfit was destroyed,- but by the fall of the 
same year a one-story brick building had been erected upon the site 
of the former frame building and the publication of the Virginian 
was resumed. 

The Virginian became the Y)roperty of E. M. Slack by purchase on 
June 11, 1901, and has since been edited by him. 

The present editor of the Abingdon Virginian is young, intelli- 
gent, independent and enterprising to a degree that is seldom 
• 'XColFed in this* country, and in the opinion of the author he is the 
best-equipped newspaper man that the town has seen in many years. 



593 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The newspaper of which he is the editor is beyond question the 
best country newspaj^er to be found in the Southwest. 

JUDICIAEY. 

A distinguished historian has said that "the laws of a country 
are necessarily connected with everything belonging to the people 
•of it, so that a thorough knowledge of them and their progress 
would inform us of everything that was most useful to be known 
about them, and one of the greatest imperfections of historians in 
general is owing to their ignorance of law."* 

While a thorough- knowledge of the law is necessary to a com- 
plete understanding of the history of a country, at this point we 
regret the necessity that compels to a brief notice of the courts that 
have administered the law in this Commonwealth and county. 

Prior to the Eevolutionary war, the laws of this Common- 
wealth were administered in the county or monthly courts and in 
a general court which was held first at Jamestown and afterwards 
at Williamsburg. 

The county or monthly courts were composed of a number of 
persons commissioned by the Governor and Council, and theirs 
was an extensive jurisdiction, while the general court was composed 
of the Governor and Council, any five constituting a court, and it 
had jurisdiction to hear and determine all causes whatsoever relating 
to or concerning any person or persons, ecclesiastical or civil, or to 
any person or thing of any nature whatsoever, whether brought 
before them by original process, appeal from an inferior court or 
by any other way or means, its jurisdiction being limited only to 
controversies of the value of ten pounds sterling or 2,000 pounds 
of tobacco and upwards. It had exclusive criminal jurisdiction of 
all cases of free persons wherein the judgment on conviction was 
loss of life or member- 

After the Eevolution, the county courts were continued and a 
Court of Appeals, High Court of Chancery, a General Court and a 
Court of Admiralty were established. The judges of said courts 
were chosen by the General Assembly and commissioned by the 
Governor. 

The Court of Appeals was established in May, 1779, and was 
composed of the judges of the High Court of Chancery, General 

*Priestly. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 593 

Court and Court of Admiralty, until 1788, when five judges were 
chosen by the G'eneral Assembly and commissioned by the Governor. 
This court, from the tiniie of its establishment until 1830, was the 
supreme civil tribunal of the State, and since that time it has been 
the suprtMuc civil and criminal tribunal of the Stafe. 

The first president of this court was Edmund Pendleton. The 
General Court was composed of ten judges and was the supreme 
criminal tribunal of the State until 1830, when it was abolished. 
The Admiralty Coui't ceased to exist upon the adoption of the Fed- 
eral Constitution. 

County Courts. 

"The institution of the County Court originated as early as 
1G23-4; and as it is the most ancient, so it has ever been one of the 
most important, of our institutions, not only in respect of the 
administration of justice, but for police and economy. They were 
first called monthly courts. At first only two of them were estab- 
lished, and their jurisdiction was jealously limited to petty contro- 
versies, ]-eserving for the party cast the right of appeal to the Gov- 
ernor and Council, who were the judges of what were then called 
quarter courts. In 1642-3, the styl'e of montlily courts was changed 
to that of county courts, the colonial assembly Imving previously 
begun and continuing thenceforward to enlarge their duties, powers 
and jurisdictions and to extend tlie system to every county, as it 
was laid ofT. As oaidy as 1645 they had been matured into courts 
of general jurisdiction, in law and equity, and the most important 
duties in the matters of police and economy were confided to them. 
In 1661-2, the Governor and Council were constituted itinerant jus- 
tices, to sit in the county courts, but that provision was repealed the 
next year. Hitherto the judges of the coimty courts had been styled 
commissioners of the county courts, but in 1661-2 it was enacted 
that they should take the oath of justices of the peace and be called 
justices of the peace. These tribuna,ls now assumed a perfectly 
regular form and their functions were ever after so important 
that their institution may well be considered as a part of the Con- 
stitution, both of the colonial and the present government. No 
material cliange was introduced by the revolution in their jurisdic- 
tion or general powers or duties of any kind."* 

The county court remained unchanged until the year 1850, and 



*Henning's Statutes at Large. 



594 Southwest Virgmia, 17^6-1786. 

it is impossible for any man to estimate the character and utility of 
this system without actual experience of its operation. The mem- 
bers of >this court, prior to 1850, were recommended to the Go\- 
ernor by the county courts of their respective counties, were com- 
missioned by the Governor and held office during good behavior. 
They served without pay and were selected by reason of their charac- 
ter and ability. 

The Constitution of 1850 made the members of this court electivi' 
by the people, and they were allowed a small fee for their services. 
From this time until the year 1870, we find a great deterioration in 
the character of the members of this court, and its efficacy was to a 
great extent destroyed. This court was abolished by the Constitu- 
tion of 1868. 

Can anyone question the character and efficiency of a court pre- 
sided over by such men as Arthur Campbell, William Campbell, 
Daniel Smith, William Edmiston, James Dysart, John Kinkead, 
Robert Craig, James White, John Goodson, Robert Davis, John 
Gibson, Reuben Bradley, James Cumraings, John Preston, Jr., 
Francis Preston, Charles Tate, William P. Thompson, Thomas 
McChesney, John M. Preston, John Eakin, M. B. Tate, Tobias 
Smith, Henry Davenport and many others, presiding justices of i^is 
court during its existence? 

Upon the abolition of the old county court by the Constitution 
of 1868, a new institution came into existence, to-wit: the county 
conrt of the present time. This court exercised a criminal jurisdic- 
tion concurrent with the Circuit Court and a limited civil jurisdic- 
tion. The first session of this court in this county was held on the 
25th day of April, 1870, Judge R. M. Page presiding, Leonidas 
Baugh clerk, and Beverly R. Johnston Commonwealth's Attorney. 

This court has been abolished by the Constitution of 1902, an;! 
will cease to exist on the first day of February, 1904, and such a 
thing as a county court will no longer be heard of in this Common- 
wealth, after an existence of nearly 300 years. 

Th'^ judges presiding in this court since the date of its for";na- 
tion in 1870 are as follows : 

1870-1880, R. M. Page. 

1880-1881, George W. Ward. 

1882-1886, William F. Rhea. 

1886-1887, Francis B. Hutton. 



Washington County, 1777-1810. 595 

1887-1897, George W. Ward. 

1897-1904, David C. Cmnmings, Jr. 

The attorneys representing the Commonwealth in this coimly 
from the organization of the county until the year 1850 were 
appointed lirst by the Attorney-General of the State, upon the 
recommendation of the county court, and were after that time 
elected by the county court. 

The first Commonwealth's Attorney of Wasliington county, being 
the first lawyer qualifying to practise in the courts of this county, 
was Ephraim Dunlop, who came from Pennsylvania. He had but 
one leg, the other having been amputated above the middle of the 
thigh. He ■ had some capacity, but was a drunkard. He was 
appointed prosecuting attorney for this county in the year 1777, and 
was pretty severe upon the Tories, many of whom had taken refuge 
in the mountains. On one occasion Dr. Brooks, whose right arm 
was palsied, was passing along the road below town when he found 
Dunlop, who had fallen from his horse, lying with his foot in the 
stirrup and his head on the ground, the horse standing perfectly still 
and quiet. The Doctor having no use of his right arm and Dunlop 
having but one leg, made the case a difficult one to decide what he 
should do. He dismoimted, however, and succeeded in getting Dun- 
lop into liis saddle, intending to take him to the next house. After 
lialancing and straightening Dunlop as well as he could in liis saddle, 
he mounted liis own horse and they started, but in a few yards 
Dunlop made a move in his saddle and down he went again. The 
horse seemed to be conscious of the state of things and stood still 
again. The Doctor dismounted again and raised him to his horse's 
back, then, by riding close to him on his leg side, he kept him 
from falling until lie brought him to a house, half a mile from 
where he fell. 

When sober, Dunlop was interesting. At the bar he would rise 
and place his stump of a thigh on the bar and in that manner steady 
liimself and then proceed with whatever he had to say to the court. 
He was listened to with attention. 

After the courts were organized in Sullivan county, Ke attended 

them, and some ton or fifteen years afterwards died on the road 

Itctween Abingdon and Blountville. I believe he had no family.* 

Since the year 1852, the attorneys representing the Common- 



»David Campbell MSS. 



596 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

wealth in this county have been elected by the people. The attor- 
neys representing the C*onunonwealtli in this county since the organ- 
ization of the county have been as follows : 

1777, Ephraim Dunlop. 

. . . ., Benjamin Estill. 

1831, Henry St. John Dixon. 

1831-1837, Edward Campbell. 

1837-1855, Samuel Logan. 

1855- , George Eakin JSTaff. 

1855-1863, John H. Ernest. 

1863-1865, Joseph T. Campbell. 

1865-1869, Eees B. Edmondson. 

1869- , Henry C. Auvil. 

1869-1870, J. S. Slater. 

1870- , Beverly R. Johnston. 

1870-1873, James L. White. 

187S-1884, Connally F. Trigg. 

1884-1885, Ceorge W. Ward. 

1885-1887, John L. Rowan. 

1887-1891, John C. Summers. 

1891-1895, Francis B. Hutton. 
. 1895-1904, Peter J. Davenport. 

The clerks of the county court from the organization of the gov- 
ernment of this coimty until the year 1852, were elected by the 
county court, and since the year 1852, they have been elected by 
the people. The clerks of this court from its first organization until 
the present time have been as follows : 

17,77-1779, David Campbell. 

1779-1824, John Campbell. 

1824-1837, David Campbell. 

1837-1858, Jacob Lynch. 

1858-1865, John G. Kreger. 

1865-1869, James C. Campbell. 

1869-1870, Charles McDougal. 

1870-1871, Leonidas Baugh. 

1871-1887, William G. G. Dowry. 

1887-1897, David C. Cummings, Jr. 

1897-1904, Robert Preston Cummings. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 597 

Distnct Courts. 

The General Assembly at its session in the year 1784, for the pur- 
pose of rendering the administration of justice more expeditious 
and convenient and less burthensome to individuals and to the 
Commonwealth, passed an Act establishing courts of assize through- 
out the Commonwealth, for the trial of issues and inquiry of dam- 
ages, in suits then ponding in the General Court, and such as may 
thereafter be brought, and also for the ti-ial of all treasons, fehmies 
and other crimes and misdemeanors that should be brought before 
the court. This court was to be held by two judges of the General 
Court, and it was directed that all verdicts of said court should be 
certified to the General Court at Eichmond. The State was divided 
into districts. The counties of Montgomery and Washington 
forniod one district, and it Avas directed that this court of assize 
shouhl meet at Washington Courthouse and Fort Chiswell, alter- 
nately, on the 10th day of May and on tlio 1 Itli day of October of 
oacli year. This Act never went into o})eration, but after several 
s\is]iensions it was succeeded by an Act of the Assembly, in the year 
1788, establishing district courts. 

The Act establishing the district courts became a law on the 22d 
day of December, 1788, and directed that the Common wealth, except 
tliV district of Kentucky, slioidd l)e divided into districts, and a 
superior court held in each on tlie 9th of Juno and tlu^ 9th of 
Novemlier in each year. 

The counties of Washington, Montgomery and Russell composed 
one district, and it was directed tliat a court should be held at Wash- 
ington and ]\Iontgomery courtliouses alternately, on the 2d day of 
May and the 2d day of October in each year. This court was to 
he held by two judges of the General Court assigned for that pur- 
pose. The jurisdiction of the district courts, as fixed by this Act, 
was as follows: "Over all persons in all causes, matters or things at 
common law, then cognizable in the General Court, amounting to 
thirty pounds sterling money or 3,000 pounds of tobacco, whether 
brought before the court by original process or by appeal from the 
County Court." This court was given the power to hear and deter- 
mine all treasons, murders, felonies and other crimes and misd'e- 
meanors committed within their district. 

Claiborne Walk ins was the first clerk of this court, and lived at 
Abingdon and discharged the duties of this office for many years. 

The Act establishing the district courts was amended in December, 



598 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

1789, and it was directed that Washington, Wythe and Russell 
counties should form a district, that the next court for said 
district should be held at the courthouse of the county of Wythe, 
late the courthouse of the county of Montgomery (Fort Chiswell), 
and that, thereafter, every court for said district should be held at 
Washington courthouse. This court continued to exist until it was 
succeeded by the Superior Court of Laws, established in the year 
1808. 

The General Assembly in the year 177,7, established a High Court 
of Chancery composed of three judges selected by the General 
Assembly and commissioned by the Governor, to hold office during 
good behavior. This court was held at Williamsburg and afterwards 
at Eichmond, in the months of April and September of each year, 
with a general Jurisdiction over all persons and causes in chancery, 
M^hether by original process or appeal, where the amount in con- 
troversy exceeded ten pounds. The judges of this court were after- 
wards reduced to one, George Wythe, who was the president of the 
first court. 

On the 23d of January, 1802, the General Assembly of Virginia 
divided the State into three districts and established a superior 
court of chancery in each. The county of Washington was included 
in the Western District, and the High Court of Chancery for this 
district was directed to be held at Staunton on the 12th of March, 
the 1st of July and the 15th of November of each year. This court 
exercised the jurisdiction formerly exercised by the High Court of 
Chancery as originally established, and was to' be held by a judge 
selected by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor. 

The Honorable John Brown, of Staunton, was elected judge of 
this court and discharged the duties of the same until the year 1827, 
when he was succeeded by the Honorable Allen Taylor, of Botetourt 
county, who discharged the duties of this office until the year 1831, 
when this court was merged into the Circuit Superior Court of 
Law and Chancery. 

The General Assembly in 1818 divided the Commonwealth into 
nine districts, instead of three districts as formerly, and directed 
that a Superior Court of Chancery should be held in each of said 
districts. 

The counties of Lee, Eussell, Scott, Washington, Tazewell, Wythe, 
Grayson, Giles a,nd Montgomery composed the Eighth District, and 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 599 

a Superior Court of Chancery was held at Wythe courthouse on the 
Monday first succeeding each term of the Superior Court of Law 
for the said county in every year, and after this time a Superior 
Court of Chancery was held at Wythe courthouse, by Judge Brown 
until 1827, and by Judge Taylor until 1831. 

A portion of the records of this court are still to be found at 
Wythe courthouse, and present to the practicing attorney at this 
day a clear idea of the proceedings of the court of that time. 

During the existence of this court, every paper connected with a 
chancery cause was recorded in the minute book of the court, and 
in one case decided by this court the process, bill, answer, deposi- 
tion? of witnesses and other papers connected with the suit fill one 
entire book of several hundred pages.* 

The General Assembly, oii the 1st of February, 1808, amended 
tlie Act of 1789 establishing the district courts, divided the Com- 
monwealth into twelve districts, established a superior court of law 
in each of s^aid districts and directed that a judge of the General 
Court should be allotted to each of said districts and should hold a 
superior court of law twice a year at the courthouse of each county 
in said district. 

'i"he counties of Grayson, Washington, Lee, Eussell, Tazewell, 
Giles, Montgomery and Wythe compost.d the Fourth Circuit, and 
the Hon. Williom Brockenbrough, a judge of the General Court, 
was assigned to this disti'ict and di^icharged the duties of the same 
witli marked ability until j\lay, 1811, when he was succeeded by the 
Hon. Peter Johnson,f a judge of the General Court, who discharged 
the duties of the office until June 6th, 1831, when the Superior Court 
of La-\. was nicrged into the Circuit Superior Court of Law and 
Chancery. 

The General Assembly of Virginia, pursuant to the provisions of 
the Constitution of 1829-1830, rearranged the cO'Urts of the Com- 
monwealth and established the Circuit Superior Court of Law and 
Chancery, which court superseded the Superior Court of Law and 
the Superior Court of Chancery. 

The first session of this court was held at Abingdon on the 6th 



*Pierce vs. Jackson, etc 

tJudpes Brock enbroutrh and Johnston exclianged circuits, Johnston being a 
native of Prince Edward county. 



600 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

of June, 1831, Benjamin Estill presiding. This court continued to 
be the principal court of this section until the year 1870, when some 
alterations were made in the jurisdiction of the court and the name 
was changed to the Circuit Court. 

The judges presiding in this court during its existence have been 

1831-1852, Benjamin Estill. 

1852-1857, George W. Hopkins. 

1857-1862, Samuel V. Fulkerson. 

1862-1869, John A. Campbell. 

1869-1870, John W. Johnston. 

1870-1895, Jolm A. Kelly. 

1895-1904, John P. Shefl'ey. 

Judge Fulkerson, in the spring of the year 1861, was elected col- 
onel of the Thirty-seventh Virginia Eegiment of Volunteer Infan- 
try, in which capacity he served until the fall of 1862, when he 
was shot and killed in one of the battles near Eichmond. During his 
absence in the army Judges Andrew S. Fulton, David McComas and 
G. D. Camden presided over the courts held at Abingdon. 

The Constitution adopted in tlie year 1902 made some alterations 
in the courts of the State, and the General Assembly of Virginia on 
the 12111 day of February, 1903, elected Francis B. Hutton, of 
Abingdon, judge of the Twenty-third Circuit, composed of the comi- 
ties of Eussell, Washington and Smyth. 

Upon the organization of the district court in the year^l788, 
Claiborne Watkins was appointed clerk of the court, and, as far 
as I can ascertain, he and Andrew Eussell performed the duties of 
this office until the year 1830. 

The clerks of the old District Court, the Superior Court of Law, 
the Superior Court of Chancery and the Circuit Superior Court of 
Law and Chancery were appoint'ed by the court until the year 1852, 
and from that time they have been elected by the people. The clerks 
of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery and the Cir- 
cuit Court have been as follows : 

1831-1838, Andrew Eussell. 

1838-1852, Connally F. Trigg, Sr. 

1852-1865, Peter J. Branch. 

1865-1869, David Campbell Cummings, Sr. 

1869-1870, John O'Neal. 

1870-1871, Dr. A. E. Preston. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 601 

1871-1887, L. Thomson Cosby. 

1887-1893, John G. Kreger. 

1893-1904, John M. Kreger. 

When an effort was made to secure the photographs of the 
deceased judges of this court for use in this history, the propriety of 
securing and placing their ])hotographs in tlic courthouse of this 
county was discussed by several members of the bar, and, as a result, 
a meeting of the bar was called for the 8th of October, 1901, which 
meeting, after discussing the matter, appointed Daniel Trigg, James 
L. White, F. B. Hutton. K. M. Page and L. P. Summers, a commit- 
too to secure the portraits of the deceased judges of this court and to 
make the necessary arrangements for hanging said portraits in the 
court-room of the court, and to wait upon the Board of Supervisors 
of this county and request that they place the court-room in a suita- 
ble condition for said portraits. This action of the bar was made an 
order of the Circuit Court. The committee appointed proceeded to 
the discharge of their duties and secured portraits of Judges Peter 
Johnston and John W. Johnston froni Dr. George Ben Johnston, 
of "Richmond, photographs of Judges Samuel Y. Fulkerson and 
John A. Kelly from Colonel Samnel V. Fulkerson and Joseph Tj. 
Kelly, of Bristol, and photographs of Judges Estill, Hopkins and 
Campbell from friends. 

The Board of Supervisors in answer to the request of this com- 
mittee ai)pointed J. D. Williams, J. 0. Susong and J. C. Haytcr, of 
the board, and James Ij. White, W. I. Newton and F. B. Hutton 
outside thereof, a committee to superintend the repairs to the court- 
house, and by the spring of the year 1903 the repairs were completed 
and the committee reported their proceedings to the judge of the 
Circuit Court. Their report was received and entered of record,! 
and thereupon the court appointed L. P. Summers, Preston W. 
Campl>ell, John W. Neal, W. H. Robertson and John J. Stuart a 
committee to arrange a program for the exercises attending the pre- 
sentation of the portraits of the deceased judges to the county of 
Washington. 

This committee arranged a program and reported their action to 
the court, which report was received and made a matter of record.* 



*Law Order Book, Circuit Court, K, page 116. 
fLaw Oder Book, Circuit Court, Ki page 133. 



602 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

The presentation exercises were held on the 11th day of May, 
1903, and the following program was rendered on that occasion: 

Chairman, Judge John P. Sheffey. 

Secretary, John M. Kreger. 

Portrait of Judge Peter Johnston. 

Speech of presentation by Captain J. Ij. Whit' 

Portrait of Judge Benj. Estill. 

Speech of presentation by L. P. Summers, Esquire. 

Portrait of Judge G. W. Hopkins. 

Speech oi presentation by Daniel Trigg, Esquire. 

Portrait of Judge S. V. Fulkerson. 

Speech of presentation by Judge E. M. Page. 

Portrait of Judge John A. Campbell. 

Speech of presentation by William E. Burns, Esquire. 

Portrait of Judge John W. Johnston. 

Speech of presentation by D. F. Bailey, Esquire. 

Portrait of Judge John A. Kelly. 

Speech of presentation by Judge John A. Buchanan. 

Manuscript remarks of Hon. Patrick Hagan read by John J. 
Stuart, Esquire. 

Speech of acceptance on behalf of the Supervisors of Washington 
county. Judge F. B. Hutton. 

United States Circuit and District Courts. 

In the year 18 — , the Congress of the United States created a 
district in Western Virginia, to which was given the name of the 
Western District of Virginia, and soon thereafter the court of said 
district was organized. For many years this court was held at 
Wytheville, but it was subsequently removed to Abingdon. This 
district at the present time is composed of the following counties : 
Alleghany, Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bed- 
ford, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, 
Charlotte, Clarke, Craig, Cumberland, Dickenson, Floyd, Fluvanna, 
Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Greene, Halifax, Henry, High- 
land, Lee, Madison, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Patrick, Pulaski, 
Pittsylvania, Eappahannock, Eoanoke, Eockbridge, Eockingham, 
Eussell, .Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, 
Wise and Wythe. 

Courts are held at five points in the district, semi-annually, to- 
wit: Abingdon, Eoanoke, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg and Danville, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 603 

The jurisdiction of this court is confined to matters arising under 
the Constitution and laws of the United States. 

This court, from the time of its first meeting in Abingdon until 
the year 1891, held its sessions on the second floor of the county 
courthouse of this county. 

Some time previous to the ^-ear 1884, through the efforts of Col- 
onel Abram Fulkerson and General William Mahone, the Con- 
gress of the United States appropriated money sufficient to erect 
a handsome courthouse in Abingdon for the accommodation of the 
United States courts, which courthouse was completed in the year 
1891, at an expense to the United States of $85,000, including the 
furnishing of the same, and was occupied the same year. 

The judges of this court, so far as I have been able to ascertain, 
have been: 

18 , Judge Caldwell, of \\4ieeling. 

1839-1846, Isaac S. Pennypacker, of Harrisonburg. 

18-46-1871, John W. Brockcnbrough, of Lexington. 

1871-1883, Alexander Rives, of Albemarle. 

1883-1900, John Paul, of Harrisonburg. 

1900 , Henry Clay McDowell, of Big Stone Gap. 

The clerks of this court have been as follows : 

1839 , Thomas L. Moore. 

1839-1846, E. W. Moore. 

1846-18—, Erasmus Stribling. 

1S61 , Joseph W. Caldwell. 

1871-1874, E. S. Watson. 

1874-1884, Benjamin Gildersleeve. 

1884 , Isaac Chapman Fowler. 

The attorneys representing the United States in this court since 
1871 are as follows : 

1871 , Robert W. Hughes. 

1871-1882, Warren S. Lurty. 

1882-1880, Daniel Shefi'ey Lewis. 

1885-1889, Henry C. Allen. 

1889-1893, William E. Craig. 

1893-1897, A. J. :\Iontague. 

1897-1901, T. M. Alderson. 

1901-1905, Thomas Lee Moore. 

The marshals of this coyrt since 1855 have been as follows; 



604 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

1855 , Jefferson T. Martin. 

1871-1878, Algernon S. Gray. 

1878-1883, John F. Lewis. 

1882-1886, John G. Watts. 

1886-1887, Samuel L. Graham. 

1887-1890, James E. Jordan. 

1890-1893, John G. Watts. 

1893-1898, George W. Levi. 

1898-190-, S. Brown Allen. 

In addition to the officers above named, several of the citizens of 
this county and district, to-wit: F. B. Hutton, David F. Bailey, 
John J. Stuart and John C. Blair, have discharged the duties of 
assistant district attorney in this court with distinguished ability. 

PEESBYTEEIANISM IN WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

The first settlers of Washington county were principally Presby- 
terian in belief and of Scotch-Irish descent, and as early as the 
year 1773 the Eev. John Craig and the Eev. James Campbell, Pres- 
byterian ministers, had visited and preached to the settlers upon the 
frontiers (then Southwest Virginia). 

It may be thought strange that men situated as were tlic first set- 
tlers of this section would have need or would wish to be instructed 
in religious matters, as their lives were a constant effort, to either kill 
their adversaries, the Indians, 'or to prevent the Indians from 
slaughtering themselves and families ; but man is a religious being 
and cannot divest himself of his religious nature. Herodotus, the 
ancient traveler and the father of history, said that "cities with- 
out walls could be found and communities without pretence to. arts, 
laM'S, or even morals, but no tribe or nation could be found without 
a religion." The idea of God is intuitive, inlierent in the soul of 
man. And the first settlers of this section were not only susceptible 
to this idea, but as a rule they had Keen taught in their youth to 
honor and love their Creator in all their walks and imder all cir- 
cumstances. 

Prior to the year 1772, two congregations had been organized 
in this county, the one at Sinking Spring, the other at Ebbing 
Spring, and by the summer of 1773 these congregations had grown 
until their membership was one hundred and twenty-six persons, 
and these congregations extended a call to the Etev. Charles Cum- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 605 

niiiigs, who was thon preaching at Brown's Meeting House, in 
Augusta, county. 

This call was presented by Samuel Edmiston at a session of the 
Presb}i"ery held at Brown's Meeting House on June 2, 1773. 

Mr. Cumniings acceptx^d the call and removed with his family to 
the neighborhood of the Sinking Spring church (Abingdon), 
purchased land and settled upon it. Mr. Cummings served the two 
congregations until the year 1780, when the Eev. Thomas Brown 
Craigliead took charge of the Ebbing Spring congregation, while 
Mr. Cummings remained in charge of and served the Sinking 
Spring t'ongrcgation faithfully and well until 1812, the date of his 
death. 

From the time Mr. Cummings commenced preaching at Sinking 
Spring up to about the year 1776, the men never went to church 
without being armed, and taking their families with tliem. On 
Sabbath mornings during this period, it was Mr. Cummings' cus- 
tom, for he was always a very neat man in his dress, to dress him- 
self, then put on his shot-pouch, shoulder his rifle, mount his dun 
stallion and ride off to church. There he met his gallant and intel- 
ligent congregation, each man with his rifle in his hand. When 
seated in the meeting house they presented altogether a most solemn 
and singular spectacle. ]Mr. Cummings' uniform habit, before enter- 
ing the house, was to take a short walk alone whilst the congregation 
were seating themselves ; he would then return, at the door hold a few 
words of conversation with some one of the elders of tlie church, 
then would walk gravely through the crowd, mount the steps of the 
pulpit, deposit his rifle in a corner near him, lay off his shot pouch 
and commence the solemn worship of the day. He would preach 
two sermons, having a short interval between them, and go home. 

The congi-egation was very large, and preaching was always well 
attended. On sacramental occasions, which were generally about 
twice a year, the table was spread in a grove near the church. He 
pi-eached for many years, and until far advanced in life, to one of 
the largest, most respectable and most intelligent congregations ever 
assembled in Western Virginia.* 

In the year 1782, the elders of the Sinking Spring congregation 
were: Samuel Newell, Sr., George Finley, John Blackburn, John 
Davis, Andrew Willoughby, Sr., William Lowry and James Douglas. 



HJoviinor I>iivi(l Campbell's MSS. 



606 Southwed Virginia, 111^6-1186. 

Mr. Cummings was a very zealous Whig and did much to fire the 
patriotism of his congregation and the settlers upon the frontiers. 
He was the first named on the Committee of Safety for Fincastle 
county and to his pen has been generally attributed the resolutions 
adopted by tlie freeholders of Fincastle county on the 20th of Jan- 
uar3% 1775. He was a member of Hanover Presbytery and assisted 
in the preparation of the petition for the abolition of the established 
church, which was presented to the General Assembly on the 24tli 
of October, 1776, and after the organization of Washington county, 
in the year 1777, he was chairman of the Committee of Safety for 
this county during the Revolution, and never failed to serve his 
coimtry in the cause of li))erty when an opportunity afforded. 

An idea may be had of his influence and the dependence placed 
upon him by our leaders during the darkest days of the Revolution 
from a letter addressed to him by Colonel Arthur Campbell in June, 
1778, upon his return from Eichmond: 

"Yesterday I returned home, the Assembly having adjourned 
until the first Monday in October. The acts passed and a list of 
their titles I here enclose, together with an address of Congress 
to the people of America, for you to publish agreeably to the resolve. 
I wish you could make it convenient to preach at the lower meeting 
house in this county, if it was but a week day, as the contents of the 
address are of the most interesting nature, both as to tlie moral and 
political conduct of the good people of America. Providence is 
daily working out strange deliverances for us. The treaty with 
France is much more advantageous than the wisest men of this 
countr}' expected. The Indians the other day were unexpectedly 
discomfited on Greenbrier. I think the overthrow was something 
similar to what happened in this country about two years ago. I 
must give you the intelligence at full length, as the most hardened 
mind must see and admire the divine goodness in such an interpo- 
sition." 

Mr. Cummings was succeeded by the Rev. Stephen Bovel, and an 
eye-witness of the place and character of the service at the Sinking 
Spring church in the year 1833 says : "The Presbyterians wor- 
shipped in a very old log building at 'the Grave- Yard' — weather- 
boarded outside and ceiled inside. To this plain, old-fashioned 
house would, literally, the gathering of the people be. From the 
hills and valleys the worshippers would pour in until an overflowing 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 607 

house would leave a multitude outside. Ladies and gentlemen, with 
their children, would walk there twice a day in summ.er's heat and 
winter's cold, and listen to one or two discourses before returning to 
Abingdon I They went there for a purpose, and that purpose was to 
worship God. The silence of death almost prevailed before preach- 
ing. Talking and jesting in the house of God had not then become 
a fashionable amusement. They were prayerful, solemn, thought- 
ful, serious, and never failed to enjoy the services of the sanctuary 
and of the minister. The same writer says : "Dr. Bovel was a minis- 
ter of the olden stamp, ^ye have heard gra3'-headed members of the 
cliurrh speak of his teaching them 'the Assembly's Catechism,' when 
they were children. Venerable patriarch of the church! We saw 
him when far beyond his three score years and ten. With his white 
head, tremulous voice and faltering steps, he still moved amongst 
the former people of his charge. In extreme age — the activity and 
usefulness of his young manhood having passed by, and repose and 
comfort should have been his — he journeyed far away, and sought a 
home, and found his grave in a distant State."* 

In the year 1830 Mr. Bovel was succeecJed by Eev. David E. Pres- 
ton, and shortly thereafter this congregation erected a new churcli 
building (now Temperance Hall), and worshipped in this building 
until the schism of 1837 divided the church; when one branch of 
the church erected a new building on the lot now occupied by the 
Presbyterian church at the corner of ^lain and Slaughter streets. 

From tlie year 1837 until 1865, two congregations of Presbyte- 
rians worshipped in the town, one at the Temperance Hall and the 
other at the new church, and the feelings between the two con- 
gregations were such as to greatly endanger the existence of the 
church. 

The total membership of both churches in 1865 was one hundred 
and twelve members only. The two congregations were united in 
1865, through the efforts of the Revs. Thomas Brown and James 
McChain, and since that time the church has greatly prospered, 
the membership at the present time being three hundred and thirty. 

This church took its name from the Sinking Spring near the 
marble yard of James L. Brown, and this church is the parent of 
the Meadow View, Cold Spring. Green Spring, Walnut Grove, Maple 
Grove, Spring Creek, Bethel and the first Presbyterian church of 
Bristol, Tenn. 



•Rev. Lewis F. Cosby. 



608 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

The pastors serving this church during its history have been : 

17,74-1812, Rev. Charles Ciimmings. 

1812-1830, Rev. Stephen Bovel. 

1830-1835, Rev. David R. Preston. 

1835' , Rev. William Preston, stated supply. 

1835-1842, Rev. Stephen Taylor. 

1842-1866, Rev. James McChain. 

1870-1883, Rev. E. H. Barnett, and in recent years Revs. P. D. 
Stephenson, T. A. Wharton and R. V. Lancaster. 

The ruling elders of this church, so far as I can ascertain, in addi- 
tion to those previously given, have been: James Vance, James 
Davis, Michael Shaver, Alexander White, J. W. C. Watson, Elias 
Ogden, Henry Parrot, Archimedes Davis, T. P. Clapp, John F. 
Preston, Philip Snapp, Jacob N. Campbell, R. C. Craig, Samuel A. 
Preston, D. C. Dunn, R. L. Francisco, Robert J. Preston, T. D. 
Davidson, B. Gildersleeve, John A. Buchanan, R. A. Preston, John 
A. Hagy, F. B. Hutton, W. B. Ingham, T. M. Clapp and B. R. 
Smith. 

Ebbing Spring. 

This was one of the first churches to be organized in Washing- 
ton county, and its first pastor was the Rev. Charles Cummings, who 
served the church until 1780, when he was succeeded by Rev. 
Thomas Brown Craighead. 

This church was named from the Ebbing Spring, the church 
building being on the hill a short distance north of tJie spring. This 
spring is now on the farm owned by David Stump, on the Middle 
Fork of Holston river, in the upper end of this count}^, and in its 
normal condition it is a beautiful stream flowing from among lime- 
stone rocks. Before the water begins to flow there is a gurgling- 
sound, and then the stream gushes out with a rapid current, filling 
the channel. The ebb begins gradually, and in less than half an 
hour the spring is as limpid and quiet as before the disturbance.* 
This was the place of worship of General William Campbell and 
the families east as far as the head of Holston, and the number of 
the worshippers at this church was exceeded by that of the Sinking 
Spring only. 

In the year 1792, it was decided to remove the church building 
from the Ebbing Spring to the Old Glade Spring. With the re- 



*Thomas"L. Preston. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 609 

inoval of the church from Ebbing Spring the name was changed 
to Crlade Spring. The new churcli was erected upon property given 
by Francis Kincannon and deeded, by the direction of Kincannon, 
by John Eobinson on the 15th of February, 1814, to Robert Buch- 
anan, Joseph Snodgrass, David Beattie, Jolin Porterfield, Thomas 
Edmiston, William Beattie, James Scott, Samuel Edmiston, Leon- 
ard Hutton and William Eakin, members of the Presbyterian con- 
gregation of Glade Spi'ing. The families constituting this congre- 
gation in the early days were among the most patriotic citizens to 
be found anywhere within the colonies; they were respectable and 
progressive, and their descendants at this time practice the same 
ideas that rendered their ancestors distinguished. The pastors 
serving the Ebbing Spring congregation have been : 

1774-1780— Eev. Charles Cummings. 

1780-1790— Eev. Thomas Brown Craighead. 

1790-1816— Eev. Edward Crawford. 

1816-1831— Rev. Alexander McEwen. 

1835 —Rev. Philip Wood. 

1843-1844— Rev. Robert C. Gralxam. 

1844-1848— Rev. A. G. Taylor. 

1848 —Rev. Robert Glenn. 

1848-1852— Eev. JjOyi E. IMorrison. 

1852-1856— Rev. D. F. Palmer. 

1856-1859— Rev. Henry Siuith. 

1859-1862— Rev. J. J. McMahon. 

1863-1866— Rev. R. L. McMurrin, 
and since 1866, the Revs. Henry M. White, J. 0. Sullivan, Frank 
McCutchen, P. H. Guinn, and J. R. Herndon. 

The ruling elders of this church, so far as I have been able to 
ascertain, have been : Mitchell Robinson, David Beattie, John 
Fyakin, Pet'er Clark, John S. Clark, Arthur Hutton, John Robinson, 
Philip B. Snapp, J. C. Porterfield, Isaac M. Benham, W'. B. Dick- 
enson, James A. Buchanan, A. D. Hutton, A. H. Byars, George A. 
C. Beattie, :M. W. Robinson, E. B. Clark, T. M. Porterfield, A. M. 
Byars, and J. D. Kent. 

This church Imis experienced a very rapid growth in recent years, 
and at the present time five churches and chapels are within tlie 
bounds of the Glade Spring church, viz. : Old Glade Spring church. 



610 Southwest Virginia, 111^6-1186. 

Glade Spring clmrch. Seven Springs, Ebbing Spring Chapel, and 
the membership of the church is considerable. 

The location of the church erected in 1792 was near a fine 
spring and there was a long glade free from timber looking south- 
east from the location of the church, and it was from this circum- 
stance that the church took the name of Glade Spring in the year 
1792. 

When the building of Emory and Henry College was proposed, a 
meeting was held for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions at the 
Old Glade Spring church and the members of this congregation con- 
tributed the greater portion of a $5,000 subscription to the enter- 
prise, and Colonel William Byars, Alexander Eobinson, Madison 
Beattie, Absalom Beattie, W. B. Edmondson, W. C. Edmondson 
and J. M. Byars, active members of this church, have given their 
influence, money and labor to the upbuilding of Emory and Henry 
College since the inception of the enterprise. 

There is not a community in Washington county that excels that 
of Glade Spring in intelligence, patriotism and worth, and this fact 
is in great part due to the influence of this church. 

Roch Spring Church. 

The Eock Spring church, by far the oldest church organization 
in that section of the coimty, was organized just after the Revolu- 
tion, in the year 1784. 

The land upon which this church stands was deeded to the con- 
gregation, March 15th, 1820; fiftj'^-five poles by Eobert Edmond- 
son, twenty poles by Matthew Brown. 

No sessional records appear to have been kept until 1843, but 
the membership was large and somewhat scattered. In 1880, sixty- 
three of its members were organized into a separate church, known 
as Bethel, near Osceola. 

The total membership of Eock Spring church from 1843 to 1902 
is estimated at something over 500. Its present membership is 
over seventy. 

Many of the signers of the original call to Eev. Charles Cum- 
mings lived within the bounds of Eock Spring church, and some 
of their descendants still occupy the old homesteads of their an- 
cestors. 

The church has occupied three separate buildings; the second 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 611 

was removed, in 1884, and the present large and b'eantiful building 
erected near the old site. 

The names of those who iniiiisterod to tlie people of Rock Spring 
cliurcli piior to 18-13 are (so far as can be learned) Crawford, Bovel, 
Glenn and McEwen, of the Presbyterian clmrch, and Harper, Mc- 
Laws, Scott, Patrick and Thompson, of the Reformed Presbyterian 
churcii. About 1825, McEwen, who was then stated supply, and 
who appears to have been an able and popular minister, was de- 
posed from the ministry on the charge of immorality. The contro- 
versy over his trial was bitter and protracted, and checked the 
gi-owlli of the cliui'ch J'or several years. 

Jn the great controversy of 1837 over church representation, out 
of which grew the Old and New Schools, Rock Spring sided with 
the former. 

Down to 1843 the church had no regular pastor. In that year 
the Rev. R. C. Graham was called and installed. 

At that time Samuel Moore, Andrew Edmondson, and Robert 
E. Lowry were elders. Their first meeting under the new pastor 
was on December 10, 1843. From that meeting records of the pro- 
ceedings of the session w^ere kept; the membership at that time was 
ninety. 

Mr. Graham's pastorate appears to have ended in 1847. It re- 
sulted in a largely increased membership. From 1847 to 1866 the 
church had no pastor. The stated supplies during that time were 
Hodge, Stickley, Reece, Wilson and Hogshead. The last, in the 
year 1866, was installed pastor, and continued as such until the 
year 1871. 

He was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Carson, as stated supply, who 
continued in charge until the autumn of 1875, when Rev. J. 0. 
Sullivan became pastor. His pastorate ceased in the year 1881, 
when he became president of Stonewall Jackson Institute. 

The present church building, one of the most commodious in the 
Presbytery, was erected in the year 1884, at a cost of about $3,000. 

The next pastor was the Rev. Frank McCutchen. He remained 
until 1893, when he accepted a call to Rogersville, Tenn. Rev. J. 
B. Ilutton, Rev. S. R. Preston and the Rev. Mr. Visor were stated 
supplies until October, 1896, when Rev. J. B. Morton became pastor. 
He resigned in 1901 because of disaffection in the congregation. 



G13 Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

Tlie present pastor (not jot installed) is Eev. Allen Jones, an able 
and most energetic man. 

Maple Grove Cliurcli. 

The first Presbyterian preacher to conduct regular services in 
this comnuinity was the Eev. Stephen Bovel, and, as a result of his 
efforts, a log-house was built upon the location of the present 
church in 1831. A partial organization of the church was ef- 
fected about the same time, but all records pertaining thereto have 
been lost, and the first regular session of this church of which we 
have any record was organized in the year 1836, with the following 
elders present: John Gray, John Davis, John Anderson, Wallace 
Maxwell, Peter S. Hanby and A. C. Maxwell. 

The first regularly installed pastor of this church was the Eev. 
John H. Wallace. 

In th'e year 1874, the log church erected in 1831 was torn down, 
and a handsome country church erected in its place. The church 
has been served by the following pastors, so far as I can ascertain: 
Eevs. Stephen Bovel, James McChain, John H. Wallace, Henry 
Eose, J. P. Briscoe, John L. Allison, W. T. Mobray, J. B. Morton, 
G. W. Henderlite and E. B. Hudson. 

Spring Creeh Church. 

This church was organized in the year 1853, with John P. Pres- 
ton and Archimedes Davis as ruling elders, and the following mem- 
bers: Archimedes Davis, John P. Preston, Mrs. Nancy Preston, 
Mrs. Margaret L. Pulkerson, Mrs. Mary Bradley, Misses Mar- 
garet J. Willoughby, Caroline Willoughby, Elizabeth Eush, Mary 
J. Legard, Andrew Willoughby, Jeremiah Eush, Sr. and James 
Eush. 

Soon after the organization of the church, Andrew Willoughby 
was installed an elder, and witliin recent years Henry B. Eoberts, 
J. G. E. Davis and others have served in the same capacity. 

The land upon which this church stands was given by John F. 
Preston. A very commodious frame building was erected thereon 
in the year 1853 and remained until 1886, when the old building 
was torn down and a handsome frame building erected in its stead. 

The pastors that have served this church have been the same that 
served the Maple Grove church. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 613 

Upon tliis church property stood an old log-house in which the 
writer attended the public schools, and in the church building he 
was tauglit the Shorter Catechism by H. B. Roberts and a faithful 
corps of noble women. 

Walnut Gi'ove Church. 

This church was organized at an early day and has been of great 
usefulness; but, I am sorry to say that, notwithstanding very per- 
sistent (>lYorts, I have been unable to obtain any information in re- 
gard to its history. 

Green Spring Church. 

Tliis cliurcli was established in the year 1794, and the first build- 
ing was erected upon a tract of land conveyed to the members of 
the Green Spring congregation and their successors, they calling a 
regular Presbyterian minister of the gospel, adhering to the West- 
minster Confession of Faith and the doctrine and discipline therein 
contained, with the Larger and Shorter Catechism, James Mont- 
gomery. 

This church is situated in the strongest Presbyterian community 
in Washington county, ])ossibly in Southwest Virginia, and has had 
a very useful career: l)ul I must express my regi'ct at being unable 
to obtain any information in regard thereto. 

All that has been said in regard to the Glade Spring community 
will apply to this, the peer of the Glade Spring community. 

'I'he Kings, McConnells, Berrys, McChesneys, Coxes, Kellers, 
^FcCauleyp, Grays, Thomases, Lowrys, Parks, Avens, Mimmicks 
and Campbells constitute a large part of this congregation. 

:\[ETir()DTSM IN WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

IMethodism made its appearance in Washington county, Vir- 
ginia, by emigi-ation, somewhere between 1770 and 17.75. The 
first circuit, in what is now Holston Conference, appeared in the 
minutes of 1783 entitled "Holston Circuit," with sixty members, 
and Jeremiali Lambert was appointed in charge of it. This cir- 
cuit embraced the scattered Methodists in Southwestern A'^irginia 
and upper East Tennessee. In 17S1, Lambert reported seventy-six 
members, a gain of sixteen. 

Bishop Asbury held the first conference west of the Alleghanies, 
at Stephen Keywood's, Washington county, Virginia, May, 1788. 



614 Southwest Virginia, 17 -1,6-17 SO. 

Keywood lived about midway between Saltville and what is now 
Glade Spring depot. He lived in a two-stoTy log-house with a mas- 
sive stone cliimney at one end. The conference met in an upper 
room without fire, and sat three days. Eeligious exercises were 
kept up daily, with fine results. John Tunnell, Thomas Ware and 
others had preaching at Keywood's every day for a week before 
the session of the conference began, and on Sunday before the con- 
ference John Tunnell preached in the morning. Under this ser- 
mon Madam Elizabeth Eussell, wife of General William Eussell, 
of Revolutionary fame, and sister to Patrick Henry, was convinced 
that she was the veriest sinner on 'earth, although up to that period, 
as a member of the Episcopal church, she had been exemplary in 
life and thought she was a child of God. She invited the preach- 
ers home with her to pray for and instruct her. They complied, 
and in the afternoon she emerged from darkness into light, prais- 
ing God with a loud voice. This good — yea, great — woman became a 
flame of Christian zeal, and to the day of her death, which occurred 
in 1825, she served God and her generation with a zeal not sur- 
passed in ancient or modern times. Mrs. Eussell's first husband 
was General William Campbell, of King's mountain celebrity. Her 
daughter, ]\Iiss Sarah B. Campbell, married General Francis Pres- 
ton. Among the children of General Preston may be mentioned 
the Hons. William C. Preston and John S. Preston, of South Caro- 
lina, Thomas L. Preston, and Mrs. John B. Floyd, the last a life- 
long ]\Tethodist. 

Up to 1812, Washington county was generally included in Hol- 
ston Circuit; but in that year Abingdon Circuit appears in the 
minutes. This circuit embraced Washington county and some ad- 
jacent territory in Virginia and Tennessee. Baker Wrather was 
the first appointee to Abingdon Circuit. This circuit was a part 
of Tennessee Conference until 1824, when Holston Conference was 
organized. Abingdon station was established in 1826, with the 
Rev. George Atkins as its first pastor. 

At what date the first Methodist church in Abingdon was built 
I am unable to state. In 1849, the old Abingdon church was torn 
down and supplanted by a neat brick chapel where the old Metho- 
dist graveyard is. This chapel afterwards gave place to the pres- 
ent church on Main street. The Findlays, Litchfields, Mitchells, 
Floyds, Campbells, Hoofnagles, Honakers, Hamiltons and Bans 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 615 

have been among the most prominent Methodist families of Abing- 
don. 

John Baker, lour miles west of Abingdon, was a wealthy Metho- 
dist, and was for many years a liberal supporter of the church. 
John W. Price, near Glade Spring, was a wealthy farmer and an 
active church worker, often exhorting and holding protracted meet- 
ings, res\ilting in great revivals in his community. 

Lebanon camp-gi'ound, some six miles east of Abingdon, was 
established at an early day, and for a number of years was one of 
the most poj)ular camp-gTounds in the connection. Methodists 
from Abingdon and other parts of the county camped there, and 
ninny of the first preachers of the connection preached from its pul- 
pit. 

In 1835, Holston (.'onference projected a scheme for an agricul- 
tural college. The Rev. Creed Fulton, agent, and also member 
of the committee to locate the school, raised a subscription and 
called the committee together. The present site of Emory and 
Henry College was chosen, and the erection of buildings was begun 
at once. In 1838, the school was inaugnirated under the presidency 
of Charles Collins, of Maine, a graduate of the Middleton (Conn.) 
Wesleyan University. He was a well-rounded man, and under his 
wise administration the college prospered; but the school reached 
its zenith afterwards under the administration of President E. E. 
Wiley. 

Martha Washington College was projected in 1858. The confer- 
ence accepted from the Odd-Fellows a site and unfinished build- 
ings in the northern suburb of Abingdon, but abandoned the site 
afterwards, and bought the Preston property, the present site. 
This college has had a very useful career. 

Some years afterwards the Methodists of Bristol built and es- 
tablished Sullins College there, with Dr. David Sullins- as presi- 
dent. This school has been a successful competitor of Martha 
Washington College in the cause of female education. 

Methodism has always been strong in Washington county, of an 
evangelical type, and a powerful factor in educating and refining 
the people and creating a good quality of citizensliip. Long will 
the memory of such people as Father Wilkenson, Father Hask'ew, 
Dr. George Barr, "Amit Bettie Haskew," "Aunt Kittie" Findlay, 



616 Southivest Virginia, 17Ji6-1786. 

and otliers like them, linger among our healthful hills as a sweet 
perfume. 

I should have mentioned particukiiiy the Methodist Protestant 
church. This denomination was organized in 1830. It was at 
first made up of members and preachers who fo^rmerly represented 
the Annual and General Conferences, and, being opposed to an 
episcopal form of government, seceded from the M. E. Church, 
and set up a church more democratic in polity. The Eev, Mr. 
Cosby and Dr. George E. Barr were the principal pioneers of this 
church in Abingdon. A nice brick church was built, and regular 
preaching kept up for many years. Dr. Barr was many years its 
pastor, and a revered and venerable name. The church had some 
influence at other points in this county, but made little headway 
against its older and more thorouglily established rival.* 

The members of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, in about the 
year 1845, disagreed upon the question of slavery, and divided 
their church property, and since that time there have been two 
branches of the same church in this county, to-wit: The Methodist 
Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church has experienced a very rapid 
growth in Washington county since 1865, and to-day has thirteen 
churches and a large number of communicants in this county, while 
the Methodist Episcopal Church South has churches and com- 
municants in nearly every community in the county. 

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA— ITS HISTOEY. 

The present location of Abingdon was immediately upon the 
Indian trail from the south and the Indian trail from the north- 
west, which, passing through Cumberland Gap, crossed the south- 
ern trail at about the present location of flurt's store, in the town 
of Abingdon, in the direction of North Carolina. 

When Dr. Thomas Walker and his company of explorers visited 
Southwestern Virginia in the years 1749-1750, they followed this 
Indian trail, and on July 14, 1752, King George II. of England 
granted to Dr. Thomas Walker a large body of land surrounding 
and including the site of the town of Abingdon and supposed to 
contain 6,780 acres. 



'Rev. R. N. Price. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



617 



This is the first record that we have of the early exploration of 
the lands upon which the town of Abingdon has been built. 

Dr. Walker made no immediate effort to settle the lands secured 
by his grant, and the next mention that we have of this locality 
was in the year 1760, in which year Daniel Boone and Nathaniel 
Gist left the home of Boone, in North Carolina, and, crossing the 
Holston mountains, encamped in what is now loiown as Taylor's 
Valley, from which point they passed down the Ilolston river to 
near Glenn's ]\rill, and thence to the present location of Abingdon, 
where they onoampod on the second niaiit. near where Black's 








Abingdon, Virginia, 1835. 



Fort was afterwards built at a spring. Boone and Gist were upon 
a hunting expedition at the time and were accompanied by their 
dogs. Soon after nightfall, the hunters were greatly disturbed by 
the appearance of a large number of wolves. Their dogs were as- 
sailed with such fury that Boone and Gist with great difficulty 
succeeded in ri^pelling the attack of the wolves and preserving their 
lives, several of their best dogs being killed. From this circum- 
stance the present location of Abingdon received its first name, 
"Wolf Hills." The wolves bad (heir hoiue in the cave that imder- 
lies the town of Abingdon, the entrance to which is upon the lot 
now occupied as a residence by Captain James .L. White. 

The creek that passes through the eastern and southern portions 
of the town alxmt this time received the naniQ of Castle's Creek^ 



618 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 




Abingdon, Virginia, 1902. Looking East from Fruit Hill. 




Abingdon, Virginia, 1902. Looking South from Fruit Hill. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. G19 

which name, about fifteen years afterwards, was changed to Eigh- 
teen Mile Creek, and the creek west of Abingdon was given the 
name of Wolf Hill Creek, which names are retained imtil this time. 

Some time between the years 1765 and 1770, James Douglas, 
Andrew Colvill, George Blackburn, Joseph Black, Samuel Briggs, 
James Piper and several other persons settled upon lands sur- 
rounding and including the present location of Abingdon, under 
purchases from Dr. Thomas Walker, whicli lands were afterwards 
convoyed to the settlers in the year 1774. 

By this time, 1774, the immediate vicinity of the present loca- 
tion of Ahingdoii was settled l)y large numbers of people, and dur- 
ing this year a cliurcli was built near the entrance gate of the pres- 
ent cemetery, west of the town of Aiiingdon, under the direction 
of tlie Rev. Charles Cummings and under the auspices of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

The early settlers of this section of Virginia at this early date 
recognized the importance of this locality, and as the natural in- 
stinct of the Indian had made this the passing point of two great 
Indian trails, so the same instinct of the white man caused him to 
recognize this as a central location for his operations. 

Captain Josepli Black, who settled on Eighteen Mile Creek 
nearly south of the present residence of Colonel Arthur Cummings, 
with the assistance of his neighbors, erected a small fort near his 
residence for the protection of the neighborhood from attacks 
by the Indians, which fort was called "Black's Fort," and this fort 
was used until the summer of 1776. 

In the spring of this year, 1776, the Cherokee Indians, after 
twelve years of comparative jieace and friendliness, decided to wage 
a war against the whites, and to exterminate or drive them from 
the waters of the Holston and Clinch rivers ; and in the month of 
July news came to the settlement, which extend'ed down as far as 
Eaton's Fort, seven miles east of Long Island of Holston, that 
Dragging Canoe, a noted Indian chief, at the head of seven hun- 
dred Indian warriors, was marching upon the settlements, which 
news created great consternation, and every settler, with but few 
exceptions, gathered his family and traveled with all speed for the 
old'er settlements. 

There was but one public highway passing through this sec- 



620 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

tion at that time, which was known as the Great road and passed 
directly by Black's Fort. 

By the 20th of July, 1776, fully four hundred men, women and 
children, had assembled at Black's Fort, and, at the suggestion of 
their leaders, determined to build a substantial fort and contosi 
the further progress of the Indian invasion. 

While the building of this fort was in progress, the battle of 
Long Island Flats was fought and resulted in an overwhelming 
victory for the settlers. Tlie news of this battle reached Black's 
Fort on the following day. 

Upon the receipt of this good news, the Rev. Charles Cummings 
had all work upon the fort suspended, assembled the multitude, 
and, kneeling in prayer, thanked God for the deliverance of the 
people. 

The work upon the fort was continued until completed and, when 
completed, it was one of the best forts upon the frontiers. 

During the week following the battle of Long Island Flats the 
settlers at Black's Fort were greatly annoyed by small bands of In- 
dians traveling through the settlements, killing the settlers indis- 
criminately, burning their homes and driving off their property. 

Three parties of Indians came within the vicinity of Black's 
Fort. One party scalped Arthur Blackburn and left him for dead, 
another succeeded in killing and scalping Jacob Mongle, and a 
third party assailed the Eev. Charles Cummings, his negro ser- 
vant. Job, William Creswell and James Piper, and succeeded in 
killing William Creswell and crippling James Piper by shooting 
off one of his fingers. 

After the battle at Long Island Flats, the settlers were greatly 
encouraged, and, at the same time, felt very much outraged at the 
depredations of their Indian neighbors, and a portion of the set- 
tlers at Black's Fort, with the assistance of a few men from Bryan's 
Fort, succeeded in killing and scalping eleven out of a party of In- 
dians that visifed the home of James Montgomery, near the South 
Fork of Holston river, about eight miles south of Abingdon. The 
scalps of the eleven Indians were brought to Black's Fort and 
tied to the end of the longest pole that could be found in the vi- 
cinity, and this pole was planted at the gate of the fort as a warn- 
ing, we suppose, to future invaders that they would meet a like 
fate. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 621 

The county of Wasliington was established by an Act of the 
Assembly of Virginia in tlie fall of the year 1776, and by the 
])rovisions of that Act Black's Fort was designated as the first place 
of meeting of the County Court of the new county. The time of 
the nuH'ting was fixed as January 28, 1777. 

Tradition says there was a great contest between the citizens of 
this county as to the location of the county seat, a portion of the 
citizens advocating the present location of the Presbyterian church 
at Green Spring as the proper location for the county seat. 

But several important inducements decided the contest in favor 
of Black's Fort; to-wit: first, the fact that Black's Fort was directly 
upon the line of the Great road passing through this section, and, 
secondly, because Dr. Thomas Walker, Joseph Black and Samuel 
Briggs agreed to give to the county of Washington one hundred and 
twenty acres of land for the purpose of locating the town and 
assisting in discharging the cost of the erection of the necessary 
public buildings, and, in addition. Dr. Walker agreed to deed to 
the ti-ustees of the town of Abingdon, for a nominal consideration, 
four lumdred and eighty-four acres of land adjoining the one hun- 
ili-od and twenty above six)ken of. 

It cannot be doubted that the selection was a wise one, especially 
in view of the mutilation of tlie territory of Washington county 
as originally formed, hy the t'onnation of new coiuities by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of A'irginia, and the encroachments upon Virginia 
territory by the State of 'j'ennessee. The county seat was as nearly 
centrally located as possible. ' 

The four hundred and eiglity-four acre tract of land which Dr. 
A\'alker agreed to sell to the trustees of the town of Abingdon for 
a nominal consideration was conveyed to said trustees by Daniel 
Smith, attorney in fact for Dr. Walker, on October 7, 1781. 

The power of attorney from Dr. Walker constituting Daniel 
Smith his attorney iai fact to convey said lands was executed Sep- 
tember 9, 1777 and was witnessed by Thomas Jefferson, Eeuben 
Lindsay and George Dives. 

Shortly after tlie organization of the County Court of Washing- 
ton county, Virginia, to-wit: on April 29, 1777, the County Court 
entered an order appointing 



622 Southwest Virginia, nJf6-1786. 

Arthur Campbell, William Campbell, 

Daniel Smith, " Joseph Martin, 

William Edmiston, John Coulter, 

Robert Craig, 

trustees to dispose of the lands given to the county by Walker, Black 
and Briggs. 

It will be observed that the present location of Abingdon, at the 
time in question, was without a name, and, as far as I can ascertain, 
it did not receive the name of Abingdon imtil the summer of this 
year. 

The one hundred and twenty acres of land given to the county by 
Walk'er, Black and Briggs were surveyed by Captain Eobert Doach, 
and, immediately after the appointment of the trustees above 
named, they directed John Coulter to survey and lay out the main 
street of the town of Abingdon, which was accordingly done. 

The County Court, on the 27th day of August, 1,777, directed 
James Dysart, the sheriff of Washington county, to employ some 
person or persons, upon the best terms he could, to remove to some 
convenient place, where the town was to stand, the logs and other 
timber which had been placed at Mr. Black's for the purpose of 
building a magazine, to be used in building a courthouse. The 
sheriff, pursuant to this order, selected the present location of the 
yard of Mrs. James W. Preston as a convenient place for the same, 
and let the contract for the building to Samue-l Evans, 

The Coryity Court, at the same time, directed the sheriff of the 
county to build a prison fourteen feet square, with square timbers, 
twelve inches each way, and with a good shingle roof, and in lieu 
' of a stone wall to line the side walls and also the under floor with 
two-inch plank, and to pvit in each plank nine iron spikes six inches 
long; and the sheriff, pursuant to directions, let the contract for 
the building of the prison to Abraham Goodpasture. 

At the time of the building of the courthouse, the County Court 
of Washington county had erected what was known as stocks, just 
west of the courthouse and on Main street. 

These consisted of a platform some five or six feet above the 
ground, with a centrepiece about seven feet above the platform. 
To this were attached movable boards, one at the foot of the plat- 
form and anotlier about four feet above the first. In these boards 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



fi23 



were holes, through which the head, hands and feet of the cul- 
prit were thrust/'* 

It is said that one application of this mode of punishment made 
a lasting impression upon offenders. 

To George Martin was given the contract for making irons for 
criminals, and to Hugh Berry that of making nails to be used in 
the erection of the courthouse and prison. 

The courthouse and prison were not completed until the year 
1779, at which time the County Court directed David Carson and 
Joseph Black to lay off the prison bounds, and on the 17th day of 
Juno, 1779, David Carson and Joseph Black, affer laying off the 
prison bounds, made the following report: 

Pursuant to an order of court, Ave the subscribers have laid off the 
Prison Bounds, as in the annexed Piatt. 




Witness our hands this l?th June, 1779. 

DAVID CAESOJ^^, 
JOSEPH BLACK. 

Beginning at the N". W. corner of th'e gaol at a stump S. 35° E, 
40 poles, crossing the road at 3 forked wliite oak saplings ; thence N. 
62° E. 35 poles crossing a creek at the old fording at a large white 



•Thomas L. Preston. 



624 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

oak tree by the north side of the road; thence N. 32° W. 30 poles 
crossing said creek N". E. of head of a spring at a white oak stake 
and an old black stump ; and thence to a white oak sapling on a IST. E. 
stony bank on Mr. Willoughby's lot; thence S. 62° W. 36 poles to 
the north end of the prison house at the beginning. 

DAVID CAESON. 

From this report it will be observed that numbers of white oak 
saplings were standing within the present limits of the town of 
Abingdon as late as the summer of 1779. 

It is hardly necessary to be said at this point that the prison 
bounds thus laid out were used, until the year 1850, as a place of 
confinement for delinquent debtors, and it would be a matter of 
great surprise, could the present generation read the names of the 
prominent citizens of this county who were confined within these 
prison bounds because of the non-payment of their debts. 

As soon as the Main street of the town was located and the lots 
on the north and south sides of said street surveyed, the trustees of 
the town proceeded to sell and dispose of said lots ; but, finding some 
dijfficulty in disposing of said lots by reason of some uncertainty 
in their title to said property, eleven members of the County Court 
in the fall of the year 1777 addressed the following petition to the 
General Assembly of Virginia : 

To the Honorable, the Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of 
Delegates : 
The petition of the court of Washington county. 

Whereas a certain tract or parcel of land is given by the Honor- 
able Thomas Walker, Joseph Black and Samuel Briggs, and also 
another tract of land is agreed to be sold at a certain rate by the 
said Walker for the benefit of the aforesaid county to erect their 
public buildings on, and as this court has already fixed upon a 
place on said land for their courthouse and prison, and has also laid 
off a part tliereof for a town, and whereas it is apprehended that it 
would much conduce to the speedy settling of the aforesaid town 
and advance the value of the lots if an Act of Assembly should pass, 
enabling the said court or their trustees to receive titles from the 
above-named gentlemen for the land given and sold, and also to 
enable them to lay off, sell ajid make cojiveyances to the purchasers, 



Washington County, 1777-1 370. 625 

and grant such privile;u;es and inununities to the settlers on such 
lots, as to citizens in like cases have been granted, in the premises 
we submit to the consideration of your honorable House, and pray 
you to grant us such redress as you judge just and right, and your 
petitioners, as in duty bound, shall pray, etc. : 

George Blackburn, /Vndrew Colvill, 

John Kinkhead, William Campbell, 

William Edmiston, John Snoddy, 

.lames Montgomery, Daniel Smith, 

Jolni Campbell, Thomas Mastin, 

Arthur Campbell. 

Tills petition was roferj'ed to the proper committee on November 
8, 1777, but was not again heard of until the fall of the year 1778. 

Washington county's representatives in the Legislature at this 
time were William Cocke and Anthony Bledsoe, neither of whom 
had any particular interest in the welfare of the proposed town. 
But in tlie spring of the year 1778, Arthur Campbell and Anthony 
Bledsoe were elected to tJie Legislature of Virginia from Washing- 
ton county, and, as a result of the efforts of Arthur Campbell, the 
town was incorporated in December, 1778. 

For some reason which I cannot explain, the trustees appointed 
by the County Court of Washington county, Virginia, on April 29, 
1777, with but two exceptions, never acted in the capacity of trus- 
tees, William Edmiston and Eobert Craig being the exceptions, 
but on the Gth of June, 1777, William Edmiston, Eobert Craig, 
James Armstrong, Eobert Preston and Eobert Campbell, terming 
themselves trustees for the town of Abingdon, met at Christopher 
Acklin's, in said town, and proceeded to business and surveyed 
a part of said town, namely the inner lots; after which the board 
adjourned until the next day, the 7th of June, 17,77, on which day 
the trustees ordered an alley to be laid off, one pole wide, adjoining 
the lower end of the lots on the south side of Main street; and 
that a street be laid off, three poles wide, ten poles from said alley, 
and that the land between the alley and said street be laid off in 
half acre lots, and that the land on the south side of said street 
be laid off in acre lots, and that said street b*e known by the name 
of Water street; and to the alley between Water and Main streets 
was given the name of Troopers' alley. 



626 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Robert Preston was directed to survey said lots and to deliver a 
draft of the same to Christopher iVcklin, who was directed to sell 
said lots at public outcry at the following June court, which lots 
were accordingly disposed of by Christopher Acklin at public 
auction. 

There seems to be a difEerence of opinion as to the first settler 
within the bounds of Abingdon. Charles B. Coale makes the state- 
ment that the first house erected in the town was by Dr. Smith, 
who built his house about the year 1760, on the lot now occupied by 
Mrs. Henry S. Preston. 

The statement of Mr. Coale is evidently a mistake, as this por- 
tion of Virginia was not settled in the year 1760. 

There can be no question that Christopher Acklin, as early as 
June, 1777, had a house built and was living upon the lot now occu- 
pied by the county courthouse. 

As previously stated, in the month of October, 1778, the town of 
Abingdon was established by Act of the Assembly, and Evan 
Shelby, William Campbell, Daniel Smith, William Edmiston, Eob- 
ert Craig and Andrew Willoughby were named as trustees for said 
town, and the title to the one hundred and twenty acres of land 
given by Dr. Walker and others was vested in fee simple in said 
trustees by said Act,* and said trustees or any three of them were 
empowered to make conveyances of such lots in said town as had 
been previously sold and of such as might be sold thereafter. 

Considerable power was conferred upon said Board of Trustees, 
as will be seen by an inspection of the Act establisliing the town. 

The name given to the town was evidently suggested by Colonel 
Arthur Campbell, through whose influence the Act incorporating the 
town was passed. 

WhiTe the object in view in giving the name, Abingdon, to the 
town is not known, several statements in regard thereto have been 
made by different writers upon the subject, one statement being 
that the town was given the name of Abingdon as a compliment 
to Martha Washington, the wife of General Washington, it being 
the name of the parish in which she worsliipped in girlhood f ; 

*No deed having passed between Walker, Briggs and Black and said 
trustees. 

fAbingdon was the name of the country seat ,of Mrs. Martha Custia be- 
fore her marriage to General Washington, and was but a few miles from 
Mt. Vernon. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 627 

another statement being that the town was named in honor of Lord 
Abingdon, a young English nobleman of Scotch descent, with whom 
William Campbell was well acquainted. Lord Abingdon being very 
much in sympathy with the ideas of his Scotch kinsfolk living in 
America, in their contest with England. 

Daniel Boone, at this time, was known as the greatest explorer 
and hunter on the frontiers, and the name may have originated 
with him. Abingdon, Pennsylvania, situated about twelve miles 
north of Philadelphia, was his first residence in America, and, for 
many years, was the home of many of his family. 

The lands deeded to the trustees of the town of Abingdon 
included four hundred and eighty-four acres in addition to the 
one hundred and twenty acres given by Dr. Walker and others and 
vested in said trustees by Act of the Assembly. These four hundred 
and eighty-four acres lay north and northeast of the town of 
Abingdon of tlie present day ; and while Main and Water streets 
were laid off previously to 1778, and lots on either side of said 
streets surveyed, the lands included within the four hundred and 
eighty-four acre survey were not surveyed until August, 1781, 
during which month Daniel Smith surveyed and divided said four 
hundred and eighty-four acres into nineteen tracts containing from 
thirteen to fifty-six acres to the lot, which tracts of land were 
denominated the outer lots of said town. 

"The lands on which the town is built were given to the comity 
of Washington by Dr. Thomas Walker, of Albemarle county, and 
by Samuel Briggs, w^ho owned the tract adjoining to the east, and 
Joseph Black, who owned the one to the west of the town. I first 
saw the town hill in 1782, and then there were on it a log court- 
house about twenty-five feet square, standing opposite Dunn's Hotel 
across the street — a small log jail on the lower corner of the present 
public lot; Christopher Acklin's Tavern on the southeast corner of 
the public square; John Yancey's Tavern, on the lot where Dunn's 
Hotel stands; and William Dryden's Tavern on the lot where Mr. 
Mitclieirs dwelling stands, that formed the then town of Abingdon. 
In 1782, Yancey sold his house and lot to John Campbell, and 
shortly afterwards Dryden sold liis to Dr. Alexander Smith, the 
first husband of Mrs. Conn." 

Ackliu and Sniitli now entertained all who called on them, Acklin 
those who were fond of their brandy. Smith the more temperate. 



638 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

Two Irisliraen, named Dan and Manasas Friel, at this time 
appeared with a cargo of merchandise and opened their goods in a 
room in John Campbell's dwelling house. Tliey soon built a store- 
house across the street and, for ten or twelve years from 1783, 
sold goods and made a handsome propci'ty. They then removed to 
Wythe, and Manasas to a valuable farm near Fort Chiswell. About 
the time they had located themselves in their new storehouse, Wil- 
liam Bagnell and Mrs. Bagnell came to the town and built a large 
cabin on the lot east of Dunn's Hotel. This couple were from 
Baltimore and merit special notice. 

William Bagnell was a dwarf about four feet, nine inches, high, 
and diminutive in form. Mrs. Bagnell was just the opposite in 
every respect — a large, athletic woman of good figure, rather hand- 
some than otherwise, and intelligent. They appeared tO' be about 
thirty years of age. Bagnell's Tavern soon attracted attention and 
commanded company. Mrs. Bagnell had been evidently well 
accustomed to the noise and confusion of a drinking establishment, 
and acted in her cabin with good authority. She was often visited 
b}' an old man and two sons from the foot of Iron mountain, who 
never left without having a drunken frolic. On one occasion they 
continued their bacchanalian riot until late in the night and until 
Mrs. Bagnell was fairly worn down with it and refused to let them 
have any more whiskey. They begged and pled and threatened, but 
her ladyship was firm to her purpose and would not yield. They 
then commenced ])eating her and running her arovmd the cabin, 
they pursuing and she retreating and defending herself. At length 
she was able to escape up a ladder to the loft, and there she shouted 
murder with all her strength. The town was roused and all came 
to her relief and tO' hear what was the matter. The three bacchana- 
lians retreated into the street and bade defiance, and Mrs. Bagnell 
complained of being much hurt. The sheriff made his appearance 
and was ordered by a justice to arrest the men. He summoned a 
posse, and for a short time there was a general engagement; at 
length the men were taken and committed to jail. In the melee 
several persons were seriously injvired, but the prosecutions failed. 

Henry Dickenson came to town to live and built on the corner lot 
on which William King's old brick house stands. Near the same 
time Captain William Y. Conn arrived from Alexandria with a 
cargo of merchandise, built a storehouse across the street from 



Washington County. 1777-1870. 629 

Dunn's Hotel and opened goods. Alexander Smithj died and Mrs. 
Smitli, then a beautiful young widow, continued the house, which 
was always crowded with the best company. John Greenway came 
from Pennsylvania, purchased out Henry Dickenson and built his 
l)lacksniith shop on the corner.* All this time the society of two or 
three genteel families and the constant intercourse of well-informed 
strangers made Abingdon a most agreeable place. 

Although the country was settled with a well-informed population 
generally, yet there was in it a mixture of all sorts. The leading 
characters of one class were Edward Callahan and his wife Succy. 
Where they originally came from I do not know, but they were 
themselves originals. Edward was a hunter by profession, and 
when they emigrat^^d to Holston he selected for his residence the 
banks of the north fork t\vent3^-five miles below Abingdon, at a point 
where he could see the top of Clinch mountain through a gap 
in tlie river knobs. Here he lived many years. Succy was a cake 
woman, but with the cakes she sold something to drink. She made 
her appearance on the first day of every court, with a cartload of 
cakes, pies and drinkables, halted in the middle of the street and 
made an awning for herself and commenced business. Edward 
followed on foot at the tail of the cart in the full dress of the 
hunter, with rifle and shot pouch, and his fine, well-taught hunting 
dog at his heels, and when he had gotten Succy fairly started at 
her business he moved off with his peltry to transact his own busi- 
ness. Succy was a shrewd woman and adopted all sorts of evasions 
to avoid paying license, and sometimes she was hard pressed by the 
grand jurors and Attorney-General Dunlop. On one occasion she 
was nearly at her wit's end about retailing whiskey, when John 
Campbell, the clerk, said something to the court in mitigation, 
and the justices, being very willing to accept any excuse, let Succy 
off. She never forgot the kindness, and fifteen years afterwards 
I, the son of John Campbell, was riding in that part of the country 
and was benighted at Succy's cabin, when she treated me with a 
kindness and hospitality which I shall never forget and in a manner. 



•John Greenway afterwards purchased seven hundred acres of land on 
Eleven Mile creek, near the residence of W. C. Ladlock, gave it the name 
of "Springfield," and lived there many years. 



630 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

too^ that showed she knew how to act her part. I have named two 
originals of each sex."* 

In the year 178G, Abingdon was a considerable village, boasting 
of two hotels, one occup}dng the present location of the Bank of 
Abingdon and kept by James Armstrong, and the other, kept by 
Mrs. Mary McDonald, on the south side of Main street nearly oppo- 
site the courthouse. There were no buildings west of the present 
residence of the late S. IST. Honaker, and from this point to the west- 
ern limits of the original town was a wild plum and chinquapin 
thicket, with a few large white oak trees interspersed. 

The residence of Daniel Friel occupied the location of the pres- 
ent residence of Mrs. Kate Preston, while the residence of Mrs. 
Smith occupied the present location of the residence of Mrs. John D. 
Mitchell, the residence of Dr. Groce occupying the position of what 
is known as the White House, on the south side of Main street, while 
to the west of Dr. Groce's residence there lived several families, one 
by the name of Wise, another by the name of Eedpath (James) . A 
house built by William Brice stood on the present location of the 
Colonnade Hotel. These were about all the houses to be found in 
the town in the year 1786. 

A writer upon this subject makes the statement that General 
John Armstrong, Secretary of War under President Madison, and 
General Francis Preston Blair, of Missouri, were born on the lot 
occupied by Dr. Groce; but it is more probable that General Arm- 
strong was born at the home of his father, James Armstrong, and 
that General Blair was born at the residence of his father, James 
Blair, both of whom lived in Abingdon. 

The next effort made to extend the town was at a meeting of the 
Board of Trustees at the house of William Y. Conn, on the 12th 
day of January, 1789. 

At this meeting it was ordered that all that part of said town 
lying north of the lots on the north side of Main street be laid off 
into one-fourth-acre lots, that an alley be left at the north end of 
the lots fronting on Main street, and that a street be laid off ten 
poles north of said alley, said street to be three poles wide. To 
the alley was given the name of Cliinquapin alley, and to the street 
thus proposed was given the name of Office or Valley street. 



'Governor David Campbell's MSS. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 631 

Robert Preston ^vas directed to survey said land and to deliver 
particular plats to Andrew Kussell, and Christopher Acklin was 
directed to sell said lots at public outcry, as directed by the Act 
incorporating tlie town. 

It will be observed that A'"alley street, as originally proposed, 
was three poles wide, but at a meeting of the trustees on the 4th 
of October, 1798, it was ordered that the street known as Valley or 
Office street be altered and made four poles wide, ten poles north of 
( 'hinquapin alley. This alteration in the width of Valley street was 
mduced by the fact that the owners of the lands along said street 
by their improvements had evidenced that they believed that said 
street was four poles wide. At the same meeting of the trustees, 
Andrew Russell was elected secretary and was directed to record a 
plan of the inner and outer lots of said town. 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees on the 22d of November, 
1798, Slaughter street was opened two poles wide, running from 
Valley street in a northwestwardly course to the northern boundary 
of the town land, but for some reason the name Slaughter street 
has been given to the cross street running from Valley street to 
the railroad and crossing the Main street near the Presbyterian 
church. 

The original town, as it was in 1798, contained three streets run- 
ning east and west, known as Water, Main and Valley streets, with 
two alleys north and south of Main street and known as Troopers' 
and Chinquapin alleys, the cross streets being Tanners' street, which 
crosses Main street near to and west of tlie residence of Captain 
James L. White; Cross street, now known as Court street, crossing 
Main street, east of the courthouse ; Brewers' street, crossing Main 
street near to and west of the residence of Mrs. Bessie Watson, and 
Slaughter street, which began at Main street and ran a northwest- 
wardly course to the boundary of the town land. 

Most of the lots within the town of Abingdon were sold at pub- 
lic auction, previously to the year 1798. The names of such pur- 
chasers as have been preserved are given in another place. 

In the month of OctoIx?r, 1798, Andrew Willoughby resigned 
as one of the trustees of the town of Abingdon, and an election 
to fill the vacancy was held on the 3d day of November, 1798. 
The election was held at the court-house in said town, and only the 
freeholders living within the town were permitted to vote. 



632 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

The candidates voted for were Andrew Russell and Frederick 
Hamilton, and the freeholders voting in said election were : 

William Brice, James White, 

John Gold, William Greenway, 

Frederick Hamilton, Solomon Marks, 

C. Watkins, James Armstrong, 

Eobert Dukes, Samuel Glenn, 

James Longley, Patrick Lynch, 

Joseph Hays, Michael Deckard, 

Jacob Baker, John McCormick, 

Jasepli Acklin, James Eedpath, 

Connally Findlay, Andrew Russell. 

It will bo seen from an inspection of this poll-list that the free- 
holders living within the bounds of Abingdon in 1798 were few 
in number. 

On the 18th day of April, 1793, the County Court of Wash- 
ington county, Virginia, directed that twenty-five pounds out of the 
bonds arising from the sale of lots in the town of Abingdon be 
appropriated towards building a market-house on the courthouse 
lot; and James Armstrong, James Bradley, John McCormick and 
Claiborne Watkins were appointed commissioners to superintend 
the building of the same; and in September of the same year, the 
court appropriated twenty pounds to complete a well upon the pub- 
lic lot. 

The market-house, when completed, was placed in charge of the 
officers of the town, and Tuesdays and Saturdays were the regular 
market days, and it was made an offence for any person to sell 
butchers' meats at other times and places in the said town. This 
institution was maintained for many years subsequent to 1793, and 
as late as the year 1810 the law governing the subject was strictly 
enforced. 

A Masonic lodge was organized in Abingdon at the residence of 
James White on the 3d day of October, 1796, and, by the year 
1800, this lodge had erected a Masonic hall in the town on Lot No. 
50, Water street, the present location of the new jail. A part of 
this building was used by the Abingdon Academy from the year 
1803 until about the year 1820. 

In 1798 Henry Clay and Captain Henry St. John Dixon came to 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 633 

Abingdon together for the purpose of settling, provided the country 
suited them. The former, after looking around for a week or two, 
proceeded on to Kentucky, where his mother had settled after her 
second marriage, and the latter, having become acquainted with 
the family of Mr. Dick White, on the farm now owned by William 
Clark, married one of his daughters and lived for many years where 
the Stonewall Jackson Institute now stands.* 

On the 20th of March, 1799, the County Court appointed Wil- 
liam King, James Armstrong, John Eppler and Kobert Craig 
commissioners to report a plan for a now stone prison, which was 
afterwards built on the public square in the rear of the present 
courthouse, James White being the contractor, at the price of 
$1,532.35. 

By Act of the General Assembly of Virginia of date January 10, 
1803, the corporate limits of Abingdon were extended to the west 
as far as Lot No. 10, which addition to the town has since been 
known as "Craig's addition"' to the town of Abingdon. On the 
13th of January, 1803, the General Assembly authorized the trus- 
tees of the town of Abingdon to condiict a lottery for the benefit 
of Abingdon Academy, tlie proccc^ls to be used in purchasing a 
library, philosophical and inathematical apparatus and anything 
else necessary for tlie use of tlie said Academy. By this same Act 
the Academy was chartered, with inany of tlie prominent citizens 
of the town as trustees, evidencing the disposition of the citizens 
of Abingdon, at this early day, to afford their children every 
necessary facility for securing an education. 

The General Assembly of Virginia, during the first fifty years of 
the history of Abingdon, adopted numerous laws extending the 
time of the property owners for building houses upon the lots 
purchased of the town, as required by the Act of the Assembly in 
the year 1778. 

On the 3d day of August, 1803, an election was held for trus- 
tees to succeed Andrew Willoughby, who had died, and Bobert 
Craig and James Armstrong, who had removed from the town. 
The candidates voted for by the freeholders of the toAvn were 
Andrew Russell, James White, Frederick Hamilton and John 



*Charlc.s li. Coale. 



634 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-17S6. 

McClelland, the three first named being elected. The freeholders 
voting in this election were as follows : 

William King, Samuel Glenn, 

John McClelland, Pat Lynch, 

John McCormack, John Gold, 

W, Greenway, James Longley, 

A. Eussell, G. T. Conn. 

Between th'e years 1800 and 1810, a new courthouse was built 
upon the public square, which courthouse served the county until 
the year 1848. This courthouse was built of brick and was a very 
substantial structure. 

By the year 180G, the town and county had grown in importance 
to such an extent that a newspaper, a badlj^-needed institution, was 
established in the town of Abingdon by John G. Ustick, the name 
of the paper being "The Holston Intelligencer and Abingdon 
Advertiser." 

The first postoffice in Southwestern Virginia was established at 
Abingdon on the 25th day of April, 1793, with Gerrard T. Conn 
as postmaster, and this was the only postoffice to be found in the 
county of Washington, until the year 1833. It is hard to believe 
that the citizens of this county for forty years had but one post- 
office and one place at which they could mail their letters and receive 
their mail. 

From the year 1793 until about 1835, Abingdon was the centre 
of the business life of Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee and 
. Kentucky ; all mails for the sections named were distributed at the 
Abingdon postoffice; and a large per cent, of the wholesale trade 
for the same section was controlled and supplied by Abingdon 
merchants. 

Such was the condition of affairs in Abingdon at the beginning of 
the war of 1812, and, with th§ first evidences of war, the patriotism 
of the citizens of the town knew no bounds. 

A number of brick buildings had been erected in Abingdon, 
among the number being th'e brick building erected by William 
King, which building is still standing .on the east side of Court 
street, opposite the courthouse, and is beyond question the oldest 
building in the town of Abingdon. 

Abingdon was visited by its first great fire on Thursday night. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 635 

September 10, 1812. A description of the fire and the damage 
done thereby is here copied from a newspaper published in Abing- 
don on the following Saturday.* 

"At the hour of midnight of Thursday night last we were alarmed 
by the cry of Fire ! which proved to be in the new brick building of 
Colonel Francis Preston, which was in a few moments so far con- 
sumed as to preclude all hopes of its salvation. The flames con- 
tinued to rage until the following property was consumed : Colonel 
Francis Preston's frame dwelling house, brick ])uilding. ice-honse 
and every stick of tiinhci- on liis lot: Iwo houses oecTipicd by ^Ir. 
John ^rcCormack, with their out-liouses; Mr. Estill's ollice, j\lr. 
William i^TcKee's dwelling house, his new frame store, compting 
room, kitchen, etc.; IMajor Jnincs White's saddle shop, dwelling 
house, kitchen, etc.. and the building occu])ied by John ]\TcC"lellan, 
Esq. 

"This dreadful destruction of property was the work of some fiend 
of hell. An attempt was made to fire the new courthouse, but the 
exertions of a single person, a slave, saved it. Captain F. Smith, 
who was early on the spot, discovered the fire in the court-house. 
He entered when the flames had risen to the height of a man's 
head. lie was alx)ut to abandon the building, when Mr. William 
Trigg's yellow man JOE ran in, caught up in his arms the combus- 
tibles on fire, threw them into the street and saved the building. 
This was done at the hazard of his life. Tf the courthouse had 
been consumed, we apprehend not a building in the western y)re- 
cinct of the town would have escaped. 

"The citizens ai'c about to reward JOE by presenting liim with a 
sum of money. A subscription will be handed the citizens of the 
to^^'n for that purpose. Gentlemen of the County who feel an in- 
terest in the welfare of Abijigdon. and who may happen to be in 
town can have an opportunity of conti-ibuting by calling on Benj. 
I'still, Esq., Capt. F. Smith, or Andrew Tfussell. Esq." 

The Board of Trustees for tlu' town of Alungdon. between the 
years 180S and 1812. adopted a number of by-laws and ordinances 
which conduced very much to the |)eace and good order of the town. 
They began by first adopting i-ulcs and i-egulations for tlie govern- 
ment of the trustees at their regular meetings. 



•Political Prospect. 



636 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

Secondly. They adopted an act to enforce the attendance of the 
trustees. 

Third. An act describing the duties and regulating the fees of the 
town sergeant. 

Fourth. An act to levy a tax on the tithables and property in the 
town of Abingdon. 

Fifth. An act to protect property in the town of Abingdon against 
fire. 

Sixth. An act concerning out-houses. 

S^eventh. An act laying off the streets and alleys into precincts 
for the purpose of keeping the same in repair. 

Eighth. An act to regulate the building of chimneys to houses 
and blacksmith shops. 

N^inth. An act to prevent ol)structions and remove nuisances from 
the streets and alleys of the town. 

Tenth. An act to restrain negroes and mulattoes from being dis- 
orderly and for other purposes. 

Eleventh. An act to preserve good order in the town of Abingdon. 

Twelfth. An act to establish market days in the town of Alung- 
don. 

Tliirteenth. An act concerning houses of evil fame. 

Fourteenth. An act to prohibit the female of the dog kind from 
running at large in the town of Abingdon. 

Fifteenth. An act fixing the marks of the hogs owned by the citi- 
zens of the town of Abingdon. 

Sixteenth. An act to restrain negroes from wandering about the 
streets after night. 

Seventeenth. An act allowing witnesses for their attendance be- 
fore a justice of the peace. 

Eighteenth. An act respecting patrols in the town of Abingdon. 

This last act was passed on Friday, 11th day of September, 1813, 
the day after tKfe fire heretofore mentioned. 

Among the laws adopted by the Board of Trustees at this time was 
one that provided that "any woman found quarreling or rioting in 
the streets or alleys or in any other part of said town to the disturb- 
ance of the inhabitants, shall b'e punished by ducking, as is pre- 
scribed by the Act of the Assembly of this Commonwealth." This 
law was adopted on the 29th of April, 1809. 

The by-laws and ordinances adopted by the trustees were exceirent 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 63'? 

in their character, and could not be improved upon by the law- 
makers of this day. 

At the time in question and imtil the year 1833, Abingdon was 
without sidewalks, and her citizens had nothing more than a dirt 
footway on either side of the street. 

On the 36th of June, 1811, the Board of Trustees, by an ordi- 
nance, declared that "there shall be nine feet laid off in front of the 
lots on Main street, the main cross and Valley streets for a footway, 
and the same shall be kept constantly clear and free from obstruc- 
tions for the convenience of passengei-s ; and tliat the footways in all 
other streets of the town shall be seven feet wide." 

About this time nmuerous trees were planted along the footwaj^s 
above mentioned, some of which are to be seen at this day, notably 
the large trees along Main street west of the courthouse and front- 
ing the residence of Mrs. Bessie Watson. 

If the Board of Trustees of Abingdon held meetings or made a 
record of tlieir proceedings from the year 1812 until the year 1838 
I cannot find it. 

The General Assembly of Virginia of the 30th of December, 1819, 
adopted a new charter for the town of Abingdon, extending the cor- 
porate limits of the town east to the creek near the tan-yard of Lind- 
say & Newland ; thence to Valley street ; thence following the outer 
limits of Valley street to the old town. 

It is impossible to give any of the particulars of this extension of 
the town, as no record of the Board of Trustees for this period has 
been preserved. 

On May 9, 1838, the trustees of the town re-enacted, with but few 
changes, the by-laws and ordinances adopted by the Board of Trus- 
tees in the years 1808 and 1813. 

The additional by-laws adopted were : 

First. An act to impose a tax on public shows. 

Second. An act to prevent mischievous tlogs from running at 
large in the streets and alleys of the town. 

Third. An act concerning coal-houses. 

Fourth. An act to restrain hogs from running at large in the 
town of Abingdon. 

Fifth. An act concerning small-pox, and 

Sixth. An act to require the sidewalks or footways on the main 
street of Abingdon to be paved. 



638 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

On the 13th of June, 1833, the following members of the Board 
of trustees — to-wit: Andrew Russell (President), J. W. Paxton, 
Thomas Findlay, John M. Preston, Daniel Lynch, Charles C. Gib- 
son, Elias Ogden and Jacob Lynch — met at the courthouse in the 
town of Abingdon and enacted the following law : 

"Whereas the inhabitants of the said town are now engaged in 
the laudable enterprise of MacAdamizing the Main Street between 
the sidewalks or footways, and it is deemed proper by this Board 
that the said sidewalks or footways shall be paved with brick, and 
curbstones shall be placed next the street, in order to place the said 
Main Street in proper repair, and that this repairing should be 
made in front of each lot by the owner thereof, 

"First. Be it enacted by the Trusteees of the town of Abingdon, 
that every owner of a lot on the Main Street in said town be and 
he is hereby required, within twelve months from the time said 
MacAdamizing shall be completed, to pave with brick the footway 
in front of his lot, and every person failing herein shall, for 
every month the said foot way in front of his lot shall remain 
unpaved, pay a fine of five dollars, to be recovered as other fines are 
recovered by law. 

"Second. Be it further enacted, that every owner of a lot or 
part of a lot on said Main Street be and he is hereby required 
to deliver or cause to be delivered, in front of his lot on or before 
the 15th day of August next, to John Kellar, the superintendent 
of the MacAdamizing of said street, a sufficient quantity of curb- 
stones to curb the side of the foot way in front of his lot, which 
curb-stones shall be at least twenty inches in depth and twelve 
inches in width and not less than five or more than seven inches 
thick. Every person failing herein shall pay a fine of eight dol- 
lars for every lot he or she shall own, or in that proportion for a 
greater or lesser piece of ground, which fines, or so much thereof 
as may be necessary, shall be appropriated to the purchase of the 
curb-stones hereby required to be delivered." 

The approach to the courthouse from the east and west pre- 
vious to 1830 was exceedingly steep, the courthouse standing upon 
the summit of an oval-shaped hill on the north side of Main street 
and facing south. The approach from the east was not only steep, 
but large limestone rocks, to a great extent, rendered the street 
almost impassable. 



Waalnngion County, 1777-J870. 639 

As early as the year 18;30. Colonel John Kellar, who was super- 
intendent of the streets m ilie eastern precinct of the town, spent 
a considerable sum of money in blasting the rocks out of the street 
east of the courthouse, and soon thereafter a number of the enter- 
prising citizens of the tovvTi, by private subscription, undertook the 
macadamizing of the main street of the town. The subscribers to 
this cause, with the amount contributed by each, as far as I can 
ascertain, were as follows : 

Andrew Russell, $ 17 71 

John Gibson, 10 00 

Chas. S. Bekem, 5 00 

John Preston, Jr., 5 00 

Samuel Logan, 20 00 

Elias Ogden 25 00 

John ITal], 3 00 

I )aniel Sheffey, 30 00 

John S. Preston, 40 00 

General Francis Preston, 50 00 

John M. Preston, 500 00 

If there were other contributors to this fund, no record of names 
or amounts contributed has been preserved. The work of macada- 
mizing ]\Iain street was done by Jacob Clark under the supervision 
of Colonel John Kellar. 

The county of Washington and the town of Abingdon assisted in 
discharging the cost of macadamizing the main street, the private 
subscriptions not being sufficient for the purpose. 

Washington county was represented in the General Assembl}' of 
Virginia in the year 1834 by Colonel John Kellar in the Senate and 
Thomas McCulloch in the House of Delegates. 

Colonel John Kellar was one of the most enterprising citizens 
that ever lived in the town of Abingdon, and, as a result of his 
efforts in belialf of the town, he succeeded in having the General 
Assembly of Virginia, on the 11th day of March, 1834, adopt a now 
iharter for the town of Abingdon, which charter completely changed 
the form of government and greatly extended the corporate liTuits 
of the town. 

T'^'uder this new charter the limits of the town were as follows: 
P>eginning on the northeast corner of the bridge near the currying 
-hop of George V. Litchfield ^ and in a line with the lands of John N. 



640 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

Humes ; thence northwardly on said line to a point in a line parallel 
to the northern boundary of the inner lots of the said town ; thence 
westwardly on said parallel and along the said line to the line of the 
land of Alexander Findlay; thence with the said Findlay's line to a 
point parallel to the southern line of Valley street; thence with the 
said parallel westwardly to a point parallel to^ the western line of the 
lot on which Jacob Loehr formerly lived; thence in a direct line 
southwardly to the line of said lot and along the same to the alley ; 
thence with, said alley to liot No. 17 in Robert Craig's plan; thence 
with the eastern line of said Lot No. 17, and continuing in the same 
direction to a point parallel to the southern boundary of the inner 
lots first laid off for the said town ; thence to the said southern boun- 
dary and along it to the southwestern boundary of Samuel Bailie's 
lots; thence with the line of said lot to the gate at the corner of 
Cxeneral Francis Preston's and John N. Hume's land; tlience in a 
straight line to the beginning. 

This charter provided that all the free white inhabitants of said 
town should be a body coTporate by the name and style of Mayor, 
Council and Inhabitants of the town of Abingdon, and by that name 
sue and be sued, etc. 

This charter directed that on the first Monday in May, 1834, and 
annually thereaft'er on the first Monday in May, the inhabitants of 
said town legally authorized to vote for members of the General 
Assembly and the freeholders therein who may not be inhabitants 
and all other housekeepers therein not thus qualified shall assemble 
at the courthouse of the county, in said town, and shall there and 
then elect ten persons, being freeholders in said town, who shall be 
called and denominated a Council, and one other person who shall be 
denominated a Mayor. The Council thus chosen were directed to 
hold two regular meetings in each and every year — one the first Mon- 
day after they were elected and the other on the first Monday in 
December, and at such other times as they shall be assembled by the 
Mayor. The Council were authorized to appoint a clerk and treas- 
urer, and the Mayor was authorized to appoint the town sergeant, 
surveyoi^s and superintendents of the streets, and such other powers 
were conferred upon the Mayor ancl Council of the town as were 
necessary for the government and improvement of the same. 

This charter has been followed in all subsequent amendments of 



WasUrigiofi County, 1777-1870. 641 

thd laws of the town, and it is from this source that we derive our 
present form of town go\'emment. 

The first ]\Iayor and Council elected under this charter were as 
follows : 

Mayor — John M. Preston. 

Coimcil — Daniel Tjvnch, Augustus Oury, John S. Preston, Jere- 
miah Bronough, R. K. Preston, Benjamin Estill, John Kellar, Peter 
J. Branch, Daniel Trigg, Chas. S. Bekem. 

Clerk and Treasurer — Jacob Tivnch. 

Sergeant — Jacob Clark. 

The Mayor and Council thus elected adopted the necessary laws 
for the government of the town, and in doing so they followed, to a 
great ext(^it, the laws ado])te(l in tlie years 1808 and 1813 by the 
Bo<ird of 'J'rustees of the town. 

The one act adopted by the town of Abingdon that is worthy of 
notice at this point was an act to regulate the sale of ardent spirits 
in the town, adopted June 13th, 18:57. This act provided that, "If 
any person within the cx)rporation of Abingdon &hall sell by retail 
(other than an ordinary keeper), to be drunk in or at the place 
where sold, or in or u])on the pi-emises of which such person has con- 
trol, or witliin the said corporation, any wine, rum, brandy or other 
ardent spirits, or a mixture thereof, he or she so offending shall pay 
a fine to the said corporation of $5.25 for each offence." 

A description of Abingdon as it was in the year 1835 has been pre- 
served, which description is as follows : 

"It is situated on the great valley road, about 8 miles north of 
I tlie Tennesso<^ l)o\indary, at the southeast side of a mountain ridge, 
I about seven miles distant from either of the two main forks of the 
Holston Eiver. A ])art of the town stands on a considerable emi- 
nence, beneath which there is a cavern containing a lake. 

"Abingdon contains, besides the ordinary county buildings, be- 
tween 150 and 200 dwelling-houses, many of them handsome brick 
buildings. A portion of the inhabitants are followers of Baron 
Swedenborg, in other words belong to the New Jerusalem Church, 
but they possess no house of worship and their preacher occasionally 
occupies one or the other of the Methodist houses. 

"There is an academy for females and one for males, (both brick 
edifices) 2 hotels kept in good style, 3 taverns principally used for 
the accommodation of wagoners, 1 manufacturing flour mill, 9 mer- 



642 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

cantile houses, some of which are wholesale establishments and sell 
goods to the amount of -one hundred and fifty thousand dollars an- 
nually, 3 groceries, 1 woolen and 2 cotton manufactories and one 
well-established nursery. 

"There are 4 tanyards with saddle and harness manufactories at- 
tached to them, 10 blacksmith's shops, 1 hat manufactory and store, 
6 wheelwrights and wagon makers, 2 cabinet warehouses, 3 brick- 
layers, 2 stone masons, 3 house-carpenters, 3 watch-makers and jewel- 
ers, 2 boot and shoe factories, 3 house and sign painters, 2 copper- 
smiths and tin-plate workers and 3 tailors. 

"Abingdon is rapidly increasing in population and trade. Old 
houses are giving place to handsome brick buildings, which the opu- 
lent and enterprising citizens are daily erecting. The main street 
has lately been MacAdamized at considerable expense, but greatly to 
the improvement of its utility, beauty and comfort. 

"As a specimen of the flourishing condition of this town, we must 
mention that a quarter acre lot, situated near the courthouse, re- 
cently sold for upwards of $4,000. There is a distributing postoffice 
here. Population, 1,000 persons, of whom thirteen are resident at- 
torneys, and 3 regular physicians. 

"County Courts are held on the 4th Monday in every month; 
quarterly, in March, June, August and ]N"ovember. 

"Judge Estill holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chan- 
cery on the 2nd Monday after the 4th of April and September." 

It may excite some surprise when told that in this large and well- 
populated county there were in 1831 but two postoffices, the one in 
Abingdon and the other at Seven-Mile Ford ; but since the severance 
of Smyth the one at Seven-Mile Ford is now in that county, in con- 
sequence of which there is not, to our knowledge, any other postoffice 
in this county except the one at Abingdon, the county seat. The 
merchants doing business in the- town of Abingdon at this time 
were : William McKee & Co., Edward M. & John C. Greenway, John ] 
M. Preston, Col. James White and Findlay & Mitchell,- and with 
such merchants Abingdon was the centre of trade for all the sur- 
rounding country. All goods were brought to Abingdon from Bal- 
timore by wagon. 

The practicing physicians in Abingdon at the time were Drs. 
Earl B. Clapp, James W. Paxton and Alexander K. Preston. 

There was but one church in the town, and that was a fram( 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 643 

structure occupied by the Methodist Episcopal church, and one 
in the vicinity, and that was the Presbyterian church situated west 
of the entrance gate to the Sinking Spring Cemetery. That church 
was a very old log-building, weatherboarded on tlie outside and 
ceiled inside, and to this old-fashioned house nearly all the people 
gathered from tlio town and surrounding country for the worship 
of Cod. 

Upon the arrival of Eev. Lewis F. Cosby in Abingdon in March, 
1831, efforts were immediately set on foot to build a Methodist 
J'rotestant cluircli, which cluirch was erected that year upon tlio 
present location of that cluirch. The Presbyterians, being 
stimulated thereby, at once undertook the erection of a new church, 
and in the same year their new church, now Temperance Hall, was 
completed and occupied. 

The County Court of Washington county, on the 24th of July, 
1838, upon the application of John W. Stevens, captain of a com- 
pany of artillery, granted permission to erect a guu-house upon the 
])ublic lot, and John M. Preston, Elias Ogden and Jacob Lynch 
were directed to superintend the erection of it. This company was 
organized as a result of the agitation preceding the Texas Eevo- 
lution, and Captain Stevens organized this company of artillery 
from the patriotic youth of Abingdon. 

On the 23d day of October, 1838, a new county jail was completed 
on the [)ul)lic lot at the corner of Court and Yalley streets, and 
the })rison bounds were so extended as tO' include the new jail. 

On the IGth day of No'Vember, 1841, Andrew Russell, after more 
than forty years of active participation in the government of the 
town of Abingdon, departed this life, and appropriate resolutions 
were adopted l)y the County Court of Washington count}', Virginia, 
in token of respect to his name. 

On the 2,7th of ^May, 1844, the County Court of Washington 
county appointed John M. Preston a commissioner to have a well 
dug upon the jail lot, which was done, and this served large numbers 
of tlie people of the town until the year 1901. 

In the year 184G, the citizens of Washington county were very 
greatly interested in the war between the Laiited States and Mexico, 
Captain A. C. Cuuiiiiings and General Peter C. Johnson taking an 
active part in the ell'orts made to organize the citizens of this 
county and enlist them in the service of their country, and on the 



644 Southwest Virginia, 17.!t6-1786. 

25tli of Marclij 1846, the County Court entered the following 
order : 

"On motion of Arthur C. Cuniinings, Captain of the Artillery 
attached to the 164tli Regiment of Virginia Militia, and it appearing 
to the court that the cannon which was sent O'Ut for the use of the 
said company is being injured for want of a shed to place the said 
cannon under to protect it from the weather, it is therefore ordered 
that leave be granted the said Cummings to have a suitable shed 
erected for the purpose aforesaid on the lower end of the public lot 
on which the courthouse stands, provided he can procure the same 
to be done at an expense not exceeding the sum of twenty dollars, 
and that the same be levied in the next County levy." 

A number of the citizens of this county served in that war under 
Captain Cummings, while General William E. Jones and Lieuten- 
ant John Preston Jolinston did valiant service for their countiy, 
Johnston losing his life in the service. 

In the spring of the year 1847 the County Co'Urt of Washington 
county, Virginia, authorized the building of a new courthouse 
for the county in the town of Abingdon, which courthouse was 
completed by the year 1850, the court occupying a house of the late 
James White as a court-room from the year 1847 to 1850. 

Herbert M. Ledbetter was the undertaker of said building, and 
William Fields assisted in the completion of the building. Upon 
the completion of the courthouse Connally F. Trigg and Jacob 
Lynch were appointed commissioners to secure tables and chairs for 
the new courthouse and to have the courthouse bell removed and 
hung therein. 

It was also directed that the portico to the new courthouse should 
be enclosed with an iron railing; that the public lot should be en- 
closed and suitable pavements provided. The floors of the court- 
house were ordered to be carpeted. 

At a meeting of the stockholders of the Exchange Bank of Vir- 
ginia, held at Norfolk, Va., in the month of May, 1849, a branch 
bank was ordered to be established at Abingdon, with a capital of 
$100,000, and during the same month this branch bank was 
organized at Abingdon by the election of the following oflBcers: 
President, Dr. Daniiel Trigg; cashier, Eobert E. Preston; directors, 
John C. Greenway, David Campbell, Beverly R. Johnston, Jacob 
Lynch, Isaac B. Dunn and Thomas L. Preston. 



W(i.^lnN!jl(j)i Con II I II. 1177-1870. 645 

This was Abiugdon's first bank, and the town has not been with- 
out a bank since that time, with tlie exception of a short period in 
the fall of the year 189:5. 

UiX)n the 30t]i of j\Iay, 1850, a peculiar order was entered by the 
County Court, which was as follows : 

"Tt appearing to the Court that tluM-c is now no overseer of the 
-ireots and alleys in the western end of the town of Abingdon, and 
that there is at present no ]\rayor in said town who could appoint 
an overseer, and it furllier appearing to the Court that the street 
in said town called Slaughtei- or Butcher Street south of the Main 
Street is in such ])ad repair as to render it unsafe to pass over it with 
a vcliiide of any kind or foi- man on horseback ; it is therefoTe ordered 
that Norman (h-awl'ord be and he is hereby authorized and directed 
to proceed and cause the said street to be put in such repair as to 
render the passage along the same safe and convenient for wheel 
carriages and horsemen, and that tlie expense thereof be levied out 
of the next county levy." 

(In the 27th of April })i-cce(ling, James IF. Dunn, with ten other 
])rominent citi/.ims of the town, were elected Mayor and councilmen, 
and why this order was entered cannot be ascertained from the 
records preserved. 

In the year 185(), the ^layoi- and Council O'f Abingdon appointed 
E. ]\r. Campbell, W. J. Deady and John. C. Campbell a oonimitteo 
to have Slaughter street graded and macadamized, which was ac- 
cordingly done. 

At the April term, 1853, of the County Court of this county, the 
court appointed John ]\r. I'reston, Peter J. Branch and Beverly R. 
Johnston a committee lo ])lant ir(>os in the public square north of 
the courthouse, whicJi duty was performed and the ti'ces thus planted 
remained in the square until the year 1902, when they were cut down 
and removed from tlic ]»nMniscs. 

On the 31st day of March, 1850, a fire of considerable proportions 
consumed a portion of the western end of the town. A descrip- 
tion of tlie fire and the damage done, as given by the "Virginian" 
at the time, is here copied. 

"On Saturday morning last, al)out 2 o'clock, our town was visited 
by the most destniciive lire that has occurred here since 1812. The 
liour at which il commenced, when the whole jX)pulation was buried 
in slumber, and (lie ])lace. in the midst of the largest collection of 



646 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

combustible material in the town, rendered it but the more resistless 
and disastrous. It broke out in the extensive coach factory of 
Mr. Henry Sinon, and in the course of an hour five large buildings, 
four of them wood, were consumed, besides numerous out-buildings 
that were either burned or torn down. Mr Sinon lost his dwelling, 
his shops and every building upon his premises, besides everything 
they contained, except a portion of his furniture. Some forty-odd 
new carriages and buggies were destroyed, as well as all his lumber, 
tools, materials, books and papers, involving a total loss of every- 
thing he possessed, except his family and part of his furniture and 
apparel. 

"The house recently purchased for the Gift Enterprise was also re- 
duced to ashes, and the buildings of Mr. William Eodefer, adjoin- 
ing, w'ere demolished to arrest the progress of the flames. On the 
opposite side of the street Mr. Michael Shaver lost two tenements, 
one his old family residence on the corner, and the other a new 
two-story brick, recently erected. 

"The wind, coming from th'e west, for a time threatened the de- 
struction of the whole town, as the flames broke out at various times 
and places upon the roofs of many of the neighboring buildings. 
Under all the circumstances, the dryness of the weather, the stiff 
northwest breeze, the combustible material of the buildings, the in- 
flammable contents of the large, well-filled coach shop, the hour 
of the night and consequent relaxation of the muscles and energies 
of the pet)ple, and the scarcity of water, the wonder is that the 
destruction of property was not greater, but when the people did 
get there and had their blood warmed up, they put forth all their 
energies and fought the devouring element manfully. The whole 
population was out, men, women, children and servants, and all 
performed their duty. 

"The loss is a heavy one, probably between $30,000 and $40,000, 
and the wliole is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. 
A negro girl of Mr. Sinon's, who had previously forboded or threat- 
ened evil to the family, is now in jail under suspicion. 

"Messrs. Crawford, Ellis, Joseph A. Brownlow and H. B. Tunnell 
are the other persons whose families were left without shelter, all 
of whom, so rapid was the progress of the flames, lost a portion 
of their household property. A broad expanse of blackened earth 



Wnshington Conniy, 1777-1870. G4^ 

with a number of tall, ghost-like chinmeys, is all that is left of the 
best improved portion of the west end of Abingdon. 

'*In addition to Mr. Sinon's loss of carriages, Mr. Greenway lost 
four, Mr. Eobertson two, and Messrs. T. L. Preston, B. K. and 
M. H. Buchanan, Thos. G. McConnell, J. M. Rose and others one 
each. 

"On Saturday evening a meeting of the citizens was held for the 
purpose of relieving, as far as possible, the destitution of the suf- 
ferers, at which Jolm M. Preston, Esq., was called to tlie chair 
and John G. Krcger appointed Secretary. The Chairman ex- 
plained the object of the meeting and appointed Eevs. McChain, 
Baldwin, Dickey, and Barr and Wm. Y. C. White, Esq., a com- 
mittee to wait uj)()n the people for such aid as they might be dis- 
posed to contribute. 'I'lie last we heard of the effort, upwards of 
$1200 had been raised, which, for the citizens of town and vicinity, 
is exceedingly liljcral." 

By this time the Virginia and Tennessee railroad was approaching 
Abingdon, and on the 1st day of April, 1854, the Council of Abing- 
don ])assed an ordinance allowing the Virginia and Tennessee Rail- 
road Com}tany to enter the town and to use the streets and cross 
streets of the town, provided they place their depot in the town or 
at the eastern end thereof, and the citizens of the town presented 
a petition to the authorities of the new road asking that the same 
be located at the Knob Road, or the eastern end of the town. 

In addition to what the Council of the town did to secure the 
depot of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Company, the citizens 
of the town petitioned the railroad authorities to place their depot 
at the eastern end of the town, hut Thomas L. Preston agreed to 
give the railroad three acres of land at the present location of the 
Norfolk and "Western depot, and the depot of the railroad was estab- 
lished at that point, the railroad l)eing completed as far as Abingdon 
by the year 185G. 

John D. Mitchell, llif Mayor of Abingdon, departed this life on 
Tuesday morning. ^Mareli 15th, 1859, and on the following morn- 
ing the Council of the town convened at the courthouse and ap- 
pointed Dr. E. M. Campbell, S. W. Carnahan and James C. Green- 
way a committee to draft and report suitable resolutions, which 
committee reported on the evening of the same day. The resolu- 
tions were as follows: 



648 Southwest Virginia, 17JfG-17S6. 

"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to call suddenly from 
our midst John D. Mitchell, Esq., our worthy officer and esteemed 
citizen, therefore : 

"Resolved, That it is with deep regret we have heard of the sud- 
den death of our Mayor and friend, John D. Mitchell, Esq., and 
that in his death the community has lost a long tried and faithful 
public servant and an esteemed and worthy citizen, and this body 
an efficient and honored presiding officer. 

"Resolved, Tliat we deeply sympathize with the family of the 
deceased. 

"Resolved, That the members of the Council and its officers 
wear a badge of mourning for thirty days. 

"Resolved, That this preamble and these resolutions be entered 
upon the record of the Council. 

"Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be transmitted td 
the family of the deceased. 

"Resolved, That the editors of the 'Virginian' and 'Democrat' 
be requested to publish the foregoing preamble and resolutions in 
their respective papers." 

This is the only death of a Mayor of the town while in office in 
the history of the town. 

Nothing further of importance occurred previously to the spring 
of 1861, the opening of the war between the States. In the spring 
of this year the following officers of the town were elected : 

Mayor, Samuel W. Carnahan; Councilmen, James K. Gibson, 
Thomas S. Stuart, Milton Y. Heiskell, Jacob Lynch, John G. 
Kreger, Isaac Benham, Newton K. White, William Keller, John W. 
Johnston and William Eodefer; Sergeant, B. C, Clark. 

The charter of the town was amended by Act of tlie Assembly on 
the 18th of March, 1853, and by this charter the town was au- 
thorized to construct water works for the town, but the question 
had to be submitted to the voters of the town for their approval or 
disapproval. 

By an order of the Council an election was ordered for the second 
day of July, 1853, which election was held, but the result cannot 
be given, as no record of the same has been preserved. It is probable 
that the vote was adverse, as the question is not mentioned again 
in the records. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. G49 

At the first meeting of the new Council^, on the 9th O'f July, 1861, 
the following orders were entered : 

"Ordered that the Mayor appoint a patrol of the citizens, re- 
gardless of age, to patrol the town of nights, who are able to render 
such service." 

"On motion the Mayor is directed to appoint a committee to 
wait upon those who sell liquor in the town and request them not 
to sell liquor to the soldiers in and about Abingdon." 

"On motion it was made the duty further of said committee to 
request of officers permitting their men to come to Abingdon to 
require of them to leave their side-arms in their camp quarters." 

Tlic record of the town government from this time until the 
summer of 1863 has not been preserved. 

At a meeting of the Town Council on the 18th of August, 1863, 
the ]\rayor was appointed a committee to ascertain at what price a 
negro nmn, suitable for work on the sti-eets, could be purchased 
by the corporation. The committee reported on September 1st, 
1863, that a negro man suitable for tlie purpose could be pur- 
chased of Mr. Seabright for $1,800. Thereupon, it was moved 
and seconded that the negro man be purcliased, upon which mo- 
tion a vote was taken and resulted in a unanimous vote against 
the purchase of the negro, otherwise we might now have to record 
the corporation of Abingdon as a slave-owner. 

At the same meeting of the Council, C. S. Bekem and E. M. Camp- 
bell were appointed a committee to select a suitable piece of ground 
outside of the present enclosure of the Sinking Spring Cemetery 
as a burial ground for Confederate soldiers, to ascertain the cost 
of the same, and report to the next meeting of the Council, but 
this committee was discharged on the 18th of April, 1864, without 
reporting, and a resolution was adopted requesting Captain M. B. 
Tate, post-quartermaster, to make some arrangements as to a proper 
location for the l)urial of Confederate soldiers and enclosing the 
-a me. 

Quifc a number of Confederate dead are buried in the Sinking 
Spring Cemetery, and tlieir graves to-day are unmarked, and not 
the slightest effort has recently been made to keep green th'e graves, 
or fresh in memory the brave soids who died in defence of their 
country, and, as they were taught to believe, in a righteous cause. 
Could these brave men again appear in llie flesh and see their 



650 Southwest Virginia, 1746-J78G. 

surroundings, how justly could tliey reproach their fellow-soldiers, 
descendants and kinsmen, for their failure to discharge such an 
obligation to the worthy dead.* 

By the latter part of August, 1863, numbers of wounded soldiers 
and officers were in Abingdon, and the enemy not thirty miles 
distant, and on September 1st, 1863, the owners of carriages in and 
around Abingdon lent every assistance in transporting the sick and 
wound'ed to Washington Springs. 

On the 25th of September, 1863, this community was threatened 
by an invasion of the Federals from the west. An account of the 
situation, as it was in iVbingdon at that time, is here given : 

"On Saturday last, great excitement prevailed all over this 
county, in consequence of the apprehended approach of the Yankees 
from Kingsport, Tenn., in this direction. The • particulars, as 
accurately as M-e can obtain them from the mass of contradictory 
rumors and accounts, are these: Two companies of Col. Carter's 
1st Tenn. Cavalry had been resting and recruiting their horses for 
a few days on Netherland's Island, near Kingsport, after their suc- 
cessive skirmishes with the enemy near Cumberland Gap, when they 
were suddenly attacked by a Yankee Brigade under General Eoss. 
Carter threw his few men on this side of the river and made a stand 
at Vance's Ford of Eeedy Creek, opposite the upper end of Kings- 
port. After holding the enemy in check awhile, a very large force 
was seen crossing the river above the island, for the purpose of 
flanking him. Carter's men then fell back, taking the Holstoii 
Springs road one mile this side of Kingsport, and being separated 
from the rest of the command, they proceeded to Bristol on Sat- 
urday. The Yankees kept the Eeedy Creek road to Morell's Mill, 
and thence to Bristol. A large portion of Colonel Carter's men, 
from frequent skirmishing and falling back, became much scattered, 
but the small number, about one hundred and fifty, who were led 
by the Colonel in person, fought gallantly and made a stand when- 
ever and wherever there was a chance to hold tlie enemy in check. 

"The enemy reached Bristol about the middle of the day Satur- 
day, and committed some depredations, among Avhich were the 
burning of the commissary house with, some say a hundred, and 
others three hundred, barrels of flour, a small amount of bacon 



*Since the above was written a neat wire fence has been placed around 
the square containing the bodies of the Confederate dead. 



Washington Couniy, 1777-1870. 051 

and some dozen boxes of ammunition, rifled Gugginheimer's store 
and despoiled the houses of a few citizens. This latter was done 
by a few stragglers who had been left behind and who were in- 
toxicated, 

"The enemy then started in this direction, and Carter again 
gave them fight at Millard's Mill, one mile this side of Bristol, 
farther than which they did not come in force. Foraging parties 
scattered out as far up perhaps as Col. John Preston's, but no par- 
ticular damage was done that we have heard of. They all then 
retired l>eyond Bristol, and, on Sunday morning, proceeded towards 
Zollicofl'er, where they wero met by General Jones and got more 
than they bargained for. The fight lasted several hours, with, it is 
said, a loss to the enemy of nine killed and about thirty wounded, and 
to us of two killed and seven or eight wounded. General Williams 
pursued the enemy to within two and one-half miles of Blountville 
and only returned when called back by a dispatch from Gen. Jones. 

"All day Saturday most intense excitement prevailed in Abing- 
don. The company recently organized in town was under arms all 
day, together with various squads from the country, in support of 
Davidson's Battery, then stationed in this vicinity, with the Provost 
Guard, and also a portion of Colonel Carter's cavalry, and Col. 
Chenneworth and his command. From the position of our forces, 
a fair view of the road towards Bristol was had for a mile or two, 
in wliich direction all eyes were constantly turned. Ever and anon, 
when a cloud of dust produced by flying refugees, men, women, 
negroes and stock, rose in the distance. Captain Davidson could be 
seen to look sternly, and the fingers of the undrilled infantry 
pressed upon the triggers of the charged muskets. Had the Yan- 
kees a])]n'oached, many saddles would have been emptied, for de- 
tormini^d resistance was depicted in every countenance. 

''llml it not been luiiniliatiiig it would have been amusing to see 
citizens and strangers stampeding through town with as much haste 
and excitement as if the Yankees had been at their heels, when 
the latter were quietly regaling themselves at Bristol, without a 
thought of proceeding another foot in this direction. As night 
approached, scouts brought the information that th'e enemy had 
gone in the opposite direction, Avhen 'quiet once more reigned in 
Warsaw.' "* 

'AIiiiiiidiMi. A'irpinia. 



652 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

From this time until the siniimer of 186-1, the officers and citi- 
zens of Abingdon were kept busy guarding the town, nursing the 
sick and wounded and burying the dead. To add to- the troubles 
of the people, in the month of June, 1864, small-pox was dis- 
covered in the town, which caused a great deal of uneasiness and 
annoyance. 

Such was the condition of the people of the town in the month 
of December, 1864, when General Stoneman, in command of about 
10,000 Federal troops, arrived at Abingdon on the evening of the 
14th. By order of General Stoneman, the depot of the Virginia 
and Tennessee Eailroad Company, the Government Commissary 
(Hurt's store), in charge of Captain Williams, the issuing depart- 
ment of the Quartermaster's Department (Sinon & Co.'s brick 
carriage factory), in charge of Major Crutchfield, Quartermaster's 
storing department (Musser & Co.'s carriage factory), in charge 
of J. E. C. Trigg, the county jail and the barracks opposite 
the jail, on the corner of Court and Valley streets, were destroyed 
by fire, the Federal officers strictly enjoining the destruction of any 
other than government property. After the destruction of this 
property, the Federal troops resumed their march to the east, but 
had not left the town more than two hours before a renegade by 
the name of James (Tites) Wyatt, who had formerly been an 
apprentice to G-abriel Stickley, being in the town on horseback, 
proceeded to fire all the property on both sides of Main street 
from Court street to Brewers' street. He succeeded in firing the 
courthouse and other buildings on the north side of Main street ij 
and had fired all the buildings on the south side of Main as far 
west as the present storehouse occupied by Honaker & Sons, when 
he discovered the presence of a number of Confederate soldiers and 
undertook to make his escape, passing down Main street to the west 
Avitli all possible speed, hotly pursued by the Confederate soldiers, 
being hard pressed all the time. When he reached Hayes Street 
he turned to the south at the eastern gate of Stonewall Jackson 
Institute. At this point he fell from his horse and was left for 
dead, but was afterwards carried into tlie former residence ol Gov- 
ernor Floyd, where he soon died. 

The fire that he thus started destroyed the courthouse of the 
county and all the buildings west as far as the present residence 
of S. N. Honaker. All the buildings on that side of the street 



Washington County, 1777-1870. G53 

wui'c ol' hriek and nlinosi. all woi'o tlirco stories liigli. On the souili 
of ]\rain str(H;t every hiiildiiig', without an exception, was destroyed, 
from Coui't street on the east to Brewers' stxeet on tlie west. 
The tire niiyht liave been stopped sooner, but, at tlie time, in Abing- 
don was liardly an able-bodied man, an.d about the only witnesses 
of the destruction of the town were old men, women and children. 
Thus the people of Abingdon were to a great extent rendered 
homeless, with starvation and sickness on every side and their 
(oiinti-y in the hantls of the enemy. Such was the condition of the 
town when peace came, in 1SG5. 

The fall of 1805 and spring of 1S6G were used by the people 
in collecting and preserving such property as had been left after 
four years of desperate fighting. 

The first meeting of the Town Council of Abingdon, after the 
surrender, was held at the ofhee of Dr. W. F. Barr on March 3d, 
1SG(), with the following officers present: Mayor, G. E. R. Dunn; 
I niiiicilmcn, Xorman Crawford, Charles J. Cummings, John G. 
(lark, David G. Thomas, William Eodefer, Milton Y. Heiskell 
and W. F. Barr. 

The first oi-der entered by tliis mooting was one repealing the by- 

" laws in so far as the same referred to the punishment of slaves and 

IVec men of color, and the Mayor was directed to refer all viola- 

i[ tions of tlie laws of the town, by freed men or freed women to 

Tjieutcnant Woodward, superintendent of the Freedmen's Bureau 

nf this district. 

At the same meeting a committee of five was appointed to petition 
the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Company to locate the new 
ilei)ot on or near the Knob Road leading from Abingdon, or at the 
astern end of the town, and on March IGth, 186G, a committee 
(»f three was appointed to ascertain what ground could be procured 
" for a de})ot and what subscription could be raised to aid in build- 
ing the depot, and on Jimc 21st, 18GG, a resolution was adopted, 
rt'(juesting the directors of tlie A'irginia and Tennessee Railroad 
( 'ompany to send a committee to Al)ingdon to discuss with the 
Council the question of the location of a depot; but, notwithstand- 
ing the efforts of the officers and tlie people of the town of Abing- 
don, the depot was built upon the location of the old depot. 

The Council and j)eople of Abingdon from this time hencefor- 
ward lent I heir every energy toward tlie upbuilding of the town. 



654 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

and in a few years the damages suffered by the town as a result 
of the war were completely obliterated. 

Pursuant to the proclamation of the Governor, the courts of the 
county and circuit were held in the Temperance Hall until the 
county could build a new courthouse. 

The County Court of Washington county, in jSlovember, 1866, 
awarded the contract of building a new courthouse to the follow- 
ing persons : To Messrs. James and David Fields, the brick-work 
and plastering; to Mr. Hockman, of Harrisonburg, the carpentry- 
work; to Messrs. Keller & Grim, the tin-work; to Messrs. Morri- 
son and Vaughan, the painting. The courthouse was completed by 
the beginning of the year 1869, and at the time was said to be the 
handsomest courthouse in the State. 

On May 10th, 1873, Valley street, from the residence of Martin 
Keller to the w^est gate of the residence of G. V. LitcMeld, was 
ordered to be macadamized, G. Y. Litchfield paying a large part 
of the costs of said macadamizing. 

We here give a description of the town as it was in 1875, written 
by the late Charles B. Coale. 

"Abingdon was endowed with its name anterior to 1776. The 
streets, of which there are seven, intersect each other at right angles, 
three east and west, and four north and south, with an equal number 
of alleys running in the same direction. The streets are sixty 
feet wide and the alleys sixteen. The main street is MacAdamized, 
as are several others partially, with brick pavements on either side, 
from one end of the town to the other. There is no place of its 
size in the State more noted for fashion, taste and morality, with its 
usual proportion of loafers and gentlemen of leisure; and, like all 
other places where there is or has been considerable wealth, there is 
a right smart sprinkling of what some people would term aristoc- 
racy, but which, in reality, is nothing more than a decent observance 
of the conventionalities of life. Many of the private residences, 
as well as the public buildings, are of brick, large and tasteful, 
' and a number of them three stories high. Th'ey are generally neat, 
some of them approaching elegance, and but few dilapidated, 
though one here and there may look as if it had been rocked by an 
earthquake, or had danced to the piping of a hurricane, at some 
period in its history. We claim to have one of the most capacious 
and convenient courthouses in the Commonwealth, and by some it 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 655 

is considered a model in architecture, witli its mast^lve pillars and 
towering steeple, thoiigli the writer must confess that he cannot 
exactly see it in that light. 

"We are great church-going people and have a variety of de- 
nominations. For instance, we have two JMethodist churches, Epis- 
copal and Protestant, a Baptist, a Presbyterian, a Protestant Epis- 
copal, and a Poman Catholic, and for good measure we liave thrown 
in a Swedenborgian Temple, and a few Lutherans, Universalists 
and C'liristian Baptists lying around loose. In all these churches 
are reguhir services, except tlie Baptist, which is rather too far 
from water to be very vigorous, and the Swedenborgian. We 
have three large and well kept hotels, nine variety stores, two 
drug stores, two fancy stores, two or three drinking saloons, half a 
dozen confectionaries, an agricultural warehouse, a bakery, a bil- 
liard saloon, an iron-foundry, three or four black-smith and as 
many wheelwright shops, two tanneries, two or three saddle and 
harness establishments, any number of carpenters, painters, shoe- 
makers, tailors, brick and stone-masons, a large brick town-hall, a 
library association and reading rcfom, in which may be found all 
the leading literature of the day, and last, though not least, two 
of the best weekly papers within a circuit of a dozen miles, and a 
job office. The town was incorporated by legislative enactment 
many years ago, and, city-like, has a mayor and common council, 
who maintain the peace and dignity of the corporation and periodi- 
cally enforce the hog-law. 

"We have, as is the case m all places where the people get sick 
and die, or fall out with and wrong each other, a redundancy of 
doctors and lawyers, five or six of the former and a baker's dozen 
of the latter, none of them probably making fortunes very rapidly 
by their professions. 

"There seems to be no possible chance of a diminution of lawyers 
shortly, but there is a bare probability that some of the doctors 
may take a dose of his own medicine one of these days, and if so, 
the jig is certainly up with him. One of our citizens. Judge 
Johnston, is a United States Senator, and we have a score or less 
who would love to be in the house of representatives. And right 
here it might be said, that we have three banks, all as stubborn 
as mules since the Legislature has limited interest to six per cent., 
two or three insurance companies, a machine shop operated by 



656 Southivest Virginia, IIJ^-IISG. 

steam, two tin and copper-smith's establishments, a photograph gal- 
lery, two barber shops and the biggest sort of a colored school." 

Nothing more of sufficient importance to bo worthy of note oc- 
curred from this time until the year 1884. In the month of April 
of that year the Council of the town appropriated $100 to pay tlie 
expenses of a committee to the city of Washington to prevent the 
United States Courthouse from being located at Wytheville. And 
in this year the main street, from J. M. Eose's to- Wall street, and 
Wall street, from Main street to the depot, was macadamized, 
thirty feet in width, and from six to twelve inches in depth. Side- 
walks made of brick and curb-stones were placed on both sides of 
Main street and of Wall street, at an expense of several thousand 
dollars. A large portion of the territory in the western part of 
the town was thus opened and prepared for rapid development, and 
at this time the community thus dealt with constitutes the best 
business section of the town. 

The Mayor and Council were authorized and directed to issue 
$20,000 in bonds, pursuant to the Act of the General i\-ssembly of 
date March 4th, 1884, and, in keeping with this spirit of improve- 
ment, the Council, by an ordinance passed on the 12th day of 
April, 1886, ordered all porches and steps to be removed from the 
streets of the town, and a committee was appointed on April 5th of 
the same' year to investigate the opening of Valley street, through 
the property of Miss Ella V. Pindlay and that of Dr. William 
White. By an ordinance, adopted on the 11th day of October, 
1886, the sergeant of the town was ordered to kill all the English 
sparrows found within the corporate limits. 

The author of the last ordinance is unknown, the record giving 
no information of the member of the Council upon whose motion 
this order was made. 

About this time a peculiar order was entered by the Council of 
the town. The contest as to the readjustment of the State debt 
was the sole theme of public discussion, and, upon motion of James 
H. Hines, William H. Mitchell was permitted to erect a pole at \ 
the corner of Court and Main streets and near the Bank of 
Al)ingdon building and to place thereon a Readjuster flag. This is 
the only instance in the history of the town, sO' far as I can ascertain^ 
in which a request of this kind was made and granted. 

On the 14th day of October, 1887, S. F. Hurt, a member of the :) 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 657 

Town Council, at the request of Captain James L. White, moved 
that an election be ordered to take the sense of tJie citizens of the 
town of Abingdon upon the voting of $20,000 of the bonds of the 
town to the Abingdon Coal & Iron Itailroad Company. The Council 
directed this election to Ijo held on the 24th of November, 1887, and 
John C. Campbell, David .1. Webb and W. M. G. Sandoe were ap- 
pointed judges to conduet tlio election, in which election all per- 
sons autliorized to vote in any election held in the town for town 
officers were permitted to vote. The result of the election was one 
hundred and fifty-three votes for the subscription and thirty votes 
against the subscription, being one hundred and eighty votes out of 
a total registration of two hundred and seventy-four. In this elec- 
tion seventy-five freeholders voted; sixty-one for the subscription 
and fourteen against it. 

The Council thereupon subscribed $20,000 to said railroad com- 
pany, John A. Buchanan, George E. Perm and W. J. Brown having 
been appointed by the Council for that purpose on December 22d, 
1887. 

The question arose as to when the bonds thus subscribed to' 
said railroad should be issued, and upon this question George E. 
Penn and ,W. J. Brown, two of the coimnittee, recommended that 
said bonds sliould be issued and delivered as fast as the road was 
graded, at tlie rate of $133.33i/j per mile, while Judge Buchanan 
filed a minority recommendation that said bonds be issued for the 
sum mentioned as each mile of the railroad was completed, but 
tlie majority report was adopted, and the bonds were issued and 
delivered as tlie road was graded. 

M a meethig of the Council on the 18th of August, 1888, on mo- 
tion ol" Dr. George E. Wiley, seconded by H. H. Scott, an election 
was ordered to be held on the 29th of September, 188&, to take the 
sense of the voters of the town upon the question of a subscription 
of a sum not exceeding $20,000, for the purpose of furnishing water 
and lights for the town. In this election sixty-three votes were 
poled for tlie proposition and fifty-seven against it, but the Council 
refused to subscribe any amount to this enterprise. It was a 
sliort time only until the town obtained the benefits of a very 
efficient water and light company. 

At a me<:'tiiig of the Council on the 6th of July, 1892, upon mo- 
tion of Samuel A. Carson, seconded by Colonel A. F. Cook, a 



658 Southwest Virginia, 174^-1786. 

committee was appointed to buy a lot in the to^vn of Abingdon, 
upon which to build a Mayor's office and city prison. This com- 
mittee purchased a part of a lot situated near the centre of the 
town upon the south side of the street, adjoining the I. 0. 0. F. 
Hall, for the sum of $450, and immediately erected thereon a very 
coanmodious building, which has since been occupied by the officials 
of the town, and in the year 1897, a house was erected upon 
the same lot, in which all prisoners failing to pay their fines in 
money are required to break rock to satisfy the same, the rock thus 
prepared being used to macadamize the streets of the town. 

In the year 1900 Col. A. C. Cummings and D. S. Grim, surviv- 
ing trustees of the Sons of Temperance, transferred to the town 
of Abingdon the title to Temperance Hall, and their action was con- 
firmed shortly thereafter by the General Assembly of Virginia, 
whereupon John W. Barr, H. H. Scott, J. W. Bell, D. A. Preston 
and E. M. Page were named as trustees to hold said property 
for the town. It is the purpose of the town to improve this 
property, and, if this be done, it will be quite an addition to the 
town and probably a source of revenue. 

Such is a brief outline of the history of Abingdon as it has been 
preserved. 

In the words of another and a more gifted writer : 

"If there is any more picturesque country than that which sur- 
rounds Abingdon, the writer has never been so fortunate as to see 
it; that is, according to his idea of the grand and beautiful in 
nature. For a mile or two around, the landscape is undulating, 
inters]>ersed with bolder hills generally wooded, standing out like 
islands in a storm-tossed sea. During Spring and Summer the 
whole face of the earth, except cultivated fields, seems to be covered 
with a carpet of green irregularly figured with wild flowers, a 
rural picture with a frame- work of mountains.* 

"To the south of and adjoining the corporate liuiits of the town, 
is 'King's Mountain,' now thickly populated. It was so named 
because of a fancied resemblance to the famous mountain in South 
Carolina, on which was fought the battle of October 7th, 1780. 
The victory won there by the western mountaineers, quorum magna 
pars were Washington county men, Mr. Jefferson said, turned the 
tide of war in favor of the United States and led Cornwallis to 



*Charles B. Coale. 



Wasliington CounUj, 1111-1810. 659 

march to Yorktowii, to his surrender tlioi-e, and to the end of the 
war." 

"There were many oi' the veterans of that campaign alive in 1825, 
and to rehearse the incidents of tlie contest and impress npon the 
minds of that generation the gallant and daring deeds of their an- 
cestors, a sham battle was fought at King's ]\Iountain. The posi- 
tion of the Eevolutionary commanders was occupied by some offi- 
cers who were instructed (perhaps drilled,) how to play their part, 
and tli'e English people in red coats, with cannon and bayonetted 
muskets, occupied the crest of the hill. There was great firing of 
blank cartridges, charging up the hill and retreat from the fixed 
bayonets of the British regulars, until Colonel Ferguson was killed 
and a white flag raised. In all of this melee no fatal accidents oc- 
curred and few casualties."* 

To the north and northwest of tlie corporate limits of the town 
is Fruit Plill, commonly called "Taylor's Hill," which is thickly 
settled, and it is reasonable to say that at least one-third of the 
inhabitants of the town projx^^r are without the corporate limits. 

Tlie main street of Abingdon of the present day is fully one 
mile in h'ngth. The streets are excellently macadamized, with 
brick pavements on both sides. 

YaUev street is more tlian ono-half luilV' in length, a part of the 
street Ix'iug macadamized, and brick pavements are on the eastern 
end tliereol'. 'J'his street is raj)idly developing and is destined to be- 
come the main thoroughfare of tlie town. 

It would he a eoiisiderahle undertaking to enumerate the many 
and varied enterprises of the t(n\ n. 

The cliief pride of Abingdon are hei- educational facilities, there 
Iteing three institutions in and near tlie town that cannot bo 
excelled anywhere in this country, to-\vit: Martha Washington 
College, Stonewall Jackson Institute and the Abingdon Male 
Academy, to each of which a separate chapter has been devoted. 

Mayors of A hi n (/Jon. 

1834-1835— dohn M. Preston. 
1830 —James White. 

1837 —Samuel H. Wills. 

1838 —Daniel Lvnch. , 



'Thomas L. Preston. 



660 Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

1839 — Andrew Gibson. 

1840-1841 — Jeremiah Bronoiigh. 
1842 —John M. Preston. 

1843-1844— John D. Mitchell. 

1845 — Isaac B. Dunn. 

1846 —Daniel Trigg. 

1847 —John D. Mitchell. 

1848 — James W. Preston. 

1849 —John D. Mitchell. 

1850 — James H. Dunn. 

1851 — John Gr. Kreger. 

1852 —William Eodefer. 
1853-1854— John D. Mitchell. 

1855 — Lewellyn C. Newland. 

1856 —David G. Thomas. 

1857-1858— John D. Mitchell. Died March 15, 1859 
1859 — Wm. Eodefer. Unexpired term. 

1859 —Newton K. White. 

1860-1861— Samuel W. Carnahan. 
1863-1864— W. F. Barr. 
1865-1866— Geo. E. B. Dunn. 

1869 — W. H. Smith. 

1870 — D. A. Jones. 

1872 — Jas. C. Campbell. 

1873 — G. V. Litchiield, Jr. 

1874 —John G. Clark. 

1875 —David P. Sandoe. 

1876 —Milton G. Heiskell. 

1877 —John G. Clark. 
1878-1879— Milton G. Heiskell. 
1880-1881— D. P. Sandoe. 
1882-1887— John W. Barr. 
1888 —Thomas K. Trigg. 
1888-1889— John W. Barr. 
1889-1890— P. C. Landrum. 
1892-1904— J. H. Hines. 

Treasurers and Clerks. 
1884-1887— Geo. Keller. 1855-1884— Geo. E. Barr. 

1834-1855— Jacob Lynch, 



' 



Washington County, 1117-1870. 



6G1 



Clerics. 

1887-1893— G-eo. R. Barr. 1894-1896— D. T. Campbell. 

1892-1894— C. H. Jennings. 189G-1900— W. A. Johnston. 

1900-1904— W. H. Hamilton. 





Tr 


easurers. 




1887-1896- 


-Geo. Keller. 


1896-1904— D 


. A. Preston. 




8ergeants. 




1834 


-Jacob Clark. 


1860 


-B. C. Clark. 


1835 


-Wm. N". Euley. 


1873 


-Theo. P. Dunn. 


1836 


—John W. Lcckie. 


1873 


-Isaac DeBusk. 


1837-1839- 


-L. C. Price. 


1874 


-S. G. Keller. 


1840-1841- 


-Job Clark. 


1875 


-Geo. W. Oswald 


1842-1843- 


-M. C. Orr. 


1876 


-R. H. Henritze. 


1844-1845- 


-W. N. Rnley. 


1877 


-J. H. Hincs. 


1S46 


-Samuel Garner. 


1878 


-R. H. Henritze. 


1847-1848- 


—James L'eody. 


1879 


-J. R. Deadmore. 


1849 


-Samuel Garner. 


1880-1881- 


-B. P. Morrison. 


1850 


-James Leedy. 


1883 


-F. B. Bro'wnlow. 


1851 


-Lewellyn C. Ncwland. 1883 


-John W. Love. 


1853-1856- 


—Jos. A. Brownlow. 


1884-1890- 


-W. T. Graham. 


1856-1858- 


-James Henritze. 


1890 


-Geo. A. Hall. 


1859 


-W. W. Barker. 


1892-1904- 


-T. H. Crabtree. 



1778- 
1808- 
1830- 
1778- 
1778- 
1778- 
1808- 
1833- 
1808- 



Abingdon^ Virginia. 
* Trustees— 17.78-1834:. 

Date of Qualification. 
-James Arinstrong. 



-Valentine Baugh. 
-Peter J. Branch. 
-William Campbell. 
-Rol)ert Craig. 
-Rolxrt Campbell. 
-David Campbell. 
-Chas. C. Gibson. 
-Michael Deckard. 



1808- 
1,778- 
1833- 
1808- 
1808- 
1808- 
1830- 
1830- 
1808- 



-Ro]>ert Dukes. 
-William Edmiston. 
-Thomas Findlay. 
-James Graham. 
-James Harper. 
-William King. 
-Jacob Lynch. 
-Daniel Lynch. 
-John McClelland. 



•Many of the trustees named eened for many years. 



662 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 



1830— Elias Ogden. 
1830 — Augustus Oury. 
1778— Kobert Preston. 
1830— John M. Preston. 
1830 — Francis Preston. 
1833— J. W. Paxton. 



1798— Andrew Russell. 
17 78— Daniel Smith. 
1778— Evan Shelby. 
1808 — Jonathan Smith. 
1808— William Trigg. 
1808 — James White. 



1778— Andrew Willoaighby. 

^Members of Town Covncil—183i-ld02. 
Date of Qualification. 



1834- 

1834- 
1836- 
1837- 
1834- 
1846- 
1847- 
1851- 
1855- 
1858- 
1859- 
1860- 
1865- 
1870- 
1876- 
1876- 
1876- 
1880- 
1881- 
1890- 
1890- 
1892- 
1894- 
1894- 
1900- 

1855- 
1836- 
1838- 
1843- 
1850- 
1856- 
1856- 



-Peter J. Branch. 
-Jeremiah Bronough. 
-Daniel M. Bailey. 
-Austin Bronough. 
-Chas. S. Bekem. 
-B. K. Buchanan. 
-G'eo. R. Barr. 
-Leonidas Baugh. 
-Isaac Baker. 
-Wm. W. Barker. 
-Jos. C. Baltzell. 
-Isaac M. Benham. 
-W. P. Barr. 
-John W. Barr. 
-John A. Buchanan. 
-A. McBradley. 
-H. C. Brownlow. 
-Thomas Brooks. 
-Frank B. Brownlow. 
-Wm. H. Barrow. 
-Geo. M. Bright. 
-John A. Barrow. 
-J. W. Bell. 
-R. E. Boiling. 
-J. Iv. Buckley. 

-Isaac L. Clark. 
-David Campbell. 
-John C. Cummings. 
-Chas. J. Cummings. 
-Norman Crawford. 
-E. M. Campbell. 
-D. C. Cummings. 



1856— John C. Campbell. 
1858— S. W. Carnahan. 
1860 — John A. Campbell. 
1865— John G. Clark. 
1866— James C. Campbell. 
1876— C. F. Trigg. 
1881— L. T. Cosby. 
1884— A. W. Carmack. 
1885— A. F. Cook. 
1886—1. G. Clark. 
1887— Thomas H. Crabtree. 
1892 — Samuel A. Carson. 

1836— John Dunn. 
1844—1. B. Dunn. 
1845 — Edwin L. Davenport. 
1853 — Hiram S. Dooley. 
1854— D. C. Dunn. 
1855 — Andrew J. Dunn. 
1855 — James H. Dunn. 
1870— Geo. R. Dunn. 
1896— J. E. Deaton. 

1834— Benj. Estill. 

1843— John B. Floyd. 
1835— John H. Fulton. 
1839— Edward Fulton. 
1845 — James Fulcher. 

1837— Andrew Gibson. 
1842— C. C. Gibson. 
1843 — John C. Greenway. 



*Many of the persons named served for many years in succession. 



]Vaslnn<jton County, 1777-1870. 



6G3 



1846 — James K. Gibson. 
1853— H. C. Gibbons. 
185G — J. C. Grcenway. 



1878— S. G. Keller, 
1894— E. B. Kreger. 



1870- 


— D. C. Greenway. 


1834- 


— Daniel Lynch. 


187G- 


-W. T. Graliam." 


1836- 


—Jacob Lynch. 






1838- 


— San,iuel Logan. 


1835- 


-Adam Hickman. 


1844- 


-Geo. V. Litchfield, Sr 


1852- 


-Wm. Hawkins. 


1847- 


-H. M. Ledbctter. . 


1854- 


-W. K. HeiskoU. 


1856- 


-W. J. Leedy. 


1860- 


-M. G. Ht'iskell. 


1866- 


—Daniel Lewark. 


1864- 


-B. M. Hickman. 


1872- 


-Geo. V. Litchfield, Jr 


1866- 


-Jolm A. llagy. 


1872- 


— Wm. G. G. Lowry. 


1876- 


-S. N. Honaker. 


1877- 


-Paul C. Landrum. 


1880- 


-J. H. Hinc^. 


1892- 


-John E. Lyon. [ 


1880- 


-Jas. A. Hag)'. 






1881- 


-Chas. Harris. 


1834- 


-John D. Mitcheill. 


1882- 


-B. A. Hin^^s. 


1851- 


-T. G. McConnell. 


1882- 


-M. H. Honaker. 


1856- 


-Noble I. McGinnis. 


1885- 


-S. F. Hurt. 


1866- 


-Samuel D. ]\Ieek. 


1885- 


-F. B. Hutton. 


1870- 


-Benj. P. Morrison. 


1885 — J. B. Hamilton. 


1878- 


-Daniel Musser. 


1889- 


-E. S. Hanev. 


1887- 


-Samuel Mothner. 


1894- 


-P. ]\r. Hagy. 






1894- 


-P. E. Haytor. 


1834- 


-Augustus Oury. 


1896- 


-Wm. Hagv. 


1836- 


-Elias Qofden. 


1898- 


-C. F. Hurt. 


1838— James Orr. 


1849- 


-Peter E. B. C. Henritze. 


1850- 


-Abram S. Orr. 


1860- 


-Jas. Henritze. 






1878- 


-W. C. Hagy. 


1834- 


-John S. Preston. 


1835- 


-Jobn X. Humes. 


1834- 


-Eobert E. Preston. 


1887- 


-W. B. Ingliam. 


1836- 


-John M. Preston. 




f-. 


1836- 


-James W. Paxton. 


1840- 


-Peter C. Johnston. 


1838- 


-Alexander E. Preston. 


1843- 


-Beverly B. Jolinston. 


1838- 


-Fairman H. Preston. 


1855- 


-Hugh Johnston. 


1850- 


-Walter Preston. 


1860- 


-John W. Johnston. 


1859- 


-Samuel A. Preston. 


1872- 


-James ^I. Jones. 


1866- 


-W. H. Pitts. 


1874- 


-T. Frank Jones. 


1870- 


-Jl. M. Page. 


1S79- 


-J. X. Jordan. 


1875- 


-Henrv S. Preston. 


1 SSS- 


-T). A. Jones. 


1884- 


-Geo. E. Penn. 


lS9(i- 


-Ghas. H. Jennings. 






lilOO- 


-W. A. Johnson. 


1846- 


-Wm. Eodefei-. 






1846- 


-Philip Ehor. 


1 ."^34- 


-John Keller. 


1876- 


-Jackson M. Eose. 


1846- 


-Wm. Keller. 


1889- 


-David 0. Eush. 


1 860- 


-John G. Kreger. 


1896- 


-Wm. F. Eoberson. 


18T.-.- 


-Martin 11. Keller. 


1896- 


-David G. Eose. 



664 Southwest Virginia^ 17^6-1786. 

1836— Michael Shaver. 1858— David G. Thomas. 

1850— Gabriel Stickley. 1873— Thos. K. Trigg. 

1852— Thomas S. Stuart. 1880— Daniel Trigg, Jr. 
1870— Wm. M. G. Sandoe. 

1874— David P. Sandoe. 1836— Samuel H. L. Wills. 

1886— H. H. Scott. 1838— Thomas J. Wallis. 

1896— Sol. L. Scott. 1851— Newton K. White. 

1872— John G. White. 

1834— Daniel Trigg. 1872— James L. White. 

1835— Connally F. Trigg. 1887— Geo. E. Wiley. 

1845— Francis S. Trigg. 1888— David J. Webb. 

Postmasters at Abingdon. 

Date of Appointment. 

Gerrald T. Conn, April 25, 1793. 

George Simpson, July 1, 1796. 

John W. McCormack, October 1, 1800. 

John McClellan, October 1, 1813. 

Augustus Oury, August 28, 1820. 

Robert E. Preston, July 9, 1836. 

James K. Gibson, January 4, 1842. 

George Pt. Barr, July 26, 1849. 

Leonidas Baugh, May 12, 1853. 

Henry W. Baker, October 18, 1858. 

George Sandoe, , March 27, 1861. 

W. M. G. Sandoe, September 6, 1865. 

Jackson M. Eose, May 31, 1869. 

Lewis W. Eose, June 25, 1878. 

Eosalie S. Humes, March 1, 1879. 

Jackson M. Eose, March 2, 1883. 

Connally T. Litchfield, March 7, 1887. 

Lewis P. Summers, March 20, 1890. 

John G. White, January 12, 1894. 

James W. McBroom, February 18, 1898. 

Eosa Eose, February 10, 1902. 

Lots Sold by Christopher AcMin. 

Name of Purchaser. Date of Sale. No. Lot. 

Alexander Montgomery, June, 1787, 23 

Jo. Acklm, ' " 1787, 22 

Christopher Acklin, " 1787, 21 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



665 



Name of Purchaser. Date of Sale. 



No. Lot. 



Joseph Black, 


June, 


1787, 


15 


John Thomas, 


(( 


1787, 


16 


Andrew Davison, 


(( 


1787, 


17 


Josej)!! Campbell, 


« 


1787, 


18 


Henry llarkleroad. 


(I 


1787, 


20 


Henry Harkleroad, 


(e 


1787, 


19 


Do van It Keller, 


u 


178.7, 


38 


iUexander Montgomery 




1787, 


37 


James A^ance, 


July 


1787, 


33 


Josiah Danforth, 


(( 


1787, 


5 


Jacob Wills, 


*■ 8,1787, 


4 


James Porterfield, 


« 


1787, 


7 


George Findlay, 


(( 


1787, 


31 


Ildward Callahan, 


a 


1787, 


6 


James Parberry, 


April, 


1789, 


34-35-36 


Walter Welsh, 


(( 


1789, 


1 


James Bradley, 


(C 


1789, 


2 


Geo. Colvill, ' 


« 


1789, 


3 


Thomas Welsh, 


ii 


1789, 


33 


Alexander Breckenridgc 


} 


1789, 


28 


Charles Cummings, 


a 


1789, 


14 


Bobert Campbell, 


<( 


1789, 


43 


Nancy McDonald, 


a 


1789, 


44 


Samuel Acklin, 


(I 


1789, 


51 


Bobert Campbell, 


<( 


1789, 


45 


Elijah Smith, 


April, 


1789, 


50 


Bobert Campbell, 


<t 


1789, 


48 


Klijali Smith, 


t( 


1789, 


49 


-lames Vance, 


(C 


1789, 


42 


William Briee, 


« 


1789, 


41 


Jolin Liisk, 


« 


1789, 


52 


Jos. Gaml)I(', 


June, 


1789, 


61 


Bol)ert Laird, 


tc 


1789, 


62 


Jos. Gandde, 


cc 


.1789, 


60 


Jolm Fegaii, 


April 14, 


1790, 


59 


Patrick Lynch, 


" 14, 


1790, 


58 


James Bradfey, 


<( 


1790, 


5.7 


Claittonic Walkiiis. 


" 15, 


1790, 


81 



666 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



Name of Purchaser. Date of Sale. 



Claiborne Watkins, 


Apri 


1 


1790, 


Patrick Lynch, 


(( 




1790, 


Chas. Cumniings, 


a 




1790, 


Archilas Dickenson, 


i( 




1790, 


Chas. Cumniings, 


a 




1790, 


Andrew Colvill, 


(C 




r79o;' 


Andrew Colvill, 


« 




1790, 


Claiborne Watkins, 


a 




1790, 


William Greenwa^y, 


a 


17, 


1790, 


Eobert Montgomery, 


ti 




1790, 


William Greenway, 


(( 




1790, 


Christopher Acklin, 


a 




1790, 


Urbiu Ewing, 


a 




1790, 


Josiah Daufortb, S( 


'ptember 


, 1790, 


Nicholas Mansfield, 


June 


1790, 


Urbin Ewing, 






1790, 


Nicholas Mansfield, 






1790, 


Daniel Friel, 






1790, 


Trustees, 






1790, 


William Brice, 






1790, 


Baldwin Harles, 






1790, 


Alexander Montgomery, 


April, 


1791, 


Samuel Vance, 




a 


1791, 


Wm. McDowell, 




a 


1791, 


Andrew Willoughby, 


/ 


u 


1791, 


Jos. Acklin, 




u 


1791, 


Christopher x\cklin, 




(( 


1791, 


Jos. Acklin, 




i( 


1791, 


John Alexander, 




a 


1791, 


Wm. Mifflins, 




a 


1791, 


James Bredin, 




(< 


1.791, 


James Dysart, 




<( 


1791, 


John Alexander, 




li 


1791, 


Wm. Dela]), 




a 


1791, 


Wm. Delap, 




a 


1791, 


Thos. Hammond, 




<( 


1791, 


A\'m. King, 




(C 


1791, 


]vobert Preston, 




« 


1791, 



No. Lot. 

82 
63 
66 
65 

"80 
79 
83 
84 
86 
85 
29 

6 
58 
39 
40 
20 
19 

8 
12 
16 
90 
89 
67 
87 
69 
68 
70 
71 
72 
74 
78 
77 
76 
75 
73 
73 
73 



Was/liny ton County, 1777-1870. 6(3r 

Name of Puiu'jiaseh. Date of Sale. No. Lot. 

James Dysart, April, 1791, 11 

Win. Y. ConD, " 1791, 15 

Aiidrcnv KiiPScll, " 1791, 13 

Kobort Preston, " 1791, 14 

James White, " 1791, 17 

Cerrald T. Conn, " 1791, 18 

Andrew Pnssell, 

-I OS. Ai'klin, 

Francis Preston, 

Geo. Simpson, 

Andrew Russell, 

Geo. Simpson, 

Cliristoph'er Acklin, 

Jos. Aeklin, 

Lands sold 1)y I)a\id Craig". 

.James Pedpatli. 

Jeremiah Rush, 

Peter Deekai't. 

An Act for EstablishiiKj a. Taini nl llir Conrfliousr in llic Counlij 

of Wasliintjlon. 

Passed October, 177S. 

"Whereas it hath hcen represented to this present general assem- 
bly that Thomas AValker, Esq., Josej)!! Black and Samuel Briggs 
liave engaged to give one hundred and twenty acres of land in the 
county of Washington, where the court house of the said county now 
stands, agreeable to a survey thereof made by Robert Doach, for the 
])urpose of establishing a town thereon, and for raising a sum of 
money towards defraying the expenses of l)uil(liug a court house aud 
])rison, agreeable to which ])art of the said land has been laid otf, 
and several lois sold, and l)uih1ings erected thereon; and whereas it 
would tend to the more speedy improveuienl and settling tlie same, 
if the freeholders and inhal)itants thei-eof co\dd 1)0 entilled to the 
saiue privileges eujoyed by freeholders and inliabitants of other 
towns of this state. Be. it Enacted By tliis Present General Assem- 
bly, That the said one hundred and twenty acres of land, agreeable 
to a survey made thereof, relation thereio ])eing had may more fully 
appear, be and (he smue is hereby vested in fee simple in Evan 



^68 Southwest Virginia, llJlfG-nSG. 

Shelby, William Campbell, Daniel Smith, "William Edmondson, 
Robert Craig and Andrew Willoughby, gentlemen, trustees and 
shall be established a town by the name of Abingdon. 

"And be it further enacted. That the said trustees, or any three of 
them, shall, and they are hereby empowered to make conveyances to 
the purchasers of any lots already sold, or tO' be sold, agree able to 
the conditions of the contracts, and may also proceed to lay off such 
other part of said land as is not yet laid off and sold, intO' lots, and 
streets and such lots shall be sold by the said trustees at publick 
auction for the best price that can be had, the time and place of sale 
being previously advertised at least three months before, on some 
court day at the court house of that and the adjacent county, the 
purchasers respectively to hold the said lots subject to the condition 
of building on such lots a dwelling house at least twenty feet long 
and sixteen feet wide, with a brick or stone chimney, to be finished 
within four years from the date of sale, and the said trustees, or any 
three of them, shall, and they are hereby empowered to convey the 
said lots to the purchasers thereof in fee simple, subject to the con- 
dition aforesaid, and receive the monies arising from such sale, and 
pay the same to the order of the Court of Washington County, to- 
wards defraying the expenses of their publick buildings, and the 
over-plus, if any, to be applied in repairing the streets of the afore- 
said town. 

"And be it further enacted, That the said trustees, or the major 
part of them, shall have power from time to time to settle and de- 
termine all disputes concerning the bounds of said lots, and to 
settle such rules and orders for the regular and orderly buildings 
of houses thereon as to them shall seem best and most convenient. 
And in case of the death, removal out of the country, or other legal 
disability of. any of the said trustees, it shall and may be lawful for 
the freeholders of the said town to elect and chose so many other 
persons in the room of those dead, removed or disabled, as shall 
make up the number, which trustees so chosen shall be to all intents 
and purposes individually vested with the same power and authority 
as any one in this act particularly mentioned. 

"And be it further enacted. That the purchasers of the lots in the 
said town, so soon as they shall have built upon and saved the same 
according to the conditions of their respective deeds and convey- 
ances, shall be entitled to and have and enjoy all the rights, privi- 



Washimjton Counly,, 1777-1810. 669 

leges and iiiiniimities which the freeholders and inhabitants of 
other towns in this state, not corporated by charter, have, hold and 
enjoy. 

"And 1)0 it further enacted, That if the purchasers of any lots sold 
by the said trustees shall fail to ])uild thereon within the time before 
limited, the said trustees, or tlu* major part of them, may tliereupon 
enter into such lot, and may either sell the same again, and apply 
the money towards rejiairing the straits, or in any other way for the 
benefit of the said town, or lliey may aj)pro])riatc the said lot, or any 
part of it, to any })ul)lick use for tlie benefit of tlie inhabitants of 
said town. 

"And be it further enacted, l)y the authority aforesaid, that the 
trustees of the said town, and their successors, for the time being, 
shall, and they are hereby authorized and empowered by that name 
to sue and implead either in the court of the said county, or the 
general Court, any person or persons who shall commit a trespass 
on the streets of said town, or lands which may have been appro- 
priated for the use of the inhabitants thereof. All sums of money 
recovered by virtue hereof shall be applied by the said trustees 
towards repairing tlie streets of the said town. 

"Provided, always. That nothing herein contained shall be con- 
strued to atfect the legal rights of any person holding lands adjoin- 
ing the said town.''* 

BRISTOL, YIRGmiA. 

It is with delicacy that we undertake to write of a locality that at 
the present time is attracting the attention of a considerable part of 
the business world and tliat is destined to become a great city. 

There has been something in the location of Bristol that attracted 
the attention of the early exj)lorers of our country, and afterwards 
many of our best and noblest citizens. 

Some time after Colonel James Patton had obtained from the 
Governor and Council of Virginia a grant for one hundred and 
twenty thousand acres of land to be located in this section of Vir- 
ginia, John Buchanan, a deputy surveyor of Augusta, county, with a 
company of explorers, visited this section of Virginia and from the 

*\) Hen. S., p. 55. 




Bristol, 185G. 




Bristol, 1903. 



i 



Washinytoii Cunniij, 1777-1870. 071 

Aear 1746 to the year 1750 surveyed made tracts of the choicest land 
to be found on all the waters of the Indian river.* 

Among the lands surveyed by John Buchanan were three tracts in 
the immediate vicinity of Bristol. 

The three tracts in question were surveyed for John Taylor, of 
Caroline county, Virginia, and are described as follows : 

1,040 acres. Shallow Creek,f waters of Indian river. 

1,000 acres. Shallow Creek, waters of Indian river. 

720 acres. Shallow Creek, waters of Indian river. 

Thte first tract was surveyed on the 22d of February, 1749, and to 
it was given the name of "Sapling Grove"; the second tract was sur- 
veyed on the 23d of February, 1749, and to it was given the name of 
"Timber Grove," while the third tract was surveyed on the 19th of 
March, 1749, and Avas given the name of the "Forks." 

From this time until about the year 1765, tlic close of the French- 
Indian war, no efforts were made to settle the lands in question, so 
far as can be ascertained. 

In the year 1765, or shortly thereafter, Evan Shelby and Isaac 
Baker left their homes in Maryland;*; and came to the Holston coun- 
try, and sof>n thereafter purchased the "Sapling Grove" tract of 
1,946 acres from John Buchanan, who, hy assignment from John 
Taylor, had become the owner thereof. This tract of land was 
divided between Shell>y and Baker by Eobert Preston, Shelby own- 
ing 973 acres, the western end thereof, and Baker 973 acres, the 
eastern end thereof. 

Soon after the purchase Evan Shelby erected his residence upon 
the lots now occupied by Dr. John Ensor and John H. Caldwell, 
in South Bristol, while Isaac Baker erected his residence on Beaver 
Creek, about 300 yards north of tlie present residence of A. A. Hob- 
son and north of the creek. The location of his residence is pointed 
out at the iirescnt time in an old field in which stand a few apple 
trees. 

John Buchanan died before a patent issued for said laud and 
before he had executed a deed for same to Shelby and Baker, and 
William Preston and William Campbell, the executors of John 



•Now Holston. 
tBeaver Creek. 
+ Now Washington county, Md. 



673 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 

Buchanan, for some reason, did not convey said land during their 
lifetime. 

Colonel William Preston, by his will, appointed John Preston, 
Francis Preston, John Breckenridge and John Brown his execu- 
tors, and on the 2d of May, 1T9G, John Preston, one of tlie executors 
of William Preston, executor of John Buchanan, deceased, executed 
a deed to Isaac Baker, Jr., for the 973 acres of land contracted to his 
father, Isaac Baker, deceased, and on the 22d of November, 1798, 
Francis Preston, one of the executors of William Preston, executor 
of John Buchanan, deceased, conveyed to Isaac Shelby, as executor 
of Evan .Shelby, deceased, the 973 acres of land contracted to Evan 
Shelby by John Buchanan. The consideration paid by Isaac Baker 
was 304 pounds, and by Evan Shelby 304 pounds. This 1,946-acre 
tract of land was patented to William Preston and William Camp- 
bell, executors of John Buchanan, deceased, on the 2d of November, 
1,779. 

Evan Shell)y and Isaac Baker were intimate friends before their 
emigration to the ITolston, as evidenced by the fact that Shelby had 
named one of his sons Isaac for Isaac Baker, while Baker had 
named one of his sons Evan for Evan Shelby. Isaac Shelby won dis- 
tinction at King's mountain and was several times Governor of Ken- 
tucky, while Evan Baker took an active part in the cause of the 
Colonies and served during the Eevolutionary war as deputy com- 
missary on the waters of the Holston. 

Isaac Baker by his will devised his moiety in the "Sapling Grove" 
tract of land to his sons, Isaac Baker, Jr., and William Baker. 

Evan Shelby and Isaac Baker, in their lifetime, conveyed small 
portions of their respective properties to Henry Harklcroad, William 
Bolton and John O'Brian. 

It is worth}^ of mention at this point that Evan Shelby and Isaac 
Baker, in their old age, were bereft of their wives, and subsequently 
remarried — the former, Isabella Elliott ; the latter, Mary Head, a 
young widow — and each was required by his prospective wife to 
make a settlement upon her before marriage, Evan Shelby con- 
ferring upon his second wife a considerable interest in his personal 
property, which was large, and of which a considerable number of 
slaves formed a part, and in his real estate at "Sapling Grove," while 
Isaac Baker made a similar provision for his second wife, and in 



Washington County, 1177-1870. 673 

addition tliereto conveyed to the two sons of Mary Ilcad by licr for- 
mer marriage one hundred acres of land each. 

Stirring scenes were often witnessed in the ''Sapling Grove'' com- 
munity from the date of the settlement made by Shelby and Baker 
until the year 1800. The armies of the State and large delegations 
of Indians were many times visitors to tliis community. 

Colonel Evan Shelby was one of the great men produced by the 
conditions existing upon the frontiers in those days. He was well 
educat'ed, patriotic and a very wise counsellor, and many times did 
he command expeditions against the Indian tribes living south of 
the Tennessee. 

The Virginia Gowrnincnt greatly appreciated his worth, and 
prior to 1781 conferred upon him numerous (very valuable) tracts 
of land within her territory, and subsequent to 1781 the Govern- 
ment of North Carolina showered upon him every honor that could 
be thought of. 

Colonel Shelby departed this life in the year 1794, leaving Isaac 
Shelby, Moees Shelby, Evan Shelby and James Shelby, sons, and 
several daughters. 

]lis remains were inlerri'd in a grove of very fine trees and within 
view of his former residence, and remained there until the growth 
of Bristol required their removal to the present cemetery. The lo- 
cation of his grave previous to this removal is now pointed out as 
being on Fifth street immediately in front of the First Presbyterian 
church, Bristol, Tennessee. Isaac Baker was buried in this same 
graveyard. 

Isaac Baker, Sr., at the time of his death, left six sons, to-wit: 
William Baker, Isaac Baker, Joshua Baker, Evan Baker, John 
Baker and Tliomas Baker and several daughters, to-wit : Hatchy 
Baker, Susannali, who married Thomas Worley, Mar}^, who married 
Thomas A'an Swearingen and Catharine, who married Ephraim 
Smitli. 

William I'aker, who obtained an intoi-est in the "Sapling Grove" 
by tlie will of his father, removed to Knox county, Tennessee, and 
on the 10th of September, 1799, conveyed his interest in said land, 
being three hundred and forty-eight acres, to John Goodson, for the 
Bum of $3,000, and this tract of land afterwards became the 
property of Colonel Samuel E. Goodson, and the location of a large 
part of East Bristol. 



074 Sonthwest Virgmia, 17.1,0-1786. 

Isaac Baker, Jr., conveyed part of the lands devised to him by his 
father to William Bolton, Solomon Sell, Henry Ilarkleroad, David 
Worley, John Cornett, Ephraim Jolmson, John Cuff, Simeon Ely 
and Jacob Susong, while Colonel Isaac Shelby, as executor of Evan 
Shelby, conveyed the lands owned by Evan Shelby at "Sapling 
Grove" to James King, Jr., on the 2Gth of November, 1814, for the 
sum of $10,000. James King, immediately after his purchase, built 
a residence on Solar Hill, near SuUins College and near the present 
location of the late residence of H. E. McCoy, while the former 
residence of Isaac Baker was occupied by John Goodson. 

Some years previously to this an iron furnace was built on Beaver 
Creek about three and a half miles below the present location of 
Bristol at the Sulphur Springs. James King and John Goodson 
for many years exercised great diligence in farming their respective 
properties, and persons now living often speak of King's Meadows 
as a beautiful farm. 

In the year 1842, James King conveyed six acres of the "Sapling 
Grove" tract to Campbell Galliher, and on the 18th of June he con- 
veyed to the Virginia and Tennessee Bailroad Company, in addition 
to an eighty-foot right of way, ten acres of land for the use of the 
company, and on the 12th of April, 1854, he conveyed to his son-in- 
law, Joseph Anderson, four acres of land. 

By the year 1850 the building of the Virginia and Tennessee rail- 
road had become an assured fact, and in view of tlie fact that the 
terminus of that road under the Virginia charter was the State line, 
the building of a town at this point was begun. 

Colonel Samuel E. Goodson had a part of his lands surveyed, and 
offered the same for sale. He gave to the proposed town the name 
of "Goodsonville," wliich name it retained until the incorporation 
of Goodson in the year 1856. 

He also gave to the Virginia and Tennessee Eailroad Company a 
right of way through his lands, and transferred to the said company 
for a consideration, in the 3^ears 1851-1852, eleven acres of land for 
the use of the said company. Among the first conveyances executed 
by Colonel Goodson was to John G. King, Jacob H. Susong and 
J. P. Hammer, as trustees for the Independent Order of Odd-Fel- 
lows, and to John Fleming, John Moore, Fleming Crumbly, D. W. 
Crumbly, W. W. James, William F. Bolton, Wm. H. Snodgrass, 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 675 

Jesse Aydlott and Hardy Pool, as trustees for the Methodist Epis- 
copal cluireh. 

The lot last couveycd was Lot No. 103 in the plan of Goodson- 
ville, as surveyed by Edmund Winston, and this lot is now occupied 
by the Colored Methodist Episcopal church on Lee street. 

Some time previous to the 1st of April, 1855, A. K. Moore, from 
Pennsylvania, arrived in Bristol and decided to make it his home, 
and ever thereafter until his death, in the year 1863, he was a most 
enthusiastic believer in the future of Bristol. He was a real estate 
agent by profession and an accomplished gentleman, and his views 
in regard to the future of Bristol were so convincing that the early 
settlei-s of the town were confident that it was a question of only a 
few years when Bristol would monopolize the trade and business of 
all the surrounding ((uiutry. A:.d having this object in view, the 
j)i"ojectors of tlic town so named the streets thereof that by the year 
18(iU wo find the principal streets having the following names : Vir- 
ginia street, in honor of the Commonwealth; Washington street, in 
lionor of Washington county; liussell street, in honor of Eussell 
county ; Ijee street, in honor of Lee county ; Scott street, in lionor of 
Scott county; Cumberland street, in honor of the mountain of that 
name; while Moore street. King street, Shelby street and Spencer 
street were named for James King, A. K. Moore, Evan Shelby and 
Geo. M. Spencer, and Edmund street in honor of Edmund Win- 
ston, who first surveyed the lots and streets of the town. 

In tJie year 1855 the Magnolia House was built upon the location 
of the present Hamilton House, and a number of small houses were 
erected on both sides of Main street. James King about this time 
moved from his residence on Solar Hill to his home in South Bris- 
tol, where he subsequently died in 18G7, and his former home on 
Solar Hill was occupied and used as a boarding house and as an 
office by Dr. .7. P. Hammer and Walter Willoughby. 

A storehouse and hotel were built at the corner of Washington 
and Main streets on the corner now owned by John R. Dickey, and 
was occupied by Wilson & T^oyd, merchants, and the hotel was con- 
ducted by J. IL Everett. 

Jos. R. Anderson occupied the brick building on th'e southwest 
corner of ]\Iain and Fourth streets, and conducted a store therein. 

In the fall of the year 1855 it was found necessary to have local 
government in the town, and all the citizens of Bristol, Tennessee, 



G76 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

and Goodson, Virginia;, were called to meet upon the present loca- 
tion of the St. Lawrence Hotel, and at this meeting the Eev. James 
King presided. The meeting decided that it was necessary that the 
town should have local government, and after petitioning the Gen- 
eral Assemhly of Virginia to incorporate the town of Goodson, they 
23roceeded to select one of their number to act as Mayor until a 
charter could be obtained. William L. Eice, a citizen of Goodson 
and at that time a member of the Count)'- Court of Washington 
county, and having the power in that capacity to administer oaths, 
to issue warrants for, and try, offenders against the law, was selected 
by the meeting to act as Mayor, tax collector and sergeant of the 
town. 

Pursuant to this authority, Mr. Rice proceeded to discharge his 
duties, and wishes the fact to be j.-ecorded that V. Keebler was the 
first man in the town to voluntarily pay one dollar to be used in 
discharging the costs of the government thus organized. 

Pursuant to the petition of the citizens of the two towns, the 
General Assembly of Virginia, on the 5th of March, 1856, incor- 
porated the town of Goodson, and directed that the officers of the 
said town should consist of seven trustees and a sergeant, and their 
term of office was fixed at one year and until their successors were 
appointed, and it Avas directed that an election should be held for 
the selection of the trustees and sergeant therein provided for on the 
first Saturday in April, 1856, and James Fields, John N. Bosang 
and A. T. Wilson, or any two of them, were directed to conduct said 
election. 

It will be observed that this Act contemplated the government of^ 
the town by a Board of Trustees, and nothing was said as to^ a Mayor, 
but the citizens of the town thereafter selected a Mayor until the 
charter of the town was amended, among the number thus selected! 
being A. K. Moore, A. M. Appling, William L. Eice, Philip Eohr 
and others, whose names I have been unable to obtain. 

The persons thus selected to act in the capacity of Ma3'or also 
acted as sergeant of the town. 

It is a matter of regret that nO' record has been preserved of the 
early trustees of the town of Goodson. 

The boundaries of the town of Goodson, as set out in the Act of I 
incorporation, were as follows : Beginning at a sycamore tree on the! 
west side of the said town; running thence north 33 east one hun-i 



Washington County, 1717-1810. 677 

dred and ten poles; thence due east one hundred and fifty poles; 
thence due south 22 east one hundred and forty poles ; thence south 
56 west one hundred poles ; thence north 37 west one hundred and 
fifty poles to the beginning. 

The s3'camore tree mentioned in this Act stood about two feet 
south of the middle of Main street, and in front of the storehouse 
formerly occupied by T. F. Wood. 

The Virginia and Tennessee railroad reached Bristol in the fall 
of the year 1856, and at the time the following merchants were 
doing business in the town, to-wit : Seneker & James, on Main street 
between Fourth and Water streets at the place now occupied by 
Bunn's store; Jos. R. Anderson, at the corner of Fourth and Main 
streets, as before described ; Eosenheim Bros., on southwest corner of 
Main and Fifth streets, the present location of the drug store; 
Martin Bros., on the location of the National Bank of Bristol, and 
Wilbar Bros., on the southwest corner of Main and Sixth streets; 
Smith & Wilson, at the corner of Main and Washington streets, and 
L. F. Johnson, in a brick l)uilding south of the Norfolk and Western 
railway and near the west bank of the creek. 

J. N. Bosang kept a bar-room on the lot now occupied by the 
Dominion National Bank and Williams Walters a bar-room at the 
present location of the Stanley House, and in addition thereto 
whiskey was retailed at several of the stores above enumerated. 
Three hotels were found in the town at that time, the Caj-wood 
House, kept by Ezekiel Caywood, at the present location of the 
Thomas House ; the ^Magnolia House, kept by Peck & Langhorne, 
at the present location of the Hamilton House, and the Virginia 
House, kept by John H. Everett., at the corner of Main and Wash- 
ington streets on the Dickey lot. Tn addition to the places named 
several small houses were found along the Virginia side of Main 
street from Fourth to Moore, and one brick residence on Main 
street between Fourth and Water streets, east of Bosang's bar-room, 
and known as the Zimmerman House. A portion of this house is 
now occupied by Col. J. B. Peters, President of the Board of Health, 
as an office. 

In the year 1855, upon the application of William L. Eice, the 
tx)unty court of this county appointed John F. Preston, Wallace 
Maxwell, Moses H. Latham, William B. Campbell, E. E. Ehea and 
Jonathan T. Hanby commissioners to view a location for a road 



678 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1780. 

from the to\Mi of Goodsoai to the Jonesboro road at or near the lands 
of John L. Bradle}^, three miles west of Abingdon. The commis- 
sioners thus named made their report, and the main Bristol road was 
opened in the following year. 

In December of this year the county court of this county ap- 
pointed the following citizens living in the vicinity of Goodson to 
patrol in the neighborhood of Goodson : Eoland T. Legard, captain, 
James T. Preston, Henry A. Wilds, William A. Preston, E. L. 
Brooks, Jolm P. Buchanan, Joseph Ehea, Alexander, James, and 
Jacob Carmack. 

In the following year Xunley & Fuqua and Booker & Trammel 
were licensed to conduct business in the town of G-oodson. 

Early in the year 1857 a numl^er of the citizens of Goodson and 
Bristol, recognizing the importance of a newspaper, formed a joint 
stock company and purchased a printing press in Philadelphia, and 
in the mouth of May, 1857, began the publication of the Bristol 
Netrs. The head lines of this paper presented a very suggestive 
scene. To the left of the page was placed an engine and car and to 
the right was placed a man on horseback, the train and horseman 
facing to the centre of the page. This paper was edited for a short 
while by A. K. Moore, who was succeeded by J. Austin Speery. 
Speery continued to edit this paper until the year 1862, in which 
year he became the editor of the Knoxville Register, and the News 
was discontinued until 1865. In 1858 Lafayette F. Johnson and 
Andrew Manonie were licensed to transact business in Goodson by 
the county court of Washington county. 

On the 10th of May, 1858, at about 1 o'clock A. M., in the night 
time of that day, the Magnolia Hotel was destroyed by tiro and 
Minor Bolcr and George Ligon, free men of color, wei-e arrested 
and tried, charged with having fired said building, but were ac- 
quitted. 

Soon thereafter the coi^nty court of this county appointed the 
following citizens to patrol in the town of Goodson : Eobert B. Moore, 
captain, Lucian Johnson, J. F. II. Ledbetter, Edward Johnson, 
John C. Carner, Samuel G. Booker, Hardy Pool, John Hammit, 
James Williams and Joseph Barnes. 

About this time two lawyers came to Bristol and decided to make 
it their future home, John S. Mosby* and Gideon Burkett. 



*The since celebrated Colonel John S. Mosby. 



I 

I 



Washington County, .1777-1S70. 679 

liurkotl located on llio Toiuu'ssee side oi' the town and liad his office 
in the frame hiiilding tliat !?tood upon the lot occupied hy Rosen- 
heim Bros., wliilo j\[osby settled on the Virginia side and had his 
office in a building, owned by James King, that stood upon the lot 
now occupied by the Tip-Top Eestanrant, at the corner of Cumber- 
land and Fourtli streets. 

Bristol, A'irginia, should be ])roud of the fact tliat licr first lawyer 
afterwards distinguished liiiii>eir in the defence of liis State. 

In th'e year l.s.")9 IJaine & Megginson, Jos. W. Jones, Lafayette 
F. Johnson and Eaine & .Jamison were licensed to transact busi- 
ness in the town of Goodson, and John S. Mosby qualified as a 
notary public. 

By the year 18()0 Col. Goodson had sold and transferred lots in 
the town of Goodson to the following citizens: Eeuben H. Crabtree, 
J. iST. liosang, Thos. E. Bibb. Morgan & Thomas, James H. John- 
son, J. C. Haytcr, Samuel Sells, John B. Wagoner, M. T. & James 
W. ]\Iorgan, Jane G. Wilds, Thos. Lanahan, Stephen Connelly, 
A. T. Wilson, Ella Shelor, Sarah A. Howard, ITonry Eosenheim, 
David Eust, John OBrian, Elijah Coman. John IJhea, George M. 
S|)encer, Mary A. Ilammit, David P. Jamison, Alex. Morgan, James 
.lohnston, IT. D. Shell, 1. X. McQuown, Thos. J. Morrison, Wm. 
Eencher (colored baiber), John Dulancy, Cordle Harmeling, L. F. 
Johnston, W. E. Eakin, Wm. Trammel. T. B. Dunn, S. 11. Milliard, 
James A. Apling, D. J. Ensor, and many others. 

The Eov. James King had sold to^ David F. Scranton and Joseph 
Jolinston, of Savannah, Georgia, sixty-five and a half acres of land, 
and they had conveyed ])arts thereof to W. Tj. ^lartin, James A. 
Ai)ling, W. F. Moon, JM. W. . I ones, Alexander Lazenbay, Jesse 
Aydlott, A'. KeebTer. Samuel K. Philips, Bridget Powers, Sparrel 
Askew. John II. \ewmaii, Thos. !•]. [jancaster, Jos. W. Jones, and 
several others. 

Such was Goodson, as best it can be described, at the opening of 
the war between the States. 

In the spring of the year ISGl Philip Eohr was elected Mayor, 
y. Keebler Eecord(n- and Treasurer, Campbell Gallilier, Sergeant, 
and J. N". Bosang. J. K. Pepper, John Johnston and W. H. Tram- 
mel aldermen of said town, and the officers thus elected served with 
l)ut few changes until the year 1870. 

Immediately upon the declaration of war a company was or- 



C80 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

ganized at Goodson, to which was given the name of the Goodson 
Eifles, of which company John F. Terry was elected captain. 
This company was assigned to the Thirty-seventh Virginia Regi- 
ment, commanded by Col. Samuel V. Fulkerson, and many brave 
deeds are recorded as having been performed by the members of this 
company. 

On the 23d of July, 18G1, Campbell Galliher, Sergeant of the 
town of Goodson, appeared before the county court of Washington 
county and represented to the court the need of firearms in said 
town, whereupon the county court directed the sheriff of this 
county to lend to the said Galliher, for use in the town of Goodson, 
ten guns, the property of the Commonwealth. 

In the month of February, 1862, Martin L. Comann and Rev. 
W. W. Neal purchased from Henry W. Baker the outfit of the 
Abingdon Democrat, and on the 2.7th of Marcli, 1862, the first issue 
of the Southern Advocate was published in the town of Goodson, 
the Bristol News having passed out of existence at this time. The 
headline of this ]:)aper was such as to be worth recording. Between 
the words Southern and Advocate, which were printed in large let- 
ters, were placed the seal of the State of Virginia and the seal of 
the State of Tennessee, and above the seals was printed in small 
type "Virginia & Tennessee." From this paper I ascertain that 
Jos. B. Palmer was at that time practising law in the town of 
Goodson, that L. A. Womack and W. W. Nickels were the pro- 
prietors of the Exchange Hotel, afterwards the Nickels House, and 
that the Bank of Philippi was temporarily transacting business in 
Goodson, with L. D. Morall as president and J. W. Payne as cashier. 
The Provost Marshal stationed at Bristol in the year 1862 was 
Joshua H. Pitts, but he was shortly thereafter succeeded by Wil- 
liam D, Gammon. 

In the month of April the authorities of the Presbyterian and 
Methodist churches of Bristol tendered the use of their churches to 
the authorities of the Confederate States for the care of the sick 
and wounded soldiers. 

In 1862 a young ladies' boarding school was conducted in Bristol 
by Mrs. M. M. Bailey and was continued for several years there- 
after. At the same time two schools for boys were conducted in the 
town the Bristol-Goodson Academy, of which Thos. D. Wal- 
thall was principal, and the Bristol High School, of which Prof. 



I 



, tu 

p 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 681 

11. C. Neal was principal. From the iiles of the Southern Advocate 
we ascertain that W. M. Pettyjohn was conducting a general land 
agency, L. M. Hall practising dentistry, and A. P. Johnston, J. F. 
I'arrot, M. D. Richmond & Co., Johnston & Pile and Wilhar Bros., 
merchants, were doing business in the town. 

In February, 18G3, small-pox appeared in the town, causing a 
great deal of uneasiness, and Philip Eohr, the Mayor of Goodson, 
applied to the County Court of Washington county and was al- 
lowed the sum of five hundred dollars to fight the small-pox in the 
town. 

In the spring of tliis year the Southern Advocate ceased to exist, 
and the first issue of the State Line Gazette was published on the 
Gth of March, 1863. Martin L. Comann and Wm. L. Rice owned 
and edited this paper, and afterwards W. W. Langhorne, a young 
lawyer who had settled in the town, was associate editor. This 
paper lived about five j-ears, and ceased to exist. 

By this time Goodson contained a considerable population, and 
on the 25th of May, 1863, Wm. F. Moon* petitioned the County 
Court of Washington county for tlie establishment of a voting pre- 
cinct in the town, which precinct was established at the storehouse 
(if A. ]\[. Apling, and Wm. L. Rice was appointed conductor and 
\\'iii. F. Moon, Malon S. Susong, Valentine Keebler, Elijah 
Sencker and Hugh M. Milliard commissioners to hold all elections 
in said town. In the fall of the year 1863 the Federal forces 
reached Bristol and destroyed the freight depot, the brick store- 
house occupied by L. F. Johnston, and the Masonic Lodge. And 
while the to^ii was visited several times thereafter by the Federal 
forces during the war, no other property was destroyed by fire. 

In this year A. K. Moore was killed by Captain Lucas, of Ken- 
tucky, at the Thomas House, in Bristol, Tenn. 

Upon the close of the war, and in 1865, tJie Bristol News was 

surrected by John Slack, and the first issue of this paper appeared 
in the 9th of August, 1865. 

From the files of this paper we find that Clias. R. Vance, J. R. 
Deadrick and J. P>. Pal hum-, practising attorneys, then lived in 
Bristol-Goodson. 

Previous to the incorporation of Goodson by tWe General Assem- 
bly in the year 1856, and probably as late as the year 1860, the 



'Father of John A. Moon, M. C, from the Third Tennessee District. 



682 Southivest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

postoffice was "Sapling Grove/' and was at first kept in the resi- 
dence of James King on now Solar Hill, and afterwards in a small 
frame house on the lot now occupied by the St. Lawrence Hotel. 
The postoffice was removed to the Tennessee side of the town in 
1865, by order of President Johnson. 

Early in the year 1866, the Kev. James King donated property 
situated in South Bristol, and valued at $16,000, for the purpose of 
establishing a school for young men, and to be under the manage- 
ment of the Holston Presbytery. The Presbytery which met at 
Leesburg, Tenn., shortly thereafter, accepted the proposition of Mr. 
King and appointed a board of curators, consisting of fifteen gen- 
tlemen, and this board was directed by the Presbytery to assemble 
in Bristol on the 4th of July, 1866, for the purpose of organizing 
the school and electing officers for the same. This school was or- 
ganized, and has for many years been known as King College, one 
of the best-equipped schools to be found in all this section of the 
Holston country. 

The Virginia and Kentucky railroad was undertaken, and con- 
siderable work was accomplished on said road previously to 1861, but 
thte outbreak of the war caused a cessation of all work for the time ; 
but interest in the building of this road was again manifested in the 
year 1866, and the attention of the citizens of Goodson-Bristol to 
this matter was urged by Eobert W. Hughes, president of the com- 
pany, and a mass-meeting of the citizens Avas held in the Metho- 
dist church in Goodson in this year. 

Governor Francis H. Pierpoint and the Board of Public Works 
attended this meeting, and a great deal of interest was manifested.' 
The meeting was called to order by the Eev. Philip Eohr, then 
Mayor of Goodson, Eobert W. Hughes was elected chairman 
•and Chas. E. Vance secretary, and strong resolutions, prepared by 
a committee composed of James King, John Slack and Wm. L. 
Eice, were adopted, and Jos. E. Anderson, Philip Eohr and L, F. 
Johnston were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions tO' the 
enterprise. The building of this railroad was begun, and, in addi- 
tion to the subscriptions of private individuals, the town of Good- 
son, on the 12th of May, 1877, subscribed five thousand dollars to 
the Bristol Goal and Iron JSTarjow-Guage Eailroad Company, the 
successor of the Virginia and Kentucky railroad, and to-dav tliis 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 683 

road, now called the A^irginia and Southwestern, is one of the most 
profitable enterprises that Bristol can boast of. 

In March, 18G6, tlie following lawyers were practising in the 
town of Groodson : W. W. Langhorne, J. B. Maclin, IST. M. Taylor 
and York & Fulkerson. 

In the fall of this year the Bristol News was leased by John Slack 
to David F. Bailey, and the first issue of the News published by 
J^ailey was on the 9th of August, 18G7. From an inspection of this 
I)aper we find that M. L. Blackley and W. N. Clarkson were prac- 
tising law in the town, and that the Bristol High School, under the 
management of J. D. Tadlock, and a male and female school, under 
the management of B. G. Maynard, were doing a thriving business. 

The Bristol News was edited by D. F. Bailey, and then by Bailey 
and Eaniey, and on August 7th, 1868, was sold and transferred to 
I. C. and Elbert Fowler. 

In the year 1870 John Slack began the publication of the Bristol 
Courier^ and the two papers, the News and the Courier, are still pub- 
lished in Bristol. 

At the time of the iotal eclipse of the sun in the month of Avi- 
LMist, 1869, Goodson being in the centre of the path of totality, the 
rnitcd States Coast Survey directed Colonel B. D. Cutis, of tlie 
Lnited States Xavy, to proceed to Bristol and to prepare for making 
observation during the eclipse. Colonel Cutts visited Goodson and 
erected an observatory on Lancaster Hill, now called Solar Hill. 
The observations were taken, and the latitude of Goodson ascer- 
tained to be 36° 35' 50.2", the longitude to be 5° 08' Washington 
time, 20-32 fast. Afterwards, in the year 1870, the street now 
known a.s Solar street was opened, and the observatory used by 
( 'oloncl Cutts was found to be in the centre of the proposed street, 
and from tliat circumstance, and at the suggestion of the Mayor, 
the street was called Solar street, nnd the hill has since been called 
Solar Hill. 

P>y the year 1870 Goodson had grown rapidly and the future of 
tlie town was exceedingly bright, and in this year the General As- 
sembly of Virginia amended the charter of the town and extended 
the cor]iorate limits, the provisions of said charter as to the limits 
of said town being as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the 
\ irginia and '^IVnnesscc States" line and the western lioundary line 
of tli'e town eeineterv, and inimiiiL;' \\i'>i with said Stale line twentv- 



684 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

two himdred yards; thence north nine hundred and fifty yards; 
thence east twenty-two hundred yards on a line parallel with the 
States' line ; thence south nine hundred and fifty yards to the point 
of beginning. This Act provided for a mayor, five councilmen, a 
recorder and sergeant, all to be elected by the vote of the people, and 
directed that the election should be held for that purpose on the 2d 
of July, 1870, at King Block, on Front street, and Jolin N. Bosang, 
Jolm Keys and Jesse H. Pepper were directed to superintend said 
election. 

The first election held under this Act resulted in the election of 
the following oflBcers : 

Mayor — I. C. Fowler. 

Recorder— J. T. Millard. 

Sergeant — J. L. Ligon. 

Councilmen — John H. Winston, President; S. L. Saul, Chas. T. 
Pepper, Geo. H. DeA^ault and Jos. W. Owens. 

At a meeting of the Mayor and Council on the 27th of July, 
1870, rules and regulations were adopted by the Council for the 
government of the body in their proceedings, and the foundations 
were laid for an era of prosperity and gro\Ai:h that has met the ex- 
pectations of the most ardent friends of the town. 

By the amended charter the Council of the town was authorized 
to provide a building for the safekeeping of all persons sentenced to 
imprisonment under the ordinances of the town, and, pursuant to 
this authority, the Council appointed a committee to select a place 
and to ascertain the cost of such a building. This committee 
selected a place on Washington street, now Wagoner's planing mill, 
and employed Archer & Carmack to erect the necessary buildings 
thereon. 

At a meeting of the Mayor and Council of the town on the 23d 
of January, 1871, the Council requested the General Assembly of 
Virginia to amend the charter of the town so as to increase the 
Council from five to seven members, and to authorize the Council of 
the town to open and extend the streets of the town, and to sub- 
scribe a sum of money, not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars, 
to be used in purchasing suitable grounds within the limits of the 
town for a public square, for building a town hall, and also for the 
purpose of purchasing a tract of land then within the corporate 
limits of the said town, the property of Joseph Johnston, and giving 






Washington County, 1777-1870. 685 

to the Council the authority to lay off said land, when purchased, 
into lot.«, and disprxc of tlio same to the best interest of the corpora- 
tion, and pursuant lo lliis petition the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia, on the 14tli ol' ^lanli, 1871, amended the charter of Goodson 
as petitioned for, except that it was provided that no subscription 
should be made until the expediency thereof should be submitted to 
the qualified voti'rs in tiie corporation and should receive three- 
fifths of the votes actually polled at said election; and it was fur- 
ther provided that said property, when purchased, should be sold 
by the Council, and for the })urpose of improvement only. 

The Council of Bristol ordered this election to be held, and the 
proposition to purchase the Johnston lands received more than 
three-fifths of all the votes polled, and these lands, containing about 
sixty acres, were purchased by the Mayor and Council of Goodson 
for the sum of eighteen thousand dollars. 

On the 8th of May, 1871, I. C. Fowler, John H. AVinston and 
Jos. W. Owens were appointed a committee to superintend the lay- 
ing off of said lands into streets and lots, and Thos. D. Walthall 
jyas designated to survey said land. The lands when laid off into 
)ts were ordered to be sold, and Dr. David Sullins was the auc- 
ioneer. 

After the sale of tliose lots, and in the fall of the same year, the 
)ts owned by the town and the money and notes received from the 
purchasers of lots previously sold amounted to $41,218, or $16,000 
profit on the investment. 

On the 13th of Juno, 1870, the General Assembly of Virginia 
incorporated the ]5ank of Goodson, with Z. L. Burson, W. W. 
James, I. C. Fowler, U. L. York and I. B. Dunn as directors. This 
bank was organized and transacted business in Goodson for several 
years, and was known as James' Bank. 

In August of the year 1871, while great improvements were 
being projected and the Council of Goodson was transacting the 
most extensive real estate business that the town has knoAvn in its 
history, the Council of the city were presented with a melon by the 
"ilarble Players" of the town, and the present was so much appre- 
ciated that the Council at its meeting on the 39th of August 
adopted the following resolution : 

"Resolved, That the thanks of the Council be tendered the 'Mar- 



686 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

ble Players' of this corporation for the present of a magnificent 
melon." 

In the same year a chain-gang was organized, and in the year 
1(S73 goats, swine and cows were prohibited from running at large 
in the town. 

In 187-i it was provided that wooden buildings should not be 
erected in the town except upon the petition of two-thirds of the 
land-owners in the square where the building was proposed to be 
erected, and from the year 1871 to 1880 most of the streets of the 
town were macadamized, and in many cases extended so as to meet 
the requirements of a rapidly increasing population. 

In the year 1881 it was thought necessary l^y the Co'Uncil of 
Goodson to have a public building erected for the use of the officers 
of the town, and the question w^as submitted to the vote of the peo- 
ple, and having received the necessary vote, the Council appointed 
John H. Winston, Z. L. Burson and W. W. James a coimnittee to 
report a plan and the cost of a public building. This committee re- 
ported, and a very commodious hall, built of brick, was erected 
some time thereafter on the corner of Cumberland and Lee streets, 
at a cost of about $7,000 to the corporation. 

By the year 1S90 Uie town of Goodson liad grown to be a city, 
and the inconvenience attending the transaction of the legal busi- 
ness of the town at Abingdon created a public demand for the es- 
tablishment of a corporation court for the city, and in answer to 
this demand the General Assembly of Virginia, on the 12th of Feb- 
ruary, 1890, changed the name of tlie town of Goodson to that of 
the city of Bristol, and adopted a new charter for said city. The 
officers provided for by the new charter were a mayor, treasurer, 
nine councilmen, a cleik of the corporation court, an attorney for 
the Common weall h, a sergeant, one justice of the peace for each 
ward in said city, and one constal)l('. I'ursuant to this Act of the 
Assembly, the first Corjjoration (*ourt of the city of Bristol assem- 
bled in the City Hall on the 3d of March, 1890, Judge Wm. F. 
Ehea presiding. The following officers were appointed by the court 
for said city : Clerk, J . H. Winston, Jr. ; Commonwealth's Attor- 
ney, W^. S. Hamilton; Treasurer, C. V. Minor; Sergeant, Chas. 
Worley; Commissioner of the Eevenue, J. W. Mort. 

The court thus organized has continued imtil the present time 
and is at this time ];)resided over by Judge Wm. S. Stuart. Tlie 



Washington Count;/. 1777-1870. 687 

city of Bristol has grown rapidly and to-day it is a very thrifty city, 
with beautiful streets and many large and handsome business 
houses. 

In the city of Bristol are to be found two female colleges — to- 
wit : Sullins College and the Southwest Virginia Institute — that 
cannot be excelled anywhere in the South. 

In tlie year 1903 the Norfolk and Western Railway Company 
(ore down the old depot, erected in 18G5, and on the same site 
croctod as liandsome a depot as is to be found in Southwest Virginia. 

Census of Bristol^ Virginia. 

1880 1,562 

1890 2,902 

1900 4,579 

Census of Bkistol, 'J'ennessee. 

1880 1,647 

1890 3,324 

1900 5,271 

Ol-TICER.S or BlilSTOl.-CioOD.SOX. 

Maijors. 

1871-1875—1. C. Fowler. 
1875-1886— John F. 'J'erry. 
1886-1889— A. F. Miles. 
1889-1894— W. A. Kadcr. 
1894-1898— J. II. Winstcn, Jr. 
1898-1902— Chas. F. Cauthier. 
1902 —William L. TJice. 

Scrgcanls. 

1871-1872— J. L. Ligon. 
1872-1874—1). A. Wheeler. 
1874-1875— W. IT. Trammell. 
1875-1877— R. T. Hamlet. 
1877-1881— John B. Keller. 
1881-1884— D. A. Wheeler. 
1884-1887— Chas. Worley. 



688 Southtuest Virginia, 17.1/6-1786. 

1887-1888— W. P. Hughes. 
1888-1890— Chas. Worley. 
1890-1802— W. J. Cox. 
1892-1894— Justin King. 
1894-1898— John H. Gose. 
1900 — Luther Eush, resigned. 

1902 — Jerry Bunting^ appointed. 

Recorder and Treasurer. 

1870-1876— T. J. Millard. 
1876-1878— M. T. Devault. 
1878-1884— G. G. Hickman. 
1884-1885— James Byrne. 
1885-1886— A. F. Miles. 
1886-1887— G. G. Hickman. 
1887-1888— John D. Witt. 
1888-1890— J. W. Mort, Clerk. 
1890-1894— J. H. Winston, Jr., Clerk. 
1894-1896— J. A. Stone, 
1896-1897— G. H. Eeed, 
1897-1900— H. Doriot, 
1900-1902— W. H. Price, Jr., " 

, 1902 —J. H. Gose, " 

1902 —P. C. Marsh. " 

Judges of Corporation Court. 

1890-1896— Wm. F. Ehea. 
1896-1904— Wm. S. Stuart. 

CommonwcaUh's A ttorneys. 

1890-1894— William S. Hamilton. 
1894-1896— Preston Lewis Gray. 
1896-1904— John S. Ashworth. 

Clerhs of Corporation Court. 

1890-1894— J. H. Winston, Jr. 
1894-1896— Isaac Sharett. 
1896-1898— James A. Stone. 
1898-1902— W. H. Price, Jr. 
1902 —John H. Gose. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 689 

Treasurers. 

1890 — C. C. Minor. 

1890-1896— J. L. C. Smith. 
1890-190^— J. W. Owens. 

Commissioners of the Revenue. 

1890-189G— J. W. Mort. 
1896-1900— J. W. Frizzell. 
1900-1903— S. D. Keller. 
1902-1904— Geo. W. Hammit. 

Chief of Police. 

1896-1898— G'eo. W. Wolf. 
*1898-1904— W. B. Kilgore. 

VILLAGES OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Glade Spring. 

Glade Spring is situated in tlie best section of Washington county, 
and previous to the spring of the year 1856 but five houses were to 
be found in that vicinity, viz., the residence of David Beattie, 
which occupied the location of the present residence of Mrs. W. B. 
Cobb ; the house of Beattie Allison, now occupied by Mrs. Brewer ; 
a log house occupied by David (Proctor) Edmondson, on the lot 
Avhere Dr. W. L. Dunn's residence stands; the residence of W. Mc. 
Rybum and the residence of James 0. Eybum, now occupied by 
his widow. 

The Virginia and Tennessee railroad was completed to tliis place 
in the spring of the year 1856. A depot was built, and for a 
short time was called Passawatamie, but it was changed within a 
short time to Glade Spring by the request of all the citizens of 
that community. 

The name Glade Spring was derived from Glade Spring Presby- 
terian church, located some distance south of the town. 

In the year 1856, about the time the depot was erected, 
W. B. Dickenson and J. S. Buchanan employed Francis Smith. 
of Abingdon, to erect the frame building, now painted red, stand- 
ing a short distance southwest of the depot and on the nuiin road. 



•Lirits furnished by Captain Frank T. Bair. 



690 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

and Dickenson & Buchanan occupied the same as a storehouse for 
five years tliereafter. This was the first husiness house established 
in Glade Spring. 

By the year 1861, a considerable village had grown up around 
tlie depot at Glade Spring and considerable business was trans- 
acted there. 

This is one town in Soutliwestern Virginia that escaped the 
i-avages of the Federal forces in 1864-1805, the depot being saved 
at the request of David (Proctor) p]dniondson. 

Since the close of tlie war Glade Spring has been incorporated 
by the General Assembly of Virginia and now has a full quota 
of town officials, namely: 

Mayor — J. T. Morris. 

Councilmen— W. K. Brooks, M. \. Edmondson, J. D. Kent, 
Samuel Keys and E. M. Atkins. 

Three attorneys at law, to-wit: Seklen Longley, S. D. Jones 
and A. M. Dickenson, have had their homes in the town at different 
times since 1870, and for a number of years a newspaper and a 
bank have thrived in the town. 

The citizens living in and around Glade Spring cannot be ex- 
celled for virtue, wealth, intelligence and enterprise anywhere in 
our country. 

Postmasters — Glade Spnng. 

Office established December 30, 1833. 
1833-1839— David R. Smyth. 
1839-1845 — Nickerson Snead. 
1845 — John K. Cunningham. 

1845-1847— Benjamin F. Aker. 
1847-1852— D. M. Stewart. 
1852-1853— Samuel Vance. 
1853-1856— Abram S. Orr. 
1856 — James Eobinson. 

1856-1858— Eobert H. Henderson. 
1858-1869— James S. Buchanan. 
1869-1870— Lavinia M. Eyburn. 
1870-1872— Ann S. Cook. 
1872-1873— Eoger Sullivan. 
1873-1874— Hiram V. Thompson. 
1874-1885— John C. O'Rear. 



Wash I tu/ foil CoNiih/. 1777-JS70. G91 

1885-1 88i> — Kobert S. Cunningham. 
I88i>-1 89-1— John Faris. 
1894-1898— Joseph I). Williams. 
1898-1900— John H. Hendricks. 

Mk-\1)()\\ \'ii;\v. 

'IMiis is a tlirivini: village about seven miles east of Abingdon, 
on the Xoii'olk and Westeni railway, and is experiencing a rapid 
growth at the i)resent time, having several large and thriving 
stores, several l)eautit'ul ehurehes and a numl>er of very thrifty 
people for citizens. 

The name of this village was suggested by the location (for- 
merly "I'ldinniidsoirs M'eadows*'). 

Wyndale. 

For many years this village was known as ]\Iontgomery's Switch, 
the depot having l)een located on the lands of S. W. ^Montgomery, 
but several years ago the name of the railroad station, but not 
the postoflice, was changed to W\ndale by the authorities of the 
Xorfolk and Western railway. 

This \ illage has experienced some gi'owlli within recent years. . 

Wallace's Switch. 

When the railroad reached this point in the year 1856, Major 
(ioforth was the owner of the mill at that point, and at his in- 
stanci' the citizens of the community petitioned the railroad for 
a station, and the station was established and called Goforth's, 
but the name was shortly changed to Wallace's Switch in honor 
of the \lr\. W. r. Wallace, a Presbyterian minister who lived in 
that community. The growth and prosperity of this town has 
i)een greatly retarded in recent years by the rapid growth and de- 
velopment of Bristol, which is in close proximity thereto. 

This town has several good business houses and churches and 
an <>xcellent flouring mill, owned by Dr. W. "M. Phillijis. 

M lADOTA. 

Mendota is situated on tlir XoiMli l''i)i-k of llolston river op- 
posite the noted Kindci-linojc fai'Mi and immediately on the Vir- 
ginia and Soutiiwcstern railroad. 

The excellent river-liottom lands opposite ]\[endota were pat- 
ented i)V the Commonwealth to Thomas Kendrick. AN'illiain Todd 



093 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Livingston and others, and the home of Peter Livingston was but 
a short distance below Mendota at the time the noted half-breed 
Benge made his raid thereon in the year 1794. 

The river-bottom land opposite Mendota, some time previous to 
1860, became the property of Adam Hickmen, a native of Kinder- 
hook, IST. Y. Upon his acquisition of this property, he gave 
it the name of Kinderhook, and from this farm Kinderhook 
magisterial district derived its name. 

The postoffice at this point was for many years Kinderhook, 
but some years ago the name was changed to Mendota by Henry 
C. Holly, who for many years merchandised at that place. 

A number of thriving business houses and pretty residences 
are to be found at this place, and several physicians and one law- 
yer reside in the town. 

Hamilton Institute was established at Mendota in the year 
1874, and has continued from that time to be the resort of the 
ambitious youth, both male and female, of that section of this 
county. At present its prosperity is fairly good. 

Several efforts have been made in recent years to organize a 
new county ont of parts of the counties of Scott, Washington and 
Eussell, and Mendota has been the only place suggested as the 
county seat of the proposed new county. 

Damascus. 

When the Abingdon Coal and Iron Railroad Company was first 
suggested, and for some years thereafter, the location of this town 
and the postoffice at this place were known as IVIock's Mills and 
remained so until about the year 1893; when the postoffice was 
changed to Damascus at the instance of General J. D. Imboden, 
who at that time was very much interested in the welfare of the 
community. 

It has been suggested that the name of Damascus was given to 
this locality because of a fancied resemblance to Damascus in Pales- 
tine, near the scene of the conversion of St. Paul. 

The location of this town was laid off into streets by the year 
1893, and the plans of a magnificent hotel and numerous business 
enterprises were projected; but the crisis came soon thereafter, 
and all growth and progress ceased until about the year 1897. 

In the meantime business had revived, and the property of the 
Abingdon Coal and Iron Railroad Company became the property 



I 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 693 



of the Virginia and Carolina Eailway Company, of which W. E. 
Mingea, of Roanoke, was president, and the railroad had been 
completed to Damascus. 

The first train carrying passengers reached Damascus on the 
7th day of February, 1900, and at that time the building of the 
Beaver Dam railroad from Damascus to Crandull, Tennessee, was 
being rapidly pushed to completion, and every preparation was 
being made for a rapid development of the magnificient water- 
power, mineral deposits and immense forests of splendid timber 
found in the immediate vicinity of Damascus. 

Since that time the Beaver Dam railroad has been completed, 
and the Virginia and Carolina Eailway Company has been ex- 
tended some distance up Laurel Fork of Holston river in the di- 
rection of North Carolina. A large tannery, extract plant, an 
extensive sash, door and blind factory and numerous saw mills 
carried on by hundreds of hands are at work in and around Da- 
mascus at tlie present time. The town, itself has experienced a 
very rapid growth, and to-day boasts of several churches, a splen- 
did public school building, a number of prosperous mercantile 
establishments, one physician, Dr. Fortune, one real estate agent, 
R. F. Fortune, a bank and many thrifty citizens. 

Greendale. 

Greendale is situated six miles northwest of Abingdon on the 
Russell turnpike, in the Rich Valley. The name of this town 
was suggested by the location, and the town boasts of an excellent 
high school, several stores, two mills, several churches and many 
good citizens. 

Boundaries of Washington County. 

The boimdaries of Washington county, with the exception of 
the southern boundary, between this county and the State of Ten- 
nessee, formerly the State of North Carolina, have been fully 
given at other places in this history, and as to them there has been 
no serious controversy. 

The southern boimdary of Virginia, extending from Steep Rock 
creek, now the Laurel Fork of Holston river, to Cumberland Gap, 
has been the subject of controversy since the coming of the first 
settlers to this portion of Virginia, and, therefore, it is deemed 
proper that a history of this controversy should be preserved. 



694 Soiithirest Vin/im'n. 1740-]7S6. 

The first charter of Virginia was granted l)y King James in 
the _year 1606 to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, Richard 
Hackluit, Edward Maria Wingfiekl, Thomas Hanliam, Robert Gil- 
bert, William Parker and George Popham, and embraced all the 
hinds lying and being all along the sea coast between 34° of north 
latitude from the eqninoctial line, and 45° degrees of the same 
latitude, and in the main land betAveen the same 34 and 45 degrees 
of latitude and the islands tliereunto adjacent or within one hun- 
(h-ed miles of the coast thereof. 

The second charter of Virginia was granted by King James in 
the year 1609 to the treasurer and company of adventurers and 
planters of the city of London for the first Colony of Virginia. 

The territory thus granted was described as follows : "All those 
lands, countries and territories situate, lying and being in that 
part of America called Virginia, from the point of land called 
Cape or Point Comfort all along the sea coast to the northward 
two hundred miles, and from the said point of Capo of Comfort 
all along the sea coast to the southward two hundred miles, and 
all that space and circuit of land lying from the sea coast of the 
])recinet aforesaid up into the lands throughout from sea to sea 
west and north west, and also all the islands lying M'ithin one hun- 
dred miles along the coast of both seas of the precinct aforesaid. 

"In the year 1663, Charles II., King of England, granted a 
charter to Edward, Earl Clarendon, George, Duke of Albemarle, 
William, Lord Craven, John, Lord Berkley, Anthony, LoTd Ash- 
ley, Sir George Carteret, Sir William Berkley and Sir John Col- 
leton, of all that territory or tract of ground situated, lying and 
being within our dominions of America, extending from the north 
end of Lucke Island, which lyetli in the southern Virginia seas 
and within six and thirty degi-ees of the northern latitude, and 
to the west as far as the South seas, and so southerly as far as tlie 
river St. Mathias, which bordereth upon the coast of Florida and 
Avithin one and thirty degrees of northern latitude, and so west in 
a direct line as far as the South seas aforesaid." 

A second charter was granted by King Charles 11. in the year 
1665 to the same persons, and by this charter the northern boun- 
dary of Caroline was fixed at 36° and 30 minutes north latitude 
and so west in a direct line to the South seas. 

Considerable difficulty was experienced by the two colonies in 






Wnsliiiif/fon Count >/, 1777-1870. (i9.5 



agreeing upon the true location of this line previously to the year 
17T(). Init, notwithstanding these difficulties, the line was extended 
as far west as Steep Itock creek, now Beaver Dam creek, 
in this county, hy Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson, coniiiiissioners 
upiin the part of Virginia, and Daniel ^^'^'l(lon and William C*lmr- 
ton, coiiimissioners on the part of Xorth Carolina. 

it will he observed that the lands included in the Carolina 
rliarti'f had been pi'c\i()usly granted hy King James to the treas- 
urci- and company of adventurers and planters of the city of Lon- 
don for the first Colony in \'irgiiiia, and a similar condition ex- 
isted as to the colonies of Maiyland and I'ennsylvania. 

When the (U'legates and repre>entatives fi'oni the several coun- 
ties in \'irgiiiia met in Willinmshuig and adopted a Constitution 
for the Commonwealtli mi the ."ith day of May, ITTti, section 21 
of tliat Constitution contained the following provision: 

"The territories contained within the Charters, erecting the 
Colonies of ^faryland. Pennsyha.nia. Xorth and South (*arolina, 
are hereby ceded, released and I'oi'evei' eonfiruied to the people of 
these colonies rt^jwctively, with all the rights of property, juris- 
diction and government, an<l all other rights whatsoever, which 
: nught, at time heretofore, have Itwii claimed by Virginia, except 
the free na\igation and use of the rivers Patomoque and Poke- 
niokt", with th'e property of the Virginia shores and strands, bor- 
dering on either of the said rivers, and all improvements which 
have i)een or shall he made thereon. The Western and Xortliern 
I extent of \'ii'ginia shall in all I'espect^ stand as fixed hy the Char- 
ter of King James 1.. in the yeai' one thousand six huntlred and 
nine, and hy tlie ]nd)lic treaty of peace between the courts of 
[ Britain and l''rauce, in the year one thousand seven hnndi'ed and 
I sixty-three; unless, hy Act of this Legislature; one or more gov- 
■ ornments l)e estahlished westward of the Alleghany mountains. 
And n<) |iurehascs of lands shall he made of the Indian natives, 
but on behalf of the Public by authority of the General Assembly." 
Thus Virginia disposed of all her rights in and to the large ter- 
ritory included within the State of Xorth Carolina. 

Bv this time the lands west of the mountains and extending: 
far into the present State of Tennessee were being rapidly settled, 
and disi)utes were frequent and oftentimes resulted in violence. 
The first controversv as to the true location of this line in this 



696 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

section of Virginia arose out of the election held for members of 
the House of Delegates from Washington count}^, in the spring 
of the year 177,7. 

Tlie right of Anthony Bledsoe and William Cocke, the delegates 
receiving the majority of votes in that election, was contested by 
Arthur Campbell and William Edmiston, the principal ground of 
their contest being that Bledsoe and Cocke were elected by citizens 
living in North Carolina. 

The contention of Campbell and Edmiston was not sustained, 
and the citizens living as far down as the Long Island of Holston 
were accepted as legal voters in said election. 

In the following year Arthur Campbell and Anthony Bledsoe 
were elected to represent this county in the House of Delegates 
of Virginia and, upon the assembling of the General Assembly, 
Anthony Bledsoe presented a bill for extending the boundary line 
between Virginia and North Carolina, which bill became a law at 
the same session of the General Assembl3^ 

The bill as thus passed was as follows : 

Whereas, the inhabitants of this commonwealth and those of 
the State of Nortli Carolina have settled themselves farther west- 
ward than the boundary between the said two states hath hitherto.^ 
been extended, and it becomes expedient in order to prevent dis 
putes among such settlers, that the same should be now farther 
extended and marked. Be it therefore enacted by the General As 
sembly, that two commissioners shall be appointed by joint ballot 
of both houses of assembly, who shall have authority to meet with 
others to be appointed on the part of said State of North Caro 
lina, and proceed to extend and mark the line between this Com^ 
monwealth and the State c>f North Carolina, beginning where 
Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson, commissioners from Virginia 
together with others from North Carolina, formerly appointed to 
run the said line, ended their work, and, if that be found to be 
truly in the latitude of thirty-six degrees thirty minutes north, 
then to run from thence due west to Tenasee river, or, if it be 
found not truly in the said latitude, then to run from the said 
place due north or south into said latitude, and thence due west to 
the said Tenasee river, correcting the said course at due intervals 
bv asti'onomical observations. If either of the commissioners so f 
to be appointed shall decline or be unable to go through the duties - 



!f 






i 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 697 

of his appointment, the governor and council shall appoint some 
other to act in his stead; The said commissioners shall nominate 
such skillful surveyor to execute their directions and such other 
attendants as shall be necessary, and shall endeavor to procure the 
most accurate instruments, which, if injured in said service, shall 
be made good at the public expense, or wholly paid for, at the 
election of the proprietor, if borrowed from an individual, or of 
any such other person or persons, as shall have authority to make 
sucli election, if borrowed from any seminary of learning. Each 
commissioner shall be allowed for his trouble herein fifty shillings 
per day for every day he shall attend. Each surveyor with the 
chain carriers and other attendants, shall be allowed such sums as 
the commissioners shall certify they respectively ought to receive 
and be paid by the treasurer of this commonwealth out of any 
publick money in his hands, together with the allowance to the 
commissioners as aforesaid; and the said commissioners are hereby 
directed to make a report of their proceedings to the general as- 
sembly. 

And whereas, from the hostile disposition of the Indian na- 
tions, it may be unsafe for the commissioners and attendants to 
proceed on the business hereby directed, without a sufficient guard 
to protect them. Be it further enacted, That the governor, with 
the advice of the council, shall, on application of the commission- 
ers so appointed direct and order a sufficient number of officers 
i and men to bo raised for that purpose, by voluntary enlistment, or 
: if that cannot be done, then to be furnished from the militia of 
' such counties as shall bo convenient, to attend the said commis- 
[ sionere as a guard, and, for their safe conduct in the prosecution 
' of the business by this act directed shall order them a sufficient 
numl)or of tents and camp utensils, and shall appoint a commis- 
■ sary to furnish necessary provisions during the time they shall 
be employed for the purpose aforesaid ; which commissary shall, 
previously to his entering on the execution of his office, give bond 
i'with sufficient security for the faithful performance of his duty, 
and sliall receive for his services such allowance as is given to 
„ other commissaries of this commonwealth. 

I In the year 1779, the Legislature of North Carolina concurred 
in the action of the Legislature of Virginia and passed the fol- 
lowing Act: 

■'Wliereas. the inlialiitant? of this State and those of the com- 



698 SoutJtwest Virgijiia, 17J^6-1780. 

nion\vea.lth of A'irginia, have settled themselves farther west- 
warclly than the boundary between the said twO' States hath 
hitherto been extended; and it becomes expedient in order to pre- 
vent disputes among such settlers, that the same shall be further 
extended and marked. 2 Be it therefore enacted, &c., that Oroon- 
dates Davis, John Williams (Caswell), James Kerr, William 
Bailey Smith and Eichard Henderson, or any three of them, be 
and they are hereby apjwinted commissioners with full power and 
authority to meet with, other commissioners from the common- 
wealth of Virginia, and to proceed to extend and mark the line 
between that commonwealth and this State, beginning where 
Joshua Frye and Peter Jefferson, commissioners on the part of 
A'irginia, together with Uaniel Weldon and William Churton, from 
Xorth Carolina, formerly appointed to run the said line, ended 
their work; and if that be found to be truly in the latitude of 
thirt3''-six degrees thirty minutes north then to run from theaice 
due west to, Tennessee or the Ohio river; or if it be found not truly 
in said latitude; then to run from the said place due north or due 
south, in the said latitude, and thence due west to the said Ten- 
nessee or Ohio river; correcting the said course at due iiiter\'als 
by astronomical observations. If either of the commissioners by 
this act appointed shall decline, or be unable to go through the 
duties of his appointment, the Governor and Council shall appoint 
some other to act in his stead. 

And the said commissioners are hereby directed to make report 
of their proceedings to the General Assembly'"* 

The Governor of A^irginia, pursuant to the authority vested in 
him, directed Thomas Sharp and a company of militia to act as 
guard to the commissioners while running the boundary line as 
directed, and designated Anthony Bledsoe to act as commissary 
to the commissioners and the guard while running said line. 

The Governor of A-^irginia, pursuant to the authority vested in 
him, appointed Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Smith commis- 
sioners upon the part of Virginia, and the A'irginia commissioners, 
in the summer of 1779, met the North Carolina commissioners 
at Steep Eock creek, and proceeded to discharge the duties di- 
rected by the General Assemblies of the two States. 

As to Mdiat occurred at this time and upon this undertaking, the 

*lievised Statutes of N. C, Vol. II., paf-e 82. 



Washi?igton County, 1177-1810. 699 

report of Dr. Walker and Daniel Smith is the best evidence, and 
is here given : 

To the Honorable, the Speal-er and Gentlemen of the House of 

Delegates: 

"In obedience to an act of the assembly entitled "An act for 
extending the boundary line between Virginia and North Caro- 
lina." 

We, the subscribers, proceeded to run the said Line. 

'I'hc gentlemen from North Carolina did not meet us so soon as 
had b'een agi'eed ; and after they came many accidents happened 
which ])rotracted. the business. The place where Messrs. Fry and 
Jefferson ended their line, on Steep Eock creek, could not be 
found, owing, we suppose, to so' much of the timber thereabout 
l)eing since dead ! We proceeded to observation in order to fix 
njion the spot on Steep Eock creek, where we should begin. On 
^londay, Gth September, 1779, having agreed with the Carolina 
gentlemen in 01)servati()n. ilie following Memorandums were en- 
tered on tlieir Journal as \v(>ll as ours, as proper preliminaries 
agreed upon, iicccssni'v foi- (i.xing this line, Viz. "That the Sun's 
M<'riilian Altitude was this day fifty-nine degrees fifty-two 
minutes — that this place of observation was one minute and 
twenty-five seconds north of the projier latitude, or one mile, two 
hundred and one poles and a half — That at Steep Eock we were 
in superficial measure '.Vl\) miles West of Currituck Inlet: That 
there should l)e an al)atement of twelve miles for mountainous 
and uneven ground, or that we were 317 miles or five degrees and 
forty-two minutes west of Currituck Inlet; That a degree of longi- 
tude in this latitude is 4S.2.'> g(^ogra]ihic miles, or of statute miles 
.").■) and \^)>^'^ yards. That Cui'rituek Inlet was in 75 degrees 30 
minutes west Longitude, this being the average of three differ- 
ent accounts, and of course that the Ivongitude Ave were then in 
was SI degrees 1? minutes west of London. We measured off the 
one mile and 201i/> poles a due south course, and the beginning 
of the line was thus fixed to the satisfaction of all. We should 
not have troubled you witli th'ese particulars, but for some subse- 
quent events which make us think it our duty. After running 
the line as far as Carter's valley 4.") miles west of Steep Eock 
creek, the Carolina gentlemen then conceived the line was farther 
South than it ou^ht to he, and on trial if was found that the va- 



700 Southioest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

riation of the needle had altered a little, which must have hap- 
pened very lately, and was owing, we believe, to our being just 
then near some Iron Ore: because on observing the Sun's Meri- 
dian Altitude the line was not too far South. As the Carolina 
gentlemen, by their Observations, made out otherways, they pro- 
posed that the surveyors on each side should observe and fix the 
latitude. This was agreed to by one of us, influenced by a knowl- 
edge of a small change of the variation, and was not dissented to 
by the other, as most of the observations on the part of Virginia 
had been made by him. But, quite contrary to our expectations, 
they agreed that we were more than two miles too far South of 
the proper latitude, which distance was measured off directly north 
and the line run eastward from that place superintended by two 
of the Carolina gentlemen, and one of us; while from the same 
place it was continued westwardly, superintended by the others 
for the sake of expediting the business. The instruments proper 
for ascertaining the latitude, were mostly taken back on the east- 
ern part of the line, in order that those who superintended it 
might be farther satisfied ; but after going back more than twenty 
miles, and observing every day on this line, his judgment was un- 
alterably fixed that this line was wrong, although the Carolina 
gentlemen could not seem to be of this opinion, and he returned 
and overtook his colleague on the Western part of the line on 
Blackwater creek or thereabouts, to whom he imparted his senti- 
ments, proposing that he should also observe for some days — 
which he did — The result was that we concluded our first line right, 
and we brought it up accordingly from Carter's valley where it 
had been left and continued on with it to the westward. 

It was once after this proposed by us, and agreed to by the 
Carolina Gentlemen, that as we difPered so much in Observation 
we would each run his own line, encamp as near together as we 
could and let future observers hereafter to be appointed, de- 
termine which was right, which might be done at a small expense. 
But this they afterwards declined, although they carried their line 
as far as Cumberland mountain, protesting against our line. 
This protest was received in a letter after we had crossed Cumber- 
land-mountain. We continued however as far as Clear fork, being 
123% miles from Steep Eock creek, marking a Poplar and two 
Hackberry trees with initials of our names and with November 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 701 

23, 1779, and had serioiis thoughts of going no further. But when 
we considered that, perhaps, three-fourths of the whole expense 
was already incurred, that a number of People were settling to 
the Westward, who imagined they were in North Carolina, while 
we thought they were on the lands reserved for our officers and 

soldiers : These and some more of the like considerations, 

made us think it more conducive to the good of tlie State in gen- 
eral that we should keep on, than that we should return. But as 
the season was far advanced and the Country before us, as far as 
it was known, was very mountainous and barren, not yielding a 
sufficient quantity of Cane for our pack horses, which for some 
time had been their principal support: these, among other reasons, 
made us judge it best to leave olf running the line here, and go 
farther to the westward, into a better Country, where, by reason 
of many people being about to settle, it might be of importance 
to run the line speedily. The map will show our route to a place 
on Cumberland Eiver, where we built canoes to carry our luggage 
and rest ihe pack horses, whicli were too much reduced to do ser- 
vice that way. And here, to add to the number of our difficulties 
and misfortunes, we were frozen up more than forty days in a river 
never known to be frozen before. We went by water from this 
place until we got into the proper latitude (as we judge one hun- 
dred and nine miles west of Clear Fork) and began the line on 
two Beech trees marked with our names and Feb'y 25, 1780, on the 
West bank of Cumberland Eiver, a creek coming in about a mile 
above us on the West side, and another one somewhat smaller 
about half a mile below us on the East side. From this place we 
extended the line across the heads of Green River and Eed river, 
through a country called the Barrens, from there being little or 
no timber in it, in many places, crossed the Cumberland again at 
131 miles, where there is a cliff on the N"ortlieast side, and a bot- 
tom about three quarters of a mile broad on the other side, and at 
t]ie end of one hundred and forty miles, one quarter and eight 
poles from the two Beech trees, on the 23rd day of March found 
ourselves on the Bank of the Tennessee River, and of course had 
run the line as far westward as we were authorized to do, not- 
withstanding the hardships and difficulties we had to contend 
with — One of us kept through the woods with the surveyor while 
the other went down by water, l\v whicli means a tolerable map of 



702 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 

the Cumberland Eiver is taken, a fine river, being navigable at 
least 700 miles from the mouth upwards. When we had returned 
homewards about IGO miles we met with orders from his Excel- 
lency the Governor to do another piece of service, which we sup- 
pose he has made you acqviainted with. 

"We have also since seen Col. Henderson, one of the North 
Carolina commissioners who' with another " of his Colleagues has 
been examining our line, and he has repeatedly given us more 
reason to believe their state will establish the line as we ran it. 

"TiiOMAS Walker. 

"Daniel Smith.'' 

This report of the Virginia commissioners accompanied the 
Governor's communication toi the Virginia House of Delegates in 
the year 1780, and was received by the Legislature and ratified, 
and, at the same time, Anthony Bledsoe, who had acted as com- 
missary to the commissioners, and Thomas Sharp and his com- 
pany of militia, who had acted as guard to the commissioners, 
were allowed compensation for their expenses, etc. 

If Eichard Henderson and his associates made a report to the 
General Assembly of Xorth Carolina, I have not been able to ob- 
tain it. The disorder that prevailed upon the failure of the com- 
missioners to agree was alarming. The criminals of the country 
found a place of security between the lines as run l)y Walker and 
Henderson, and the people living between said lines refused to 
pay taxes or perform military services in either State. 

The Virginia Legislature, on the Gth of June, 1781, a(lo])tcd 
the following resolutions : 

"Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that another 
and more pointed rej^resentation may be made to the General As- 
sembly of North Carolina, in support of the title of the citizens 
of Virginia as well as the title of others, circumstanced as they 
are, to lands which, previous to the late extension of the boundary 
line between this State and that: of North Carolina were supposed 
to be in this (A)mmonwealth, but since have been proved to lie in 
the said State of North Carolina. 

"Resolved, that it is the opinion of tliis committee, that such other 
parts of the said memorial as pray that a public agent may be ap- 
pointed to present the same to the General Assembly of said State 
of North Carolina, and receive their final answer thereupon, are 



Wiishiniihin Couiilij. 1777-IS7(K ^03 

roaH)iial)l(' and lliat the Governor, with the advice of the Council, be 
authorized and required to appoint such an agent." 

And on the 15th of December, 1783, when the situation was pre- 
carious indeed, the General Assembly of Virginia adopted the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

^'h'esalrcil. Thai the (iovernor, with the advice of his Council, 
l)e authoi'izod and rct[uired to ])ro])ose to the State of Xorth Caro- 
lina, either to confirm the boundary line extended by the Virginia 
coiniuissjoncrs between the States of \'irgiiiia and Xorth Caro- 
lina, or to choose al)h' c(unmissioncrs from some other of the 
I'nited States, who shall begin where Joshua Fry and Peter Jef- 
fei'son, commissioners from N'irginia, together with others from 
Xorth Carolina, formerly ap])ointe(l to^ run the same line, ended 
their work: And if the termination of the old line be found truly 
in the latitude of thirty-six degrees 30' north, to extend the same 
to the river ]\Iississip])i, and should the termination of the old 
line not be truly in the latitude aforesaid, then to run from thence 
(hu' nortli or south to the sauu\ and from thence due west to the 
river Mississijipi ; and that all necessary expenses incurred in car- 
rying this re>()luti(in into t'xeeution be paid out of any money in 
the hands of the treasurer, not otiu'rwise appropriated."* 

Hut the General Asseml)ly of Xorth Carolina, for some reason, 
delayed action as to th(> confirmation of the Walker line until the 
year ITS!). in the meantime the authorities of Washington 
county were exercising all their energies in keeping the peace and 
preserving order in the disputed tei-ritory. 

Colonel Arthur ('am|)l)ell. the county lieutenant of Washing- 
ton county, in answer to an in(|uiry, addressed the following letter 
to the Governor of Virginia in the year 1TS7: 

*'Sir, — If I recollect right, about the year 1749, the boundary 
line betwixt N'irginia and \. Caroliiui was extended by Col. Fry 
and .lelTerson as far west as a place called Steep Eock creek, since 
known by the name of fjaurel Fork of the Tlolston River. This 
line being extended on the true latitude by commissioners on both 
sides, and mutually agreci] to was returned and recorded in Public 
Ollices in both States. 

"Tn 1179. the CommissioiuTs. Tb.omas Walker and Daniel 
Smith, on tlu^ ]iart of N'irginia. and K'ichard Henderson and 



*JiiiiriKil lloux- of Dclofiiilt's, 1781. 



704 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

James Smith on the part of North Carolina, met at the place 
where Fry and Jeiferson left off, and, after spending many days in 
making observations, agreed to continue Fry and Jefferson's line 
as the true, or at least nearest the tiaie latitude. Both parties pro- 
ceeded amicably about 40 miles, until they crossed the north fork 
of Holston, near the Great Island. By this time the Pilots and 
Hunters gave it as their opinion that both Cumberland Gap and 
the settlement on Cumberland Eiver, at the French Lick, would 
both fall into Virginia. A halt was made and several days passed 
in making observations, debating, and even abusing one another. 
Henderson said the line must be run crooked, and insisted on de- 
lay until a parallel at two miles distant, north of the line then 
run, should be extended eastward back, which would prove whether 
the surveyors had lost the latitude and run the line crooked. To 
this Dr. Walker assented, that if the line was found crooked he 
would rectify it. The surveyi>rs ran back accordingly, accom- 
panied by two commissioners, and the line was found equi-distant 
in all parts that was tryed. It was then acknowledged that the 
error did not proceed from the surveyors. Notwithstanding which, 
Henderson proceeded westwardly on the north line and Walker on 
that of the South, it being a due west direction from Steep Eock. 
The Commissioners, when they reached Cumberland mountain 
again, had a meeting and spent many days in taking observations. 
At length Walker proceeded on over the mountain with his line, 
without being accompanied by Henderson, spent the winter in 
the woods and, the next spring, continued the line to the Missis- 
sippi. The Carolina Commissioners left off at Cumberland Moun- 
tain, and when they found that the boundary run by Dr. Walker 
left the French Lick upwards of twenty miles to the South, they 
seemed well satisfied, and it was generally thought that Dr. Wal- 
ker's report would be agreed to and signed by both parties. But, 
from what motive I know not, yet Henderson returned his works 
as run only to the Cumberland Mountain to the Executive of North 
Carolina. And I have been told that the papers have since lain 
dormant, no opinion having been given one way or the other. 

"The People settled between those lines have ever since adhered 
to either State, as Interest, caprice and sometimes very unworthy 
motives dictated. Although the public authority seems, in the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 705 

first instance, to be blamable, 3'et the evil amongst the people is 
increasing, and prudence points out delay as improper." 

In the meantime Daniel Smith had appeared before the General 
Assembly of North Carolina and represented to that body the 
true situation of affairs in the disputed territory, and, as a result, 
the committee to whom the communication from the Virginia 
authorities had been referred, reported to the General Assembly 
of North Carolina at their session in the fall of the year 1789, 
w Inch report is as follows : 

REPOET 

Of the Coiuniittee of the Legislature of iSTorth Carolina, on Wal- 
ker's Line, at their session at Fayetteville, which began on 
the 3nd. of November and ended on the 23nd. of De- 
cember, 1789. 

j\[r. Person, fi'om tlie committee to whom was referred the let- 
ter from his Excellency, the Governor of Virginia, on the subject 
of establishing the boundaries between this State and Virginia, 
reported that it is proposed on the part of Virginia that the line 
commonly called ^^'alkcr's line be established as the boundary be- 
tween us. Should this proposal not l)e acceptable to tliis State, 
they then will appoint commissioners to meet any persons who 
may be appointed on tlie part of North Carolina, empowered to 
confer on the propriety of establishing Walker's or Henderson's 
line, and to report to the Legislature of their respective State 
their proceedings. 

On examining the manner in which those lines were run by the 
commissioners in the year 1780, they find that the commissioners 
began and extended the line together about forty miles, when some 
difference took place and the commissioners on the part of this 
State ran a parallel line two miles north of the other line, for 
about half the distance, and extended the line no farther. Mr. 
Walker and tlie other commissioners from Virginia extended the 
line to the Tennessee river and marked its termination on the 
Mississippi by observations, leaving the line from the Tennessee 
to that place unsurveyed. 

As the difl'crence between said lines would be only two miles, 
running most of the distance through a mouiitaiuous, barren coun- 
try, and as they have gi-eat reason to believe, from the information 



706 Southwest Virgmia, 17J,G-1786. 

of General Smith, that the commonly called Walker's line is the 
true line, your committee are of the opinion that the object is not , 
worth the expense of sending commissioners to confer on the 
propriety of establishing Henderson's line in preference to that of 
any ■other and do recommend that a law be passed confirming and 
establishing the line usually called Walker's line as the l)oundary 
between this State and the State of Virginia, with a reservation 
in favor of the oldest grants from either State in deciding the 
rights of individual claimants in the tract of country between the 
two lines coinmonly called Henderson's and Walker's line&. 

This report was not definitely acted upon until the 11th of De- 
cember, 1790, upon which day an Act was passed establishing Wal- 
ker's line as the boundary line between the States, which action of 
the General Assembly of Xorth Carolina was immediately com- 
municated to the Governor of Virginia at the fall session, 1791, 
of the General Asseml^ly of A^irginia, and on the ,7th day of De- 
cember the following action was taken by the General Assembly 
of Virginia : 

§ 1. Wliereas, official information hath been received by the 
General Assembly that the Legislature of the State of JSTorth 
Carolina have resolved to establish the line as the boundary line 
between North Carolina and this Commonwealth, and it is judged 
expedient to confirm and establish the said line on the part of 
this State, be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, that 
the line commonly called and known by the name of ^Valker's 
line shall be, and the same is hereby declared, to be the boundary 
line of this State. 

§ 2. And be it further enacted. That in all courts of law and 
equity within this Commonwealth, the claims for lands lying be- 
tween the line commonly called Walker's line and the line com- 
monly called Henderson's line shall be decided in favor of the 
oldest title, whether derived from this Commonwealth or from 
the State of North Carolina. 

In the meantime the State of North Carolina, through her sena- 
tors in the Congress of the United States, had conveyed and ceded 
to the United States of America all of her western possessions, in- 
cluding the territory affected by the disputed line and which ces- 
sion was accepted by the Congress of the United States on the 7th j 
day of April, 1790. 



Wd.shiiKjion Coiinhj, 17:7-1S70. 70? 

As a result, tlie authorities of the southwest territory, now in- 
cluded in the State of Tennessee, denied the right of North Caro- 
lina to act in the premises, and held the action taken to be invalid, 
and asserted their rifjht to the territory lying between the Walker 
and Henderson lines. 

In llio sj)i'ing of the year 17*)"^, the Governor -of Virginia, by 
])i-o(l;mi;ition. asserted the authority of this Commonwealth to the 
lands in dispute, and directed Colonel Arthur Camp]>ell, the 
county lieutenant of this county, to transmit a copy of tlie law 
and proclamation to William Blount, the Governor of the south- 
west territory, and to Gilbert Christian, the county lieutenant of 
Sullivan eounty. 

Pursuant to the direction of the Governor, Colonel Campbell, 
on the 7th of June, 1792, addressed the following letter to Gov- 
ernor l^dount : 

"Sir, — I enclose you a copy of a law, with a proclamation of the 
Governor of Virginia, by the same conveyance. I am instructed 
to exercise the authority of the State to the boundary, iisually 
called Walker's line. In this business, it is the wish of the Execu- 
tive that tlie sul)ordinate officers conduct themselves in an amica- 
ble manner to the inha])itants over which North Carolina for- 
merly exercised Jurisdiction, and M'itli due respect to the authority 
of the Government south of the River Ohio; these orders are per- 
fi^ctly consonant to my own feelings and sentiments. Therefore, 
Sir, if you have any objections to make to the change taking place, 
or anything to ask in favor of the people, it will be respectfully 
attended to by me and immediately reported to the Governor of 
Virginia. 

"I am Sir, Your most Ob't Serv't, 

"A. Campbell." 

At the same time Colonel Cain])b(>l] addressed a letter to Gil- 
bert Christian asking information as to the orders given by Gov- 
ernor Blount as to the disputed territory, and in TO]^]y received 
the following letter from Gilbert Christian: 

"Dear Sir, — Some days past T received a letter from you, i-e- 
questing me to inform you whether Governor Blount had given 
special orders to me to draft between Walker's and Henderson's 
lines. Sir, my orders are to draft the men required from the County 
of Sullivan, which T conceived extends from Henderson's line 



708 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

from everything I have Imown or seen, respecting that matter for 
when the Assembly of North Carolina passed the cession Act, that 
part was claimed by North Carolina, but after they passed the s'd 
cession Act, and at the same Assembly they passed a resolve, giv- 
ing up that part to Virginia with a condition Congi-ess would con- 
sent to it, which has never been done as I know of. I have seen, a 
proclamation from the Governor of Virginia, informing the peo- 
ple in those bounds that the Assembly of North Carolina made such 
a Eesolve, and at the next year's Assembly they appointed a com- 
mittee to coniirm the s'd Ee&olve, which they did. But Congress 
had received the cession Act, before that several months, and 
appointed and commissioned Governor Blount tO' exercise his au- 
thority over the ceded territory. I cannot see what right North 
Carolina had to say anything about our territory, without our con- 
sent or the consent of Congress, for the Constitution says the peo- 
ple are not to be bound by law, but by their own consent, either by 
themselves or by their Eepresentatives in General Assembly. So, 
Sir, I apprehend the State of Pennsylvania had as great a right 
to have confirmed the aforesaid Eesolve as the State of North 
Carolina. If the Executive of your State had mentioned in the 
Proclamation a confirmation of the Eesolve aforesaid by Congress, 
it might have been considered authentick, but as it is I cannot con- 
ceive it so." 

Upon the receipt of this letter. Colonel Campbell enclosed the 
same to the Governor of Virginia, and addressed the following 
letter to the Go'vernor : 

"Sir, — The enclosed letter from the commanding officer of the 
militia of Sullivan county, seems to be an avowal of an opposition 
to an act of our Legislature, for establishing Walker's line as the 
boundary line to this State. 

"That I conceive it my duty to forward it to your Excellency. 
About half of the inhabitants between the lines seem desirous to 
be governed by the laws of Virginia, but they complain of it as an 
oppression to be harassed by the authority of the Southwest Ter- 
ritory, and to pay obedience to the laws of this State at the same 
time." 

The authorities of the Southwest Territory used every means 
possible to induce the people in the disputed territory to give their 
allegiance to the Southwest Territory. Governor Blount published 



WashingUm Cuiinlij, 1177-1870. 709 

in the Knoxvillc GazeUe, on the 10th of March, 1792, a communi- 
cation which purported to give the reasons why the people living 
in the disputed territory should he subject to the authority of the 
territory. The arguments used were exemption from the payment 
of taxes, local convenience and tlie accessibility of the seat of gov- 
ernment of the Southwest Territory. 

The State of Tennessee was admitted into the Union on tJie 1st 
dav of June, 1796, and the Constitution of the State adopted in 
the same vcar dennes the l)ouiidaries of the State as follows: 

"Beginning on tho extreme height of the Stone mountain at the 
place where the line of A^irginia intersects it in latitude thirty- 
six degrees and thirty minutes north, running thence along the 
extreme hoiglit of the said mountain to tlie place wliere Watauga 
River breaks through it; thence a direct course to the top of the 
Yellow mountain, wluM'e l>riglit's road crosses the same; thence 
along the ridge of said iiKunilain. l)etween the waters of Doe River 
and tlie waters of Rock Creek, to the place where the road crosses 
the Iron Mountain; from thence along tlie extreme height of said 
mountain to the place where Nolichucky River runs through the 
<ame; theiu-o to the top of Bald Mountain; thence along the ex- 
treme height of said mountain to the Painted Rock, on French 
Broad River; thence along the highest ridge of said mountain to 
tho place where it is called the Great Iron or Smoky Mountain; 
thence along the extreme height of said mountain to the place 
where it is called the Unicoi or Unaka Mountain, between the 
Indian towns of Cowee and Old Chota; thence along the main 
ridge of the said mountain to the southern boundary of this State, 
as described in tlie Act of session of North Carolina to the United 
States of America that all the territory, lands and waters lying 
west of said line, contained in the chartered limits of the State 
of North Carolina, are within the boundaries and limits of this 
State." 

The boundaries of the State of Tennessee as fixed by the Con- 
stitution of 179(5 were incorporated in the Constitutions of that 
State, adopted in the years 1834 and 1S70. 

It will thus be seen that the Constitution of the State of Tennes- 
see designates their northern line to be in thirty-six degrees and 
thirty minutes north latitude, when, in fact, the line now insisted 



710 Southwest Virgima, 1746-1786. 

upon by that State is in latitude 36° 36' 00.94", or 6' 00.94" north 
of the true line. 

Such was the condition of affairs at the beginning of the year 
1800. 

On tlie loth of January, 1800, the General Assembly of Virginia 
adopted the following resolution : 

"Resolved, That the Executive be authorized and requested to 
appoint three commissioners, whose duty it shall be to meet com- 
missioners to be appointed by the State of Tennessee, to settle and 
adjust all differences concerning the said boundary line, and 
to establish the one or the other of the said lines, as the 
case may be, or to run any other line which may be agi'eed on for 
settling the same; and that the Executive also be requested to 
transmit a copy of this resolution to the Executive authority of 
the State of Tennessee." 

The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, on November 
13, 1801, adopted the following act: 

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennes- 
see, That the Governor, for the time being, is hereby authorized 
and required, as soon as may be convenient after the passing of 
this act, to appoint three commissioners on the part of the State, 
one of whom shall be a mathematician capable of taking the lati- 
tude, who, when so appointed, are hereby authorized and em- 
powered, or a majority of them, to act in conjunction with such 
commissioners as are or may be appointed by the State of Vir- 
ginia, to settle and designate a true line between the aforesaid 
States. 

2. Be it enacted. That there shall be appointed by the authority 
aforesaid one surveyor, who, together with the aforesaid commis- 
sioners, shall' each receice five dollars per day as full compensation 
for their services and expenses whilst they are performing the 
duties enjoined in this act, and there shall also be chosen by the 
commissioners one suitable person as marker of the line afore- 
said, who shall receive two dollars per day in full discharge for 
his services and expenses. 

And whereas, it may be difficult for this Legislature to ascer- 
tain with precision what powers ought of right to be delegated to 
the said commissioners ; therefore, 

3. Be it enacted, That the governor is hereby authorized and re- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 711 

quired, from time to time, to is&ue such instructions to the com- 
missioners as lie may deem proper for the purpose of carrying into 
effect the object intended by this act consistent witli the true 
interest of the State. 

4. Be it enacted, 'J'hat said commissioners, as soon as may 
be, sliall report in writing to the governor for the time being a 
true statement of all their proceedings relative to the running and 
establishing of tho said line, whose duty it shall be to lay the 
same before the sucweding Legislature. 

Pursuant to tlic aiitliority thus conferred Peter Johnston, Joseph 
Martin and Creed Taylor \\qyo appointed commissioners upon 
the part of Virginia, and ■\roses Fisk, John Sevier and George 
Putledge conimissioncrs upon tlic part of Tennessee to ascertain 
and adjust the boundary line between the two States, while Brice 
^lartin and Xathan B. ^larkland were appointed surveyors to 
nni and mark the said line. 

The commissionei-s thus appointed proceeded to the discharge 
of their duties and completed their labors at the house of William 
Pobertson, near Cumberland Gap, on the 8th of December, 1802. 

The commissioners and surveyors thereupon reported their 
action to the General Assembly of the States of Virginia and 
Tennessee. Their report was confirmed and the l)oundary line 
between the States estal)lished as reported by an act of the General 
-Vssembly of Virginia passed on the 22d of January, 1803, which 
act is as follows : 

' 1. Whereas the commissioners ap]w)inled to ascertain and ad- 
just the bouiulary line between this State and the State of Tennes- 
see in ccmformity to the resolution passed by the Legislature of 
this Stat(> for that purpose have i)roceeded to the execution of the 
said business, and made a re]X)rt thereof in the words following, 
to-wit : "The commissioners for ascertaining and adjusting the 
I)oundary line between the States of Virginia and Tennessee, ap- 
pointed ]nirsuant to public authority on the part of each, namely. 
General Joseph Martin, Creed Taylor and Peter Johnston, for the 
former, and Moses Fisk, General John Sevier and General George 
Ihitledge, for the latter, having met at the place previously ap- 
pointed for that purpose and not uniting in the general results of 
their astronomical observations to establish either of the former 
lines, called Walker's and Henderson's, unanimously agreed, in 



713 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

order to end all controversy respecting th'e subject, to run a due 
west line equally distant from both, beginning on the summit of 
the mountain generally known by the name of White Top moun- 
tain, where the northeastern corner of Tennessee terminates, to 
the top of the Cumberland mountain, where the southwestern 
corner of Virginia terminates, which is hereby declared to be the 
true boundary line between the said States, and has been accord- 
ingly run by Brice Martin and Nathan B. Markland, the sur- 
veyors duly appointed for that purpose, and marked under the 
direction of the said commissioners, as will more at large appear 
by the report of the said surveyors, hereto annexed, and bearing 
equal date herewith. 

"2. Th'e Commissioners do further unanimously agree, to recom- 
mend to their respective States, that individuals having claims or 
titles to lands on either side of said line, as now fixed and agreed 
upon, and between the lines aforesaid, shall not in consequence 
thereof, in any wise be prejudiced or affected thereby ; and that the 
Legislatures of their respective States, should pass mutual laws 
to render all such claims or titles secure to the owners thereof. 

"3. And the said Commissioners do further unanimously agree 
to recommend to their States respectively, that reciprocal laws 
should be passed, eonfirniing the acts of all public officers, whether 
Magistrates, Sheriffs, coroners, surveyors or constables, between 
the said lines, which would have been legal in either of said States 
had no difference of opinion existed about the true boundary line. 

"4. This agreement shall be of no effect until ratified by the 
Legislatures of the States aforesaid, respectively, and until they 
shall pass mutual laws for the purpose aforesaid. Given under 
our hands and seals at William I{ol)ertson's, near Cumberland 
Gap, Deceml)er the eighth, eighteen luindred and two. 

"Joseph Martin (L. S.) "Moses Fisk (L. S.) 

"John Sevier (L. S.) "Peter Johnston (L. S.) 

"Creed Taylor (L. S.) "George Eutledge (L. S.) 

5. And whereas Brioe Martin and Nathan B. Markland, the 
surveyors duly appointed to run and mark the said line, have 
granted their certificate of the execution oi their duties, which 
certificate is in the words following, to-wit: "The undersigned 
surveyors, having been duly appointed to run the boundary line 
between, the States of Virginia and Tennessee, as directed by the 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 713 

commissioners for that purpose, have, agreeably to their orders, 
run the same, beginning on the summit of White Top Mountain, 
at the termination of the northeastern comer of the State of 
Tennessee, a due west course to the top of Cumberland mountain, 
where the southwestern comer of the State of Virginia terminates 
keeping at an equal distance from the line called Walker's and 
Henderson's, and have had the new line run as aforesaid marked 
with five chops in the form of a diamond, as directed by the said 
commissioners. Given under our hands and seals, this eighth day 
of December, eighteen hundred and two. 

"B Martin, (L. S.). Nat. B. Markland, (L. S.)." 

And it is deemed proper and expedient that the said boundary 
lino so fixed and ascertained as aforesaid should be established and 
confirmed on the part of this Commonwealth. 

'"Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the Com- 
monwealth of Virginia, That the said boundary line between 
this State and the State of Tennessee, as laid down, fixed and 
ascertained by the said commissioners above named, in their said 
report above recited, shall be, and is hereby fully and absolutely, 
to all intents and purposes whatsoever ratified, established and 
confirmed on the part of this Commonwealth, as the true, certain 
and real boundary line between the said States. 

"7. All claims or titles to lands derived from the government 
of Xorth Carolina or Tennessee, which said lands by the adjust- 
ment and establishment of the line aforesaid, have fallen intO' this 
State, shall remain as secure to the owners thereof as if derived 
tVom tlie government of "\'irginia, and shall not be in any wise 
[irejudiced or affected in consequence of the establishment of 
tlio said line. 

"8. Tlie acts of all public Dflieers, whether magistrates, sheriffs, 
coroners, surveyors or constables, heretofore done or performed in 
that portion of territory between the lines called Walker's and 
Henderson's lines, which has fallen into this State by the adjust- 
ment of the present line and which would have been legal if done 
or performed in the States of North Carolina or Tennessee, are 
hereby recognized and confirmed. 

"0. This act shall commence and l)e in force, from after the 
jtassing of a like law on the part of the State of Tennessee." 



714 Southwest Virginia, 1740-1786. 

The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee on November 
3, 1803, adopted an act confirming the report of the commission- 
ers establishing the boimdary line between the two States and 
confirming the title of all lands lying in the State of Tennessee 
granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia as fully as if said land 
had been granted by the State of Tennessee. 

The act in question is identical with the act of the Virginia 
Assembly before given. 

It was supposed that the boundary line thus established would 
forever settle this question, but by the year 1856 it seems that the 
old contrO'versy was renewed, and in that year the General Assem- 
bly of Virginia passed an act appointing two commissioners to 
meet commissioners appointed by the State of Tennessee to again 
run and mark the boundary line between the States. The General 
Assembly of Tennessee did not take action in this matter until 
the first of March, 1858, on which day an act was passed au- 
thorizing the Governor of the State of Tennessee to appoint two 
commissioners to meet the commissioners ap])ointed l)y the Com- 
monwealth of Virginia to' re-run and mark the line of 1803, and 
said commissioners were directed to cause monuments of stone to 
be permanently planted on said line where there is now gi-owing 
timber by which the line may be plainly marked, said stones to 
be planted at least one in every five miles. 

The commissioners thus appointed were given full power and 
authority to re-run and mark the line of 1802, and it was made 
their duty to employ a field party to consist of one engineer, one 
surveyor, one back-sighter, one axe-man and such others as were 
necessary, the said engineer and surveyor to' be well qualified to 
make said survey upon scientific principles, said commissioners to 
superintend the work. 

The Governor of Virginia appointed James C. Black and 
Leonidas Baugh commissioners upon the part of Virginia, and 
the Governor of Tennessee appointed Samuel Milligan and George 
B. McClelland commissioners upon the part of Tennessee, to run 
and re-mark said line. The commissioners thus ai)point'ed began 
work on the 29th of September, 1858, and on the 3d of December, 
1859, submitted their report to the executives of the State of 
Tennessee and the State of Virginia. Their report was in the 
following words and figures, to-wit: 



Washington Comity, 1777-1870. 715 

"To His Excellency the Governor of Virginia: 

"In obedience to commissions respectively conferred upon us 
under an act of the legislature of the State of Virginia passed 
the 18th day of ]\larch, 1850, and an act of the legislature of the 
State of Tennessee, passed the 1st day of March, 1858, authorizing 
the executives of each of said States respectively to apjxiint com- 
missioners 'to again run and mark' the boundary line between 
the States of Virginia and Tennessee, we the undersigned com- 
missioners, proceeded to discharge the duties assigned us, and beg 
leave to submit the following as our joint action : Our first object 
was to determine the duty with which we were charged under the 
acts of both states, which we found to be substantially the same 
and both exceedingly vague and indefinite. 

"But the manifest intention of the legislature of Virginia and 
Tennessee was, in our opinion, to ascertain and re-mark the com- 
promise line of 1802, but the laws evidently drafted without a 
knowledge of the facts as we found them to exist, imposed upon 
us obligations which it was practically impossible to comply with. 

"We were required to begin the line 'on the summit of the 
mountain commonly known by the name of the White Top, where 
tlie northeastern corner of Tennessee terminates' and thence to 
run due west 'to the top of the Cumberland Mountain where the 
-iiuthwestern corner of Virginia ends.'" This line, by the laws of 
\'irginia and Tennessee, was declared to be on the parallel of 
3G 30' north latitude, and midway between Walker's and Hender- 
son's lines run in 1779. 

"With these legal restraints upon us, after engaging the services 
of Professor llevel Keith, an experienced astronomer, and Charles 
S. Williams, a practical engineer, with an efficient field party, we, 
on the 29tli day of September, 1858, repaired to the field, but ob- 
servation and cx|X?riment soon demonstrated the utter impractica- 
bility of a literal compliance with the requirements of the law. 

"We began the e\])erimental work at the town of Bristol, a small 
village situated on tlie compromise line of 1802, at a point where 
there was no controversy as to the locality of the line, and our first 
observation at that point showed the latitude to be 36° 36' nearly, 
which upon calculation we found to be a little over six statute 
miles north of the latitude contemplated by law. Further obser- 
\:ition< ;m(l cxiicritnciits nil ;il<uii:- the line furnished ufarly similar 



716 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

results. In the region of tlie White Top mountain we met with 
still more insuperable difficulties to a strict compliance with the 
requirements of the law. The summit of this mountain, which is 
well defined and elevated above the surrounding mountains, we 
found to be about three miles, a northeast course from the termina- 
tion of the marked timber on the line; and at right angles with 
the parallel 36 30' north latitude, a little over eight miles north 
of said parallel. The northeastern corner of Tennessee was desig- 
nated by no monument, nor was there any evidence on the ground 
by which we could determine the corner or the beginning of the 
compromise line of 1802. 

"The marks on the timber which were found throughout the 
wbole line ceased on a spur of a dividing range of mountains that 
connects the Stone, Pond and White Top mountains called the 
'Divide' from the fact that the waters flow from it both east and 
west, and about one mile from tbe summit of this dividing range. 

"At the point where tbe marks on the line of 1802 terminate 
there is no marked corner or any change in appearance of the 
marks on the timber indicating a purpose to establish a corner or 
beginning point of the line, nor is there any marked timber between 
that point and the summit of the 'Divide,' although thickly 
wooded, except on the summit, where it appears to have been cleared 
twenty or twenty-five years ago and is now under cultivation. 

"Under this perplexing state of facts we were neither ahle to 
comjaly strictly with the requirements of the law or definitely to 
settle the 'noi'theastern corner of Tennessee,' or toi establish the 
beginning point of the line we were required to trace. 

"The Virginia commissioners insisted that the line should be 
extended east from tbe end of the marked line on the little moun- 
tain south of the Denton Valley to^ the top of the 'Divide,' because 
it would be but a continuation of the line from Cumberland Gap, 
which is to that point about midway between Walker's and Hen- 
derson's lines, and because the existence of a cross line running 
south 22° west was not even kno-wn, or the line from the top of 
the little mountain westward to the river heretofore recognized as 
the boundary, or any part of it. 

"And the Tennessee commissioners, that the northern line as 
connected by the cross line with the southern should be extended to 
the 'summit of the Divide,' and the northeastern comer of Tennes- 






Washington County, 1777-1S70. 717 

-I'O there established, because it is the only unbroken and con- 
tinuously marked line ascertained, and the summit of the 'Divide' 
I'lesents the only natural monument that reasonably conforms to 
the commissioners' purpose to establish one at the end of the 
marks on the line. No conclusive agreement could be made, and 
we were compelled to leave the point of beginning an open ques- 
tion. 

"After making these and various other experiments calculated 
to determine the character of the line and its offsets, and taking 
the latitude at dilferent points between Bristol and White Top 
mountain, and also at Cumberland Gap in the fall of 1858, we 
found from the inclemency of the weather and the advanced 

;ison, that it would be manifestly to the interest of both States 
Ml suspend operations until the following summer, when th'e season 
would be more propitious for the progress of the work. 

''On the 7th day of June, 1859, we again, with our 'Surveyor 
;ind held part}^,' assembled at Bristol, and after determining to re- 
trace and remark the compromise line of 1802, we resumed the 
work and accurately ran, re-marked and measured the old line of 
1S02 with all of its offsets and irregularities, as shown in the sur- 
veyor's report herein incorporated and on tlie accomjianying map 
herewith submitted. 

SURVEYOR'S REPORT. 

To Lconidns Bauf/h and James C. Blacl., of Virginia, and Samuel 
Milligan and George B. McClelland, of Tennessee, commission- 
ers for running and rc-marhing ihe hoimdary line hettveen their 
respective States: 

Gentlemen, — Herewith I submit a map of the boundary line 
between the States of Virginia and Tennessee, as traced and re- 
ma rkod l)y the field party in my charge under your direction. 

After a thorough search through th'e country in the vicinity of 
the mountain "commonly known as AVhite Top," the line marked 
by the commissioners of 1802 was found marked upon a northern 
spur of the ridge knowm as the "Divide." 

Tliis ridge divides the waters flowing into ISTew River on the 
oast from those flowing into Holston River on the west. The 
point where the line was found is about a mile northwestwardly 
from the residence of _1 /r. IVrZ/.g B levins, upon the "Divide" and 
alioiit tliroe miles southwesterly from the summit of Wliite Top. 



718 Southwest Virginia, .17.!f6-1786. 

Although diligent search was made, no trace of a line was found 
east of this point, neither, on the other hand, was there the least 
indication of a corner, tlie line being marked as elsewhere. Traced 
westerly to Denton's Valley the line varies, generally one and 
one-half (IV2) degrees north from a truly west course as found 
by astronomical observation. In Denton's valley an offset was 
found, the line bearing south 22 west (by the needle), for a dis- 
tance of 8,700 feet, to a point upon a high spur of the little moun- 
tain immediately west of Mill Creek. From the southern ter- 
minus of this offset the line runs upon a course very closely ap- 
proximating due west to a point in the eastern boundary line of 
the town of Bristol, where a small variation was found. The line 
was so adjusted, however, as to coincide with the central line of the 
main street of Bristol, the magnetic course being south 89° 40' 
west, and so continued to the west !)ranch of Beaver Creek. 

From Bristol west to Cumberland Gap, the line generally pre- 
serves a due west course, as determined by astronomical observa- 
tions, with the following exceptions : 

1. On the farni of Jolin Hickman, west of Bristol, the line 
varies to North 82% west (magnetic course), for a distance of 
310 feet. 

2. At the crossing of Wallen's ridge, where an offset of 1,457 
feet occurs, which was connected by an oblique line, as shown on 
the map. 

3. Near Cumberland Gap, where the direction of the line varies 
tO' north 88 west (magnetic course) for a distance of 6,922 feet. 

The line was found plainly marked where the timber remained 
standing, was readily found through most of its course and is 
subject to minor deviations incidental to long compass lines, gen- 
erally, however, preserving a due west course. 

The standing timber along the line was marked in five chops j 
in the form of: 



The total length of line as run and remeasured with a level 
chain is 113 miles. 

Eespectfully submitted. 

Charles S. Williams^ 
Surveyor Boundary Commissioner. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 719 

The territory in the fonn of a triangle, lying between the top 
of Little mountain and the red lines on the map in what is known 
as "Donton'f: Valley," has heretofore been recognized by the citi- 
zens residing therein as included in the State of Virginia, and the 
top of Little mountain is recognized as the boundary line. To' this 
supposed boundary both States have heretofore exercised jurisdic- 
tion, and north of the summit of the mountain the citizens resid- 
ing in the triangle have derived their land titles from the State of 
\'irginia ; they have there voted, been taxed, and exercised all the 
lights of citizens of that State. The line, though plainly marked 
from the top of Little mountain westward nearly to the river, and 
the cross line at Denton's Valley running south twenty-two west 
and connecting the north and south lines, seem not to have been 
recognized as tlie boundary line, the very existence even of the 
cross line being unknowTi until we discovered it; but it is also well 
defined and so distinctly marked as to leave no doubt that it was 
I'lm and marked in 1802. With this single exception, the line as 
i raced l)y us has been, as far as we are able to ascertain, recognized 
throughout its entire length for fifty-seven years as the true boun- 
dary line between the States of Virginia and Tennessee. The lati- 
tude, as marked on the map east of Bristol and at Cumberland Gap, 
was carefully determined by Professor Keith with a "zenith tran- 
sit" or transit instrument, the most modern and improved astro- 
nomical instrument now in use, and may be relied upon as per- 
fectly accurate, exce])t at Bristol, and that was ascertained under 
disadvantageous circunLstances, but it is believed to be nearly cor- 
rect. West of Bristol, except at Cumberland Gap, the latitude was 
deteniiiiu'd l)y Lieutenant Francis T. Byan, of the corps of United 
States topograpliical engineers, with a "sextant," and may also be 
relied ujion as correctly determined. 

The line was traced with a "theodolite," and great care observed 
througliout correctly to ascertain its true bearing, offsets and ir- 
regularities. We found the old line marked with "five chops in the 
form of a diamond," and we varied ours by using only four chops, 
and placed them on the tree somewhat in the form of the Tetters 
wye: \/ as shown in the surveyor's report. The fore and aft 
marks were placed truly on the line, and the side marks were placed 
respectively on that portion of the timber next the true line. 
Where we found no growing timber we caused monuments of stone 



730 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

to be erected, "firmly planted" one foot and a half in the ground 
and extending two and a half feet above the ground, well dressed 
and marked on the north side with the letter V, and the south 
side with the letter T, so tliat the line may be readily identified 
throughout its entire length. 

At Cumberland Gap the line terminated on a chestnut oak on the 
summit of a mountain, at which there is also marked a monument 
of stone. At the eastern end of the line where the marked timber 
ceases we placed a monument of stone, but we put no inscription 
upon it, indicating that point to be the "northeastern corner of 
Tennessee" for the reason hereinbefore assigned. We deem it pro- 
per further to state that we have indicated on the map at difilerent 
points the reputed locality of the Walker line, but we found no 
marked timber indicating its position, except at the western end 
of the line, which we have truly represented on the map. We saw 
no trace of the Henderson line at any point, and consequently were 
unable accurately to represent its position on the map. Its reputed 
position is represented on the map at a point near Bristol. We 
furtlier beg leave to state that the general course of the line lies 
over a rough and mountainous country, almost inaccessible, es- 
pecially the eastern portion of it, and its survey was attended with 
an amount of labor and privation which we are sure no one can 
justly appreciate but those who have actually undergone them. 
But we felt justified in stating that we spared no' pains or labor 
accurately to trace and mark the line, as well as to show the true 
state of facts that surround it, that the legislatures, both of Ten- 
nessee and Virginia, can act understandingly in ratifying or re- 
jecting it, as in their wisdom they may thinlv right and proper. 
All of which is most respectfully submitted. 

Sam Milligan, 
George E. McClellan^ 
Tennessee Commissioners. 

Leonidas Baugh^ 
James C. Black, 

Virginia Commissioners. 
Decemher 30, 1859. 

This report was disapproved and rejected by the General As- 
sembly of Virginia on the 9th of March, 1860, and the Governor 
of the Comxnonwealtb was authorized and directed to settle with 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 721 

Baiigli and Black for services rendered, and to appoint, one or more 
commissioners to run again and re-mark the line between Virginia 
and Tennessee in strict conformity with the compact of 180,3. 

The result of this effort to rim and re-mark the line of 1802 
having failed, i\\o cut iro quoi^tion was again open for discussion 
and controversy. 

In the year ISGO, the superintendoiit of the United States Coast 
Survey directed Kichard B. Cutts to proceed to Bristol, with in- 
structions to observe the solar eclipse on August 7th, and to con- 
nect the station at Bristol with one or more of the monuments 
whicli mark the boundary line in that vicinity. Pursuant to in- 
structions, Mr. Cutts proceeded to Bristol, and, after having dis- 
cliarged his duties, made the following report to his superior. 

"Washington, D. C, 
"December 30th, 18G9. 
"Profr. Benj'n Pierce, Sup't. U. S. Coast Survey: 

"Sir, — In 3^our letter of instructions to observe the Solar Eclipse 
of August 7tli, at or near Bristol, Tenn., you also directed me to 
comply, if practicable, with the request made by the President of 
Washington College, Virginia, to connect the station at Bristol, 
the position of which would be astronomically determined, with 
one or more of the monuments which mark the boundary line of 
the Stiite of Virginia in that vicinity, so that the longitude and 
latitude thereof may be accurately known. 

"Ascertaining soon after my arrival at Bristol that the connec- 
tion could be readily made, the work was undertaken and com- 
]d(^t(Ml without interfering with the regular duties assigned to the 
|i,ifty. SigiiiiU, which were visible from the astronomical station, 
were ci-cetcd on the boundary, or main street separating Goodson 
in ^'irginia from liristol in Tennessee, and the connection effected 
by means of a measured base and triangulation. In view of the 
fact, however, that the signals, or monument^!, were placed on a 
lino which, though recognized as the boundary between Virginia 
and Tennessee, has not been, in the opinion of many, definitely set- 
tled as such, and as the results of the observations and triangida- 
tion, made under my direction, may be used as authorit}^ in the 
discussion of the question should it again arise, I beg leave to show 
the character of the operation by which the direction of the line, 
and tlie latitude and longitude of the monument were obtained, 



733 Soutliivest Virginia, 17. 1^6-1786. 

and to describe, by a short historic sketcli hereto appended, the 
special line referred to, there having been three or more lines run 
by the interested parties at different periods. 

"The instruments employed to determine the exact geographical 
position of the observatory on liancaster Hill, Goodson, in connec- 
tion with the Eclipse of August 7th, were a Transit and Zenith 
Telescope, each mounted on a solid pier composed of brick and 
cement. The latitude was determined by 13 pairs of stars, and 
the longitude by the transmission of time* signals to the Naval Ob- 
servatory at Washington, on three nights, the telegraph wires hav- 
ing been connected and placed at our disposal for that purpose. 
The observations to secure those results were made by Assistant A. 
T. Mosman during nine nights, between the" 38th of July and the 
7th of August. 

"To connect the Zenith Telescope with the boundary, a base was 
measured and a triangulation executed, including two stations on 
the line recognized by the inhabitants as the boundary of 1803, and 
as specially pointed out by Thomas I). Walthall, Esq., of Bristol, 
an engineer and surveyor well informed on the subject. 

"The azimuth ot the line was derived from measurements made 
between Ursa Minor at its upper culmination and three of the 
principal triangle sides. 

"Before leaving Bristol, it was understood that permanent monu- 
ments would be erected by the municipal authorities of Bristol and 
Goodson, at two points determined on the boundary. The piers on 
Lancaster Hill were placed, by letter, under the protection of the 
Mayor of Goodson. 

"Upon examination of the charters, agreements and legislative 
enactments referring to the dividing line between Virginia on the 
one side and JSTorth Carolina and Tennessee on the other, as fully 
quoted and explained in the accompanying appendix, it will be 
ascertained that from the date of the second charter of King Charles 
IL, in 1665, to the latest legislation in regard to its demarcation in 
1860, the southern boundary of Virginia lias been supposed to be 
situated, as it was in part directed to be traced, on tlie parallel of 
36° 30'. 

''The joint commission which was organized in 1779 was di- 
rected to start upon the parallel of 36 30', and to continue on that 
parallel to the Tennessee river. As the respective commissioners | 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 723 

differed in tlie results of their observations, two lines were rim, 
known as the Walker and Henderson lines, neither of which was 
correct. Finally as a kind of compromise and under tlie supposi- 
tion that the true line must certainly be between the two then in 
dispute, other commissioners were appointed in 1800, with full 
])0wers from Virginia and rather limited powers from Tennessee, 
and under the direction of this Joint Commission a supposed mid- 
dle line was then marked, which line was ratified, established and 
confirmed by Virginia on the 33d of January, 1803, and by Ten- 
nessee in the month of November following. This line is neither 
on the parallel of 36 30' nor midway between the Walker and Hen- 
derson Lines, and yet it must be recognized, as the law directs, 'as 
the true, certain and real boundary between the two States.' 

"Owing, however, to the lapse of time, this line has become 'in- 
distinct, uncertain and to some extent unknown,' and. in conse- 
quence thereof Virginia, m 1856, appointed Commissioners to 
'again run and mark said line.' In 1858, the State of Tennessee 
responded to the Virginia legislation by authorizing the appoint- 
ment of Commissioners for a similar purpose, and also the organi- 
zation of a Field Party, to consist of an Engineer and Surveyor, 
well qualified to make said survey upon scientific principles. 
This last direction would appear to confer an indirect but very 
necessary authority to run a new line, in case the old one could 
not be identified. The Commissioners duly reported their proceed- 
ings and acts to their respective States. In 1860, Virginia disap- 
proved of and rejected the line thus re-run and marked, and, by the 
same resolution of the General Assembly, the Governor was em- 
powered to appoint one or more commissioners to again run the 
boundary as defined in the Statute of January 33nd, 1803. This 
is the last act of legislation referring to the boundary line between 
Virginia and Tennessee, and from this it has been inferred that 
the location of the line has not been definitely settled. 

"The following table and memoranda show the results of the 
operations at Bristol. The latitudes of the Henderson and Wal- 
ker lines at points situated respectively North and South of Bris- 
tol, were computed from data sup])lied by Thomas 1). Walthall, 
Esq.: 



724 



Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 



Henderson, or North 

Carolina line 

Walker or Virginia 

line 

The Middle line, 

East Mont 

The Middle line, 

West Mont 



When 
Run. 



1779 

1779 
1802 
1802 



Supposed 
Latitude. 



True 
Latitude. 



True 
Longitude. 



30° 36' 00'^ 36° 36^ 48. -" 
36° 36' 00'' 36° 34' 25.5" 
36° 36' 00" 36° 35' 38.9" 



82° 10' 40.00" 



36° 36' 00" 36° 40' 40.0" ' 82° 11' 25.12" 



"The azimuth, or direction of the line, from East to West monu- 
ment is 91% 51', 51", or North 88°, 09', 00" West true. 

"It will be perceived that the direction of the Middle line, the 
present acknowledged boundary, is nearly two degrees north of a 
due west course, and if this direction should have been continued 
to the Cumberland Mountains, a very large wedge of Virginia ter- 
ritory must have been cut olT. In fact, we fmd from the numerous 
and reliable observations made for latitude, in 1859, at Newlee's 
sulphur spring, at or close to the Cumberland Gap, as published in 
the 'Eeport of the Commissioners appointed to mark the boundary 
line between the States of Kentucky and Tennessee' that the South- 
west corner of Virginia is situated in latitude 36°, 36', 00.94", or 
6', 91", North of the true line. 

"According to the observations made in connection with the sur- 
vey of the coast of the United States, the correct latitude of the 
line where it crosses Knott's Island, situated about three miles 
west of the site of old Currituck Inlet, is 36°, 33', 15", and not 36°, 
31', as determined in 1728; and the correct latitude of the line, 
west of the Alleghany mountains, where it separates G(X)dson from 
Bristol, is 36°, 35', 39", .5 and not 36°, 31', upon which parallel 
it was intended by all the parties interested that the line should 
be run. — These discrepancies are not a matter of surprise in view 
of the defective method adopted for tracing the parallel, of tlie in- 
ferior class of astronomical and surveying instruments employed' 
by the old surveyors, and of the more than probable errors commit- 
ted in running the line, due, in part, to a want of care in determin-j 
ing the magnetic variation. From the data already presented, it; 
may be fairly inferred that if the different surveys had been con-, 
ducted as they would be to-day, the State of Virginia would now; 



Washington Counlij, 1777-1 S70. 735 

include within its limits at lca.<t 800 square miles of additional 
territory. 

"A sketch of the triaugulation, and the computations of the tri- 
angle sides, latitudes, longitudes, and azimuths, arc attached to 
tliis report. 

"I am, Eespectfully yours, 

"ElCHARD D. CUTTS."" 

In the year 1S71, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an 
act providing for the appointment of commissioners to ascertain 
and locate the true boundary line between this State and the State 
of Tennessee, and in the year 188G a similar act was adopted, but 
the State of Tennessee persistently refusing to take any action 
looking to a settloment of the question, the General Assembly of 
A'irginia, on the 31st day of Januar}', 1890, passed an act repeal- 
in i^- tlie net of the General Assembly of Virginia passed on the 23d 
of .l;inii;iiy, 1803, confirming and establishing the boundary line 
between this State and the State of Tennessee as ascertained by the 
report of the commissioners appointed in that year, and declared 
the true line of this State to be in latitude 3G°, 30' north; and that 
tl)e line agreed upon between the States on the 22d of January, 
1803, was erroneous by reason of mistakes in fact caused by de- 
fective instruments and incompetent observers, and that the same is 
ni)| ()bli,i:atory on the State. In the meantime, on the 7th day of 
January, 1890, a suit had been instituted in the Supreme Court of 
the Ignited States by the Commonwealth of Virginia through her 
attorneys, E. A. Ayers and William F. Ehea vs. the Commonwealth 
of Tennessee, the object of the suit being to have the Supreme 
Court of the United States declare the true line between the States 
to ])e 30°, 30' north latitude, as provided for in the original char- 
lei- of the colonies of Virginia and North Carolina. 

\um(M-ous deposition*? were taken in this case, and the Supreme 
Court of lb(> United States, on the 3d day of April, 1893, rendered 
I heir opinion, and decided that Virginia was estopped by her ac- 
tion in the year 1803, and declaring the true line behveen the States 
to be the compromise line of 1803.* 

Controversies between the citizens of Virginia and the citizens 
of Tennessee at this time and for some time previous thereto were 



148 U. S. Reports, page 503. 



726 



SoutJiivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



of frequent occurrence, and oftentimes seriO'Usly threatened the 
breach of tlie peace. 

In the year 1889, F. T. Wills, Joseph Southerland and E. E. 
Butler undertook to take possession of a tract of land situated near 
Green Cove in this county, the property of Marion Miller and the 
heirs of George W. Hopkins, deceased, and continued their efforts 
until the year 1892, in which year Marion Miller obtained an in- 
junction from the judge of the Circuit Court of this county re- 
straining the said Wills, Southerland and Butler from interfering 
with said property, and in the month of October, 1893, the de- 
fendants answered in said suit. Numerous depositions were taken, 
and on the 24th of May, 1895, the judge of the Circuit Court of 
this county rendered an opinion, holding that the summit of White 
Top, as the beginning of the compromise line of 1802, did not 
mean, nor never was intended to mean, the top of the highest peak 
of that mountain, but that it meant the top of the mountain at 
the point where the comj)romise line run by the commissioners of 
1802 began. But the court, in view of the fact that the corner 
where the line of 1802 actually began was uncertain, ordered and 
decreed that the following issues out of chancery should be tried 
at the bar of the court, namely : 

First. Does the compromise line of 1802, between the States of 
Virginia and Tennessee, as located and established by General Jo- 
seph Martin, Creed Taylor and Peter- Johnston, commissioners on 
the part of Virginia, and Moses Fisk, General John Sevier and 
General George Eutledgo, commissioners on the part of Tennessee, 
lie south or north of the lands in controversy ? 

Second. At what point did it actually begin, and in what direc- 
tion was it actually rim and located until it passed west of the 
lands now claimed by complainant and in controversy in this cause ? 

This issue was tried by a jury, composed of E. P. Carson, W. 0. 
Booker, H. B. Eoberts, D. A. Jones, Jerry Whitaker, Thomas H. 
Akers, J. C. Hayter, George Keller, James Hagy, W. F. Arnett, 
Eobert Miller, and James Fields. 

This jury, after hearing all the evidence produced by the par- 
ties, returned the following verdict : 

"1st. We, the jury, find and decide that the compromise line of 
1802-'03 runs south of the land in controversy. 

*'2nd. The jury further find that the point where that line be- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 727 

gan is on the suinmit of Pond Mountain, and runs due west be- 
yond the lands in controversy." 

The defendants moved the court to set aside this verdict ol the 
Jury and grant them a new trial, and the court, in the month of 
January, 1S9G, delivered an opinion disagreeing with the jury in 
their conclusions and adjudging that the top of Pond mountain was 
not the summit of White Top, where the said line began, and fixed 
said line nortli, instead of south, of the land in controversy, and 
declared the land in controversy to be in the State of Tennessee 
and without the jurisdiction of the court. 

From this opinion of the court the plaintiff, Marion Miller, ap- 
])ealed to the Court of Appeals ol Virginia, and that court, on the 
18th of November, 1897, delivered an. opinion reversing the judg- 
ment of the Circuit Court of Washington county and fixing the 
boundary line between the States of Virginia and Tennessee as a 
straight line, beginning on the top of White Top mountain where 
the northeastern comer of Tennessee terminates and following a due 
west course midway bfjtween Walker's and Henderson's lines to the 
top of the Cumberland mountain whore the southwestern corner of 
Virginia terminates.* 

By this decision the contention of the citizens of the State of 
Virginia was sustained, and the position of the claimants of lands 
under titles derived from the State ol Virginia was greatly 
strengthened. 

Thus matters stood when, on the 30th day of April, 1900, a 
consent decree was entered by the Supreme Court of the United 
States in the suit of Tennessee, complainant, vs. the State of Vir- 
ginia, defendant, directing commissioners to ascertain, retrace, re- 
mark and re-establish the boundary line between the State of Ten- 
nessee and the State of Virginia as fixed in the year 1803. 

W. C. Hodgkins, J. B. Baylor and Andrew K. Buchanan were 
appointed commissioners to execute said decree. 

Tliese commissioners proceeded to execute this decree, and on 
the 5th day of January, 1903, filed their report in the clerk's office 
of the Supreme Court of the United States, which report is in the 
words and figures following, to-wit: 



'92 Virginia Roports, page 337. 



728 Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 

To the Honorable the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the 

Supreme Court of the United States: 

Your commissioners,, appointed by decree of this honorable court, 
dated April 30, 1900, to ascertain, retrace, re-mark and re-estab- 
lish the boundary line established between the States of Virginia 
and Tennessee, by the compact of 1803, which was actually run 
and located under proceedings had by the two States, in 1801-1803, 
and was then marked with five chops in the shape of a diamond, 
and which ran from White Top mountain to Cumberland Gap, re- 
spectfully represent that they have completed the duties assigned 
to them by the said decree of April 30, 1900, that they have re- 
marked and retraced the said boundary line as originally run and 
marked with five chops in the shape of a diamond in the year 1803, 
and that for the better securing of the same they have placed upon 
the said line, besides other durable marks, monuments of cut lime- 
stone, four and a half feet long and seven inches square on top, 
with V's cut on their north faces and T's on their south faces, set 
tliree and a half feet in the ground, conveniently located as herein- 
after more fully described, so that the citizens of each State and 
others, by reasonable diligence, may readily find the true location 
of said boundary ; all of which is more particularly set forth in the 
detailed report of their operations which your commissioners here- 
with beg to submit, together with two maps explanatory of the 
same, a list of the several permanent monuments and other durable 
marks, and a complete bill of costs and charges. And your com- 
missioners further pray that tliis honorable coiirt accept and con- 
firm this report; that the line as marked on the ground by said 
commissioners in the years 1901 and 1902 be declared to be the 
real, certain and true boundary between the States of Tennessee 
and Virginia; that your commissioners be allowed their expenses 
and reasonable charges for their own services in these premises, as 
shown on the bill of costs which forms a part of this report; and 
finally that your commissioners be discharged from further pro- 
ceedings in these premises. 

[seal.] William C. Hodgkins^ 

Commissioner. 

[seal.] James B. Baylor^ 

Commissioner. 

[seal.] Andrew H. Buchanan, 

Commissioner. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 729 

Detailed report of the operations of the commission appointed 
l.y the Supreme Court of the United States (April 30, 1900,) to 
lotracc and re-mark the boundary line between the States of Ten- 
nessee anil A'ir<;iina. 

At the date of the above decree and for several months there- 
after the State of Virginia had no funds available for the proceed- 
ings ordered by tJie court, and none could be had until there could 
bo a session of the State TiCgislature to make the needed appro- 
priation. It was, therefore, necessary for your commissioners to 
sock an extension of the time within which they might make their 
report, and, upon the motion of the attorney -general of Virginia, 
an extension was granted until the next term of court. 

At a session of the (iencral Assembly of Virginia held in the 
winter of 1900-1901, the sum of five thousand dollars was appro- 
priated for the purpose of paying A'irginia's share of the expenses 
of this boundary survey. The Tennessee Legislature had pre- 
viously made a like appropriation. 

Your commissioners, therefore, made preparations for beginning 
the execution of tlioir duties under your decree of April 30, 1900, 
•IS eai'ly in tlie season of 1001 as the weather conditions should per- 
mit. 

The commission held its first meeting at Washington, D. C, on 
May 1C>, 1901. and organized by choosing William C. Ilodgkins, 
of the State of Massachusetts, as. chairman, James B. Baylor, of 
the State of Virginia, as secretary, and Andrew H. Buchanan, of 
tlie State of Tennessee, as treasurer. 

At this meeting there was a full discussion of the problem pre- 
>onted and of the method of work which might be most suitable 
under all the conditions. Arrangements were also made for pro- 
curing the necessary camp outfit and supplies. 

Through the courtesy of the superintendent of the United States 
('<iast and Ccodetic Survey your commissioners Avere able to pro- 
cure from that bureau, witliont charge, not only the outfit of tents 
ind camp furniture required for the shelter and comfort of the 
Jarty. but also valuable instruments needed for the survey. 

This relieved the States of Tennessee and Virginia of a consider- 
able exjiense which would otherwise have been unavoidable. 
?he two States were spared iuiolhcr heavy item of expense by iho 
[fact that eaeh of your eonmiissioners is a civil enginecu- and eiitii'elv 



730 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

familiar with work of this nature. It was, therefore, uniieeessary 
to follow the usual course of employing engineers or surveyors to 
carry out the field work under the direction of the commissioners. 
Instead of that, your commissioners themselves conducted all the 
field work, hiring only such rodmen, axemen, etc., as were necessary 
from time to time. By such methods and by exercising rigid 
economy in all their expenditures, your commissioners have been 
able to complete the entire work, including the setting of cut-stone 
monuments and also including the amount charged for their own 
remuneration for the sum of $9,475.99, which is but little more 
than the amount charged to the State of Virginia alone by the joint 
commission of 1858-1859. 

It having been decided at the first meeting of the commission 
that the most convenient place for beginning field operations would 
lie the city of Bristol, which is located directly upon the boundary 
line, the commission adjourned to that place. 

Field-w^ork was begun on May 22, 1901, with the examination of 
a portion of the line east of Bristol, where a number of trees were 
found which bore the marks of the surveys of 1802 and 1858-'59. 
As there have been considerable controversy and conflicting testi- 
mony in regard to the nature of these old marks, it may be well to 
show by diagrams and photographs the actual arrangements and 
appearance of those of both years, as well as of the somewhat dif- 
ferent mark which was used for the present re-marking by your 
commissioners : 

1802. 1859. 1902. 

_ = _ w y 

— — \ / 

While the marks made in 1858-'59 are still numerous in forested 
areas and are generally easily distinguishable, those made in 1802 
are becoming scarce, and sometimes are barely discernible when 
found. 

This is shown in the accompanying photograph of a large white 
oak tree, upon which the marks of 1858-'59 can readily be traced, 
while only three of those made in 1802 can be distinguished, and 
those with difficulty. The marks of 1802 were apparently made 
with a small and light hatchet, and on many trees which have a 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 731 

thick and rough bark the hatchet does not seem, to have reached 
the wood, and in such cases the gradual exfoliation of the bark 
has often nearly or entirely obliterated the mark. Where the wood 
was wounded a small burr has formed, which can nearly always be 
recognized; but cuts which did not completely penetrate the bark 
liave sometimes disappeared. 

The marks left by the survey of 1858-'59 were found of very 
great value as guides to the older "diamond" marks of 1802. Both 
marks were often found on the same tree, and it was a rare occur- 
rence to find the diamond mark without the mark of 1859 either 
above or below it. In fact, it was very soon noticed that the mere 
fact of finding the mark of lS58-'59 either above or below the nor- 
mal position on a tree was an almost certain indication that a dia- 
mond mark had been found there at the date of the latter marking, 
even though, through the action of time and the elements, all ves- 
tiges of it may now have disappeared. Since the date of the last 
surve}', very many marked trees have been destroyed through va- 
rious agencies, especially since the more rapid development of this 
section in the recent years has caused a greater demand for lum- 
ber, and in some places the trees bearing the old marks are so far 
apart and the marks themselves are so faint that great trouble and 
delay would often have been experienced in the search for these old 
marks had it not been for the aid afforded by the marks of 1858-'59, 
which always proved reliable guides by which to find the older 
marks. 

In this connection it may not he inappropriate for your commis- 
sioners to state that they everywhere found that the joint commis- 
sion of 1859 did its work in a careful and conscientious manner, 
and that they believe its line, as marked on the growing timb'er, is 
identical with that marked by the joint commission of 1802, and 
that full credence sliould be given to statements of fact in the re- 
port of that survey. 

From a point about a mile and a quarter cast of Bristol the line 
was traced without difficulty, other than that due to the broken na- 
ture of the country traversed, as far as the beginning of what is 
commonly known as the Denton Valley offset. 

At this point occurs the greatest and most remarkable irregu- 
larity in tlie whole course of this line, there being a deflection from 
the direct course of G6°, 10' for a distance of 8715.6 feet. The 



732 Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 

portion of the boundary east of the offset is further north than that 
west of the offset, so tliat the deflection is to the south in going 
westward from the eastern end of the line, the direction in which 
it was originally run out, or to the north in working eastward from 
Bristol, as was done in the present survey for reasons of conveni- 
ence. In either case the deflection is to the left hand ; but it is not 
the same in each case, as the two portions of the line east and west 
of the offsets are not exactly parallel to each other. This differ- 
ence of direction amounts to 1°, 30', as shown on the map of the 
line accompanying this report. 

Owing to the long controversy over this offset and the persistent 
assertions of certain parties that marked timber would be found on 
the eastern prolongation of the portion of the line extending from 
Bristol to Denton's valley, if the same were run out, your commis- 
sioners felt obliged, in order to settle th'e question for all time, to 
run out this line and make a careful search for marked timber 
along its course. This was accordingly done and a careful exami- 
nation of the timber on each side of the transit line was made as 
the Avork progressed, but with only negative results. 

Although several weeks "were spent in running this line across 
the seri'es of very rough and heavily-timbered moimtains lying 
between Denton's valley and Pond Mountain, near the corner of 
North Carolina, and although every story brought to the commis- 
sioners by people interested in the result was carefully examined, 
your commissioners were utterly unable to find or have pointed out 
to them one authentic mark of the line 1802, either on this line or 
anywhere in its vicinity. 

On the other hand, the "offset line" and the portion of the line 
running eastward from the offset tO' th'e vicinity of the White Top 
mountain were found well marked; both the 1802 and the 1858-'59 
marks were found at frequent intervals. 

In order to be assured that these marks were authentic, blocks 
were cut from several of these trees at different points on said 
offset line, and the ages of the marks were determined by counting 
the rings of the annual growth. 

These tests showed that the marks were of the supposed age. 
The ages of the most important marks were verified by the United 
States Bureau of Forestry. As was found in 1858-'59, the marking 
(»r the tiiu])or ccascMl (or began) on a comparatively low eminence. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. . 733 

known as Burnt'llill, wliich from the lu'ighboring heights of White 
Top or I'oud iiiountaiu seems to be in the bottom of a hollow. 

The apparent discrepancy between this situation and the lan- 
guage of the report of tlie joint coiuniissioners of 1802, which 
reads: "Beginning on the summit of the mountain generally known 
as the White Top mountain," etc., has led some to suppose that 
tin; line shoidd be extended further east, to the summit of the so- 
called ''divide" or watershed between the tributaries of the llolston 
and New rivers. 

There seems, however, nothing to support this tlieoi'y except the 
somewhat liazy idea that the eastern end or point of beginning of 
this line ought to be on a sununit. 

As a matter of fact, the actual end of the line of Burnt Tlill is 
on quite as much of a summit as i^ it had been on the "divide," 
which in this place is so low and flat as to be scarcely perceptible 
as an elevation of any importance. It certainly could never be sup- 
posed to be the summit of White Toji mountain, which towers far 
above it, its huge, dome-like bulk lliliug the northeastern horizon. 

No marked trees of 18U'3 or 1858-'"59 could bo found east of 
Burnt Hill, though the line was produced through heavy timber of 
original growth to the "divide," and careful search was made for 
them. The same condition was found in 1859, as reported by the 
commission of that year. A point which that commission seems 
to have overlooked is the important fact that the eastern end of 
the marked line at Burnt Hill is almost exactly in line between 
th'e comer of North Carolina, on Pond jVIountain, and the sum- 
mit of White Top mountain. What more likely than that the 
connnissioners of 1802, Avho had agreed to lay out a line equally 
distant from the older lines, known as Walker's and Henderson's 
and beginning on the summit of the mountain generally known 
as the White Top mountain, should begin at the point where the 
Walker line reached the northwestern corner of North Carolina, 
and where accordingly the jurisdiction of Tennessee should begin, 
and run tlience in the direction of the most im])ortant peak to the 
northward and eastward until they readied the desired middle 
])oint between the lines of Walker and Henderson, and from that 
j)oint started on their westerly course. It is hard to understand 
wliy they should have omitted to mark this part of the line; but 
this small bit of boundary extending from the northeast corner of 



734 Southwest Virginia, nJ^6-n86. 

Tennessee to the northwest corner of North Carolina seems to have 
been somewhat overlooked in more recent proceedings. Yonr com- 
missioners respectfully recommend that the straight line between 
these two points be declared to be the bonndar}'', believing as they 
do, in the absence of any marks to the contrary, that this was the 
original and true line. All of this section is composed of very 
ragged and densely-wooded mountains with but a scanty popula- 
tion. 

The progress of the work in this mountainous anl almost inac- 
cessible region was delayed not only by the nature of the country 
and by the fact that in this very worst part of the whole line it was 
necessary to run out these two independent lines, doubling the labor 
to be expended, but also by the unfortunately rainy weather which 
was experienced. The frequent and heavy rains often stopped 
field work, washed the few roads so badly that they became almost 
impassable, and raised the streams so high that sometimes for 
days at a time it was impossible to ford them. 

It was not until September 21st that your commissioners were 
able to close work in the White Top region and return to Bristol 
to start westward from that place towards Cumberland Gap. 

For the remainder of the season, however, both the weather and 
the nature of the country were much more favorable for field 
operations, and excellent progress was made, though it was impos- 
sible to complete the work before the approach of winter. 

So far as the portion of the boundary passing through the cen- 
tral portion of the city of Bristol is concerned, the labors of your 
commissioners were forestalled by a special act of the General 
Assembly of the State of Tennessee, approved January 28, 1901, 
ceding to the State of Virginia the northern half of the main 
street of the twoi cities. The General Assembly of Virginia ac- 
cepted the cession by an act approved February 9, 1901, and the 
action of the two legislatures was subsequently ratified by the Con- 
gress and approved by the President of the United States March 
3, 1901. This cession covers, however, but a small part of the 
boundary, extending only from the northwest corner of the old 
town of Bristol on the west to the western boundary of the Bristol 
cemetery on the east. As it is important to guard against the 
possible renewal of this long-standing controversy, and as the town 
is already extending beyond the above limits, it was deemed proper 



I 



Washington Counlij, 1777-1870. 735 

to mark the old diamond line by monuments, just as if there had 
been no legal change in the boundary for this short distance. But 
your commissioners regi-et to report that they have been unable to 
reach a unanimous conclusion in regard 'to the true location of the 
eaid diamond line within and near the above limits. 

Commissioners Hodgkins and Buchanan, after careful study of 
all the evidence of record and after diligent examination of the 
ground, are of the opinion that the said diamond line of 1803-1803 
runs from monument No. 25, near the first marked trees east of 
Bristol, in a straight line, to monument No. 26, on the western 
boundary of the Bristol cemetery and on the north line of Main or 
State street; thence along the northern line of said Main or State 
street to "a planted stone in the edge of a field formerly owned by 
Z. L. Burson, being tlie northwest corner of the corporate territory 
of the old town of Bristol" referred to in the act of cession, supra; 
and thence in a straight line to monument No. 28 in the fork of the 
main road and near the first marked trees west of Bristol. 

Commissioner Baylor, on the other hand, after equally careful 
consideration of all the evidence of record and diligent examina- 
tion of the ground, is of the opinion that the said diamond line of 
1802-1803 runs from monument No. 25, near the first marked tree 
east of Bristol, in a straight line to monument No. 27, situated 
just outside of the wall of the Bristol cemetery, and on the middle 
line of Main or State street as it runs west from this point; and 
thence in a straight line along the middle of Main or State street 
to monument No. 28, near the centre of the fork of the main road 
and near the first marked trees of 1858-'59 west of Bristol. 

The said line running through the centre of Main or State street 
is just thirty feet south of monument No. 26 on the north property 
line of Main or State street outside the western wall of Bristol 
cemetery. 

Westward from J>ri<tol, tlio boundary was retraced without dif- 
ficulty by the marked trees, just as in the previous work to the 
eastward. 

Only one marked deviation from the general course of the line 
was encountered during the remainder of the season. This was on 
the property formerly known as the Hickman place, in the vicinity 
of the village of Bloomingdale, Tennessee. 

Here the line was found to have a deflection of 8°, 30' to the 



736 Southwest Yirginia, 17J^6-17S6. 

right or north for the distance of 3161.8 feet. From the west- 
ern end of this offset the line resumed its general westerly course, 
and so continued until the end of the work of that year. As the 
season advanced it became* evident that even under tlie most favor- 
able conditions it would be impossible to complete the survey with- 
out working far into the winter, which on many accounts was un- 
desirable. 

The attorney-generals of the two States therefore joined in a 
request for a further extension of time within which your com- 
missioners might file their report, and this honorable court there- 
upon extended that time until the opening of the October term, 
1902. 

The field operations for the season of 1901 were closed at the 
end of October, at which time the survey had Ijcen extended to the 
Clinch river, forty-three miles east of Cumberland Gap, the total 
length of boundary retraced being seventy miles, besides sixteen 
miles of trial line run on the extension of the "straight line" from 
Denton's valley to Pond mountain. 

Before the opening of the field work for the season 1902 a com- 
plaint reached your commissioners from a citizen of Johnson 
county, Tennessee, supposed to be reliable, to the effect that inter- 
ested parties were interfering with the marks placed on the line the 
previous year, and that, in some cases at least, the monuments had 
not been properly placed by the persons employed for that pur- 
pose. 

Although these statements seem scarcely credible in view of the 
general interest taken in the work by the inhabitants, your com- 
missioners thought it best to investigate the matter and to satisfy 
themselves by personal inspection that the monuments had re- 
mained undisturbed in their proper places. 

This was accordingly done at the outset of the season's work, 
and it was ascertained that the stories of falsification of the mark- 
ing were without any foundation of fact: that all the monuments 
between the northeast corner of Tennessee and Bristol had been 
properly set, and that none of them had been disturbed. 

These preliminary operations occupied the time from June 23 
to July 4, on which day your commissioners returned to Bristol. 
After placing some additional monuments on the old line in and 
near Bristol they proceeded to Gate City, Virginia, where the 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 737 

camp oil! fit. Ii;i«l Ixh'Ii stored at, th*; closo of the woi'k in tlic pi-e- 
ceding autumn, and at onco went into camp at Kobinett, Tennes- 
see, west of tlie north fork of the Clinch river. 

The survey of the boundary line was resumed at the point where 
it had been suspended the year before, at the crossing of Clinch 
river near Church's ford. 

From this point to Cumberland Gap the line crosses a succession 
of mountains and valleys with comparatively little level or cleared 
land. Little diflluadty was experienced in tracing the lino in this 
jKirt of its course, the marked trees being generally found at fre- 
quent intervals. The line preserved its general course as before, 
exe('[)t that two deflcH-tions to the northward were found, which 
were similar to that found the year before near Bloomingdale. 

The fii-st of these occurred on the mountain called Wall'en's 
Ridge, where the line made a deflection of 19° to the north before 
reaching the summit, and kept that course for a distance of 4643.7 
feet ])efore resuming its usual direction. There were numerous 
trees witli l)oth the 1802 and 1859 marks on this deflected line. 

The final deflection of 4° 10' to the north, for a distance of 
G.")03.3 feet began at the "old furnace road" near Station creek, 
less than three miles from the west end of the line on Cumberland 
mountain. From the western end of this offset the line runs 
straight to the terminus. 

There has been considerable controversy and litigation over 
these last three miles of the boundary, and a number of witnesses 
liave testified in the case of Virginia ag't Tennessee, Supreme 
Court Ignited States, October term 1891, that there were none of 
tlic maiks of the ])revious surveys remaining between Station creek 
and the siiuiiiiit of (!umbei-land mountain, owing to the destruction 
of the timl)er in that area during the military operations of the 
Civil war. 

Your conimissionei's were able to And, however, three trees well 
marked with the mark of 1S59 survey, and at least one of these 
bore evidence in the po^^ition of this uuirk that an old diamond 
mark was formerly visible above it. 

These marked trees were found on the east and west part of the 
line west of the offset, and are in excellent alignment, and settled 
beyond the iio^^sibility of doubt the location of this part of the 
boundary, and hence the short remaining distance to the summit 



738 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-l786. 

of Cumberland moimtain. This line passes near and a little south 
of the old mill several times referred to in the case above cited, and 
thence across the Union railroad station, leaving most of the town 
of Cumberland Gap in Tennessee. The summit of Cumberland 
mountain was reached on Saturday, August 23, 1902, and on the 
following Monday the field work of the survey was completed and 
the camp outfit was packed and shipped to Washington. Your 
commissioners then separated; Professor Buchanan returned to 
his home at Lebanon, Tennessee, to work up his field notes, and 
Mr. Hodgkins to Washington, to attend to business of the commis- 
sion and to draft a report of its operations, while Mr. Baylor 
remained on the ground until September 13, superintending the 
placing of monuments along the part of the line surve3^ed in 1902. 

In conclusion, your commissioners state that they have found the 
duties imposed upon them by your instructions often arduous 
and exacting, and that the survey just completed proved far more 
laborious, and was attended by greater hardships, than any of them 
had anticipated; but that they have nevertheless given the same 
careful attention to every part of it, and that they believe it to be 
correct throughout. 

List of monuments of cut limestone and other durable marks as 
hereinafter more fully described : 

(1) — At northeast corner of Tennessee, at Burut Hill. 

(2) — On summit of Flat Spring ridge. 

(3) — On Valley Creek road on John Tolliver's place. 

(4) — On road from Laurel river to White Top mountain near an 
old mill. 

(5) — On road up Laurel river near a double ford. 

On summit of Iron mountain, near the north end of the rocky 
bluff, a cairn of rocks was erected. 

(6) — At eastern foot Holston mountain, a short distance from 
Beaver Dam creek and the Virginia and Carolina railway. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey triangulation station, "Damascus,'"' 

U S 
on summit of Holston mountain, a stone marked X 

C S 

(7) — On Eockhouse Branch road in the valley on Mary Nealy I 
place. 



Washington CounUj, 1777-1 870. 739 

(8) — On road from Barron railway station to New Shady road 
cut-stone monument of 1858-'59. 

(9) — In woods nortli of New Shady road where the line changes 
its course to south 23° 50' west (mag.) a marked deflection from 
tlie general course of the line. 

(10) — On the New Shady road where this deflected line 
crosses it. 

(11) — In woods on Little mountain west of Cox creek where 
this bearing of south 23° 50' west (mag.) ends, and the line re- 
sumes its general course to the westward. 

(12) — On the road just north of cross road leading to Thomas 
Denton's place. 

(13) — On road on hill on C. D. Short's place. 

(14) — On road on east bank of the south fork of Holston river, 
cut-stone monument of 1858-'59. 

(15) — On hill in George Garrett's cow lot west and north of 
south fork Holston river. 

(16) — On road to King's mill near John Buckle's house. 

(17) — On road to King's Mill via Thomas' place. 

(18) — On summit of open hill east of Painter place, concrete 
monument. 

(19) — On road running east of Painter house. 

(20) — On road running west of Painter house, cut-stone monu- 
ment of 1858-'59. 

(21) — On road through woods west of Painter property. 

(22) — On summit of first high ridge east of Paperville road. 

(23) — On Paperville road at Jones' place. 

(24) — On road west of Carmack house. 

(25) — On Booher place near first marked tree of 1858-'59 cast 
of Bristol. 

(2G) — On north property line of the main street of Bristol out- 
side the western wall of the cemetery. Commissioner Baylor does 
not consider this a part of the true lino. 

(27) — Outside the street wall of Bristol cemetery at the point 
where the average centre line of Main street intersects said wall. 
Commissioners Hodgkins and Buchanan do not consider this a 
point on the boundary. A stone post in the edge of a field formerly 
owned by Z. L. Burson at the northwest corner of the old corporate 



740 Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-17S6. 

U'rritary of the old town of Bristol. Commissionpr Baylor does 
not consider this a point on the boundary. 

(28) — In the fork of the main road west of the town of Bristol. 

(29) — On the road to Bristol east of Worley place. 

(30) — On road to Bristol west of Worley place. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey triangnlation station, "Dunn/' on 

U S 
summit of ridge on old Dunn's place, stone marked X 

C S 

(31) — On Dishner Valley road. 

(32) — On road to Bristol east of Gumm spring. 

(33) — On road tx> Bristol near Tallman house. 

(34)— On road in valley west of old abandoned railway bed. 

(35) — On Scott road. 

(36) — On road west of Akard place, 

(37) — On road near Jackson place. 

(38) — On Boozey Creek road. 

(39)— On road to Hilston ford, cut-stone monument 1858-'59. 

(40) — On Timbertree road. 

(41) — Between two roads just east of Gate City road. 

(43) — In woods west of Gate City road where there is a deflec- 
tion of 8° 30' to the right or north from the general course of the 
line on old Hiclcman place. 

(43) — In woods northeast of Bloomingdale where this 8° 30' de- 
flection from the general course of the line ends in going west- 
ward and line resumes its general course. 

(44) — On road to Bloomingdale. 

(45)— On Wall Gap road. 

(46) — On road up ravine. 

(47) — On Carter Valley road. 

(48) — On Gate City and KingsjxtTt road, cut-stone monument of 
1858-'59. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey triangnlation station, "Cloud," on 

U S 
bluff of North Holston river, stone marked X 

C S 

(49) — On east bank of North Holston river. 

(50) — On road on west bank of North Holston river. 



Washinglon Cnnnly, J 777-1870. 741 

(51) — At cross roads on Stanlov A'allcy road, cut-stone monu- 
ment of 1858-'59. 

(53) — On Stanley Valley road on liill at turn in road. 

(53) — On Cameron postofficc road. 

(54) — On Stanley Valley road south of barn of N. J. Bussell, 
cut-stone mommient of 1858-'59. 

(55) — On Stanley Valley road, cut-stone monument of 1858-'59, 

(5(i) — On road which runs across Opossum ridge. 

(57) — On iloore's Gap road. 

(58) — On Caney Valley road. 

(59) — On Little Poor \'alley road south of Mary Field house. 

((10) — On Poor Valley road, cut-stone monument of 1858-'59. 

On summit of Clinch mountain, cairn of rocks erected a few 

feet south of the Coast and Geodetic Survey triangulation station, 

U S 

••W'ikhat," which station marked with X cut in sandstone rock. 

C S 
(Gl)— On Clinch Valley road. 

(G2) — On road on cast bank of Clinch river above Church's ford. 

(63) — On road at Jane Bagley's house. 

On summit of o]-)en hill east of Fisher Valley road line, crosses 
solid rock. Small hole drilled in it with a T cut south of hole and 
V north of it. 

(64) — On Fisher Valley road. 

On summit of a high ridge east of Robinett line, crosses solid 
rock. Small hole drilled in it with V cut on nortli side of hole and 
T south of it. 

(65)— On road at Eobinett. 

On side of ridge at east edge of woods line, crosses rock. Small 
hole drilled in it with V cut on north side of hole and T on south 
of it. 

On simmiii of Newman's ridge line, crosses rock similarly marked. 

((id) — On Kogersville and .Tonesvillc road. 

(67) — On Little Creek road. 

(68) — On Sneedville and Black Water Salt Works road. 

(()9) — On lilack Water Valley road near J. Mullen's house. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey triangulation station, "Powell," on 

U S 
summit of Powell mountain, large sandstone rork marked X 

C S 



742 Southwest Virginia, 17Ji6-1786. 

(70) — On Mulberry Gap and Wallen Creek road near lai-gc 
poplar. 

(71) — Near junction of Mulberry Gap and Jonesville roads. 

(73) — On east face of Wallen's ridge on edge of trail over ridge 
where there is a deflection to the right or north of 19° from the 
general course of the lino. 

On summit of Wallen's ridge line, crosses large sandstone rock. 
Small hole cut in it with V cut north of hole and T south oi it. 

(73) — On west face of Wallen's ridge in open field on the 
boundary fence of Mollie Thompson and J. W. Moore, where this 
deflection of 19° from the general course of the line ends in going 
westward and line resumes its general course. 

(74) — On road east of Powell river and north of Welch or 
Baldwin ford. 

On rock blufl^ west of Powell river a small hole was cut with V 
north of this hole and T south of it. 

(75) — On Powell river and Sneedville road, on west hill of 
Powell river, rough stone monument with V cut on north face and 
T on south face. 

(76) — On Powell river and Sneedville road. 

(77)— On Martin Creek road. 

(78) — On Low Hollow road. 

(79)— On Four Mile Creek road. 

(80)— On Bayless' Mill road. 

(81) On Ball's Mill road. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey triangulation station, "Minter," on 
summit of hill near gate and fence corner. 

(83) — On road south of Jacob Estep's house. 

(84)— On East Machine Branch road. 

(85) — On West Machine Branch road. 

(86)- — On Ducktown road. 

(87) — On Mud Hollow Hole road near large limestone spring. 

(88) — On Hoskin's Valley road near large limestone spring. 

(89) — On George Souther's saw-mill road. 

(90) — On Ix)uisville and Kashville railway near Brooks' cross- 
ing. 

(91) — On old Iron Works roads where there is a deflection of 
4° 10' to the right on north from the general course of the line. 

(92) — On Station Creek road. 



d 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 743 

(93) — Ou the east side of Poor Valley ridge where this defiec- 
tiou of 4° 10' from the general course of the line ends in going 
westward and line resumes its general course. 

(94) — On Cumberland Gap and Virginia road east of Cumber- 
land Gap. 

(95) — On small hill just east of road connecting Cumberland 
Gap with Old ^'irginia and Ciuiibcj'land Gap road in the edge of 
the old town park. 

(9G) — On side of open hill facing south aboiit two and one-half 
squares east of the Tazewell and Kentucky roads at Cumberland 
Gap. 

(97) — On west side of Tazewell and Kentucky roads and just 
east of woolen factory at Cumberland Gap. 

(98) — At foot of Cumberland mountain west of the Union Eail- 
uay station and in line with the south edge of the south chimney 
of said Union Railway station. 

(99) — On summit of Cumberland mountain. The monument 
nf cut limestone had V and T cut on its adjacent vertical faces 
iiid "Corner" cut on its top. Its base is set in cement and broken 
rock with one diagonal running east and west. The summit of the 
>andstone ledge was blasted in order to set this monument. 

In addition to the cut-stone monuments and other durable marks 
your commissioners marked with six chops, thus: 

W 

w 

the trees on and within ten feet of this line on each side. 

Your commissioners unanimously agree in recommending that 
the rights of individuals having claims or titles to lands on either 
side of said boundary line as ascertained, re-marked and re-estab- 
lished by your commissioners shall not in consequence thereof in 
any wise be prejudiced or affected where said individuals have paid 
tlieir taxes in good faith in the wrong State. 

[seal.] Willia:m C. IIodgkins, 

Commissioner. 
[seal.] James B. Baylor, 

Commissioner. 
[seal.] Andrew H. Buchanan", 

Commissioner. 



744 Southivest Virginia, 17Ji6-1786. 

The Supreme Court of the United States on the 1st day of Jime, 
1903, confirmed this report and entered the following order: 

This cause came on to be heard on May 18, 1903, on the proceed- 
ings heretofore had herein and upon the report ol William C. 
Hodgkins, James B. Baylor and Andrew H. Buclianan, commis- 
sioners appointed by the decretal order herein of April 30, 1900, to 
ascertain, retrace, re-mark and re-establish the real, certain and 
true boundary line between the States of Tennessee and Virginia 
as actually run and located from White Top mountain to Cumber- 
land Gap under proceedings had between the two States in 1801- 
1803, and as adjudged and decreed by this court in its decree of 
April 3, 1893, in a certain original case in equity wherein the State 
of Virginia was complainant and the State of Tenjiessee was d(^- 
fendant, which report is annexed hereto and made part hereof. 

And it appearing to the court that said report was filed in this 
court on the 5th day of January, 1903, and that the same is un- 
excepted to by either party in any respect, therefore, upon the mo- 
tion 8f the State of Tennessee by her attorney-general and of tlie 
State of Virginia by her attorney-general, it is ordered that said 
report Ijc, and the same is liere])y, in all things confirmed. 

It is thereupon ordered, adjudged and decreed that the real, 
certain and true boundary line between the States of Tennessee 
and Virginia as actually run and located under the compact and 
proceedings had 1)ctween the two States in 1801-1803, and as ad- 
judged by this court on the 3d day of April, 1893, in said original 
cause in equity wherein the State of Virginia was complainant and 
the State of Tennessee was defendant as aforesaid, was at the in- 
stitution of this suit, and now is, except as hereinafter shown, as 
described and delineated in said report filed herein on January 5, 
1903, as aforesaid. 

And it further appearing to the court, and it being so admitted 
by both parties, that since the institution of this suit and the de- 
cretal order of April 30, 1900, as aforesaid, a compact was entered 
into by the States of Tennessee and Virginia expressed in the con- 
current laws of said States, namely, the act of the General Assem- 
bly of Tennessee, approved January 28, 1901, entitled "An act to 
cede to the State of Virginia a certain narrow strip of territory be- 
longing to the State of Tennessee lying between the northern 
boundary line of the city of Bristol, in the county of Sullivan. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 745 

and the southern boundary line of the city of Bristol, in the county 
nf Washington, State of Virginia, being the northern half of 
Main street of the said two cities," and tlie reciprocal act of the 
• ieneral Assembly of Virginia, approved February 9, 1901, en- 
titled "An act to acce])t the cession by the State of '^^rennessee to 
the State of Virginia of a certain narrow strip of territory claimed 
as belonging to the State of Tennessee and described as lying be- 
tween the northern boundary line of the city of Bristol, in the 
county of Sullivan, State of Tennessee, and the southern boundary 
line of tlie city of Bristol, in the county of Washington, State of 
Virginia, being the northern half of tlie Main street of the said 
two cities." 

And it further apjiearing that said cnm])act received the consent 
of the Congress of the United States by joint resolution approved 
^[arch 3, 1901, as follows: 

"Resolved by the Senate niid House of IJeprescntativcs of the 
Tnitcd States of America in Congress assembled, That a recent 
(•^impact or agrecTnent having been made by and between the States 
of Tennessee and A'irginia whereby the St<ite of Tennessee by an 
act of its legislature approved January twenty-eighth, nineteen 
liundred and one, coded to the State of A^irginia certain territory 
-pocifically doscribod in said act, and being the northern half of the 
Main street between the cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia, 
a ad the State of Virginia, by act of its general assembly, approved 
I''('bruary ninth, nineteen hundred and one, having accepted said 
( cssion of the State of Tennessee, the consent of Congress is hereby 
given to said compact or agreement between said States fixing the 
bmindary line between said States as shown by said acts referred to, 
and the same is hereby ratified." 

And the said commissioners in their said report having ascer- 
tained and rci'omuuMided tlfe straight line from the end of the "dia- 
nmnd marked"" or coan])act lin(^ f)!' 18(11-1803 to the corner of the 
States of ^sorth Carolina and 'jVnnesscM? as the true boundary line 
between the States of A'irginia and IVMinessee between those two 
points, the court, apju'oving said recommendation and finding of 
said commissioners, doth ado))t the same. 

And the court being of opinion that it is proper to recognize the 
line so estahlishetl by said last mentioned compact of 1901 as tKe 
r(>al, certain, and true interstate boundary line within and between 
-aid two cities, and to definitely determini' and fiv in this cause 



746 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

what is the real and true and certain boundary line between said 
States throughout the entire length thereof from the corner of the 
States of North Carolina and Tennessee, on Pond mountain, to 
the comer of Virginia and Kentucky, at Cumberlnd Gap, doth 
therefore adjudge, order, and decree that the entire, real, certain 
and true boundary line between the States of Tennessee and Vir- 
ginia is the line described and delineated in said report filed herein 
on January 5, 1903, modified as to so much of said line as lies 
between the two cities of Bristol by the aforesaid compact of 1901 
between the two States, and as so described, delineated and modi- 
fied said boundary line, from the said North Carolina corner to the 
eastern end of the compact line of 1801-1803, kno^vn as the "dia- 
mond marked" line, and thence to Cumberland Gap, is hereby de- 
termined, fixed and established. 

It is to be hoped that this action of the Supreme Court of the 
United States will put an end to this controversy, which has lasted 
for more than 130 years. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 747 



Biographical Sketches. 



REV. CHAS. CUIUMINGS. 

Mr. Cummings was an Irishman by birth, and came to America in early 
manhood. Soon after arriving in this country he entered Carlisle College, 
Pennsylvania. After receiving a thorough education he settled in Lancas- 
ter county, Virginia, and on the 13th of February, 17G6, he married Miss 
ilildrcd Carter. He was licensed to preach by Hanover Presbytery on the 
ISth of April, 17G7, and received a call to the North Mountain church, in 
Augusta county, which church he served until 1772, when he received a 
call to the Sinking Spring and Ebbing Spring congregations, on the Hol- 
ston. This call he accepted, and removed with his family to a tract of land 
in the neighborhood of Abingdon. He served the Sinking Spring church 
until the year 1812, the date of his death, which occurred in March of that 
year. 

He accompanied Colonel Christian upon his expedition against the Chero- 
kees in the 3'ear 1776, and preached in the territory, now in the State of 
Tennessee, being the first preacher in tliat territory. 

He joined a company organized at Abingdon under the command of 
Colonel 'Evan Shelby, and hurried to the relief of tlic inhabitants at 
Watauga when besieged by the Indians, in 1776. 

He was the first named on the Committee of Safety for Fincastle county, 
and is accredited with the honor of having drafted the Fincastle resolutions 
wliidi were adopted on the 20th of January, 1775. He assisted in drafting 
a petition from Hanover Presbytery to the General Assembly of Virginia, 
asking the separation of the Church and the State, in October, 1776. 

When Washington county was formed, in the year 1777, he was elected 
chairman of the Committee of Safety, and by his example and admonition 
did much to fire the spirit of patriotism which blazed forth so brilliantly 
among the people of the Holston in the War of the Revolution. 

He was of middle stature, about five feet ten inches high, well set and well 
formed, possessing great personal firmness and dignity of character. His 
voice was strong and liad great compass; his articulation slow, clear and 
distinct; withoui apparent otFort bo rould speak In be lioard l)y ton thou- 
sand people. His mind was good, but not brilliant. He undorslood his own 
system well; spoke always with gravity, and required it from all who sat 
under the sound of his voice. He would not tolerate any movement among 
the congregation after the services commenced. He uniformly spoke like 
one having authority, and laid down the law and the gospel, ns he under- 
stood them, with great distinctness. 



748 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

COLONEL ARTHUR CAMPBELL. 

He was born in Augusta county in the year 1743. Entered the service 
of his country when a youth; was captured at Dickenson's Fort and carried 
into captivity by the Indians and kept for three years; returned to his 
home and moved to Holston settlements in 1765. Major in Fincastle mili- 
tia and member of the County Court of Fincajstle covinty; member of the 
House of Burgesses from Fincastle county; one of the original trustees of 
Washington College. County lieutenant and presiding justice of Wash- 
ington county for more than a quarter of a century. Represented Fin- 
castle county in the Convention of 1776 and Washington county many 
times thereafter in the General Assembly of the State. Made an effort to 
organize a new State west of the mountains in 1782-1785. He was a 
statesman and a patriot. 

Died at the present location of Middleborough, Ky., on August 8th, 1811. 

COLONEL WILLIAM RUSSELL. 

Born in Culpeper county in the year 1748. Settled near the Clinch river, 
south of Castle's Woods, about 1770, and built Russell's Fort. Commanded 
a company of frontiersmen at the battle of Point Pleasant in the fall of 
1774. Member of the House of Burgesses from Fincastle county in 1776. 
(Commissioned captain in the Continental army, and accompanied Colon?l 
Christian upon his expedition against the Cherokee Indians in 1776. Mem- 
ber of the General Assembly of Virginia in 1786, and introduced bill for 
formation of Russell county, Virginia. Brigadier-general of Virginia mili- 
tia. Married Mrs. Wm. Campbell, and for many years resided at Saltville, 
Virginia. Died in the year 1794 at the home of hLs son, Robert S. Russell, 
in Shenandoah county, Virginia. 

COLONEL WILLIAM COCKE. 

Colonel \\'m. Cocke was a son of Abraham Cooke, of Amelia county. \\'as 
born in 1747, and died August 22d, 1828. He was an early pioneer of Ken- 
tucky; active in the formation of the "State of Franklin," and afterwards 
of Tennessee; served in two wars — the Revolution, in which ho was a cap- 
tain, and the war of 1812, in which he volunteered, though an old man, and 
was a member of the Legislature in four States — Virginia, North Carolina. 
Tennessee and Misisissippi. He was a member of the Virginia House of 
Delegates from Washington county in 1777, and was United States Senator 
from Tennessee, 1796-'7, 1799-1805. He was afterwards a judge of the 
Circuit Coui't of Tennessee, and later removed to Mississippi, where he died. 

MAJOR ANTHONY BLEDSOE. 

Born in Augoxsta county. Member of the County Court of Botetourt, Fin- 
castle and Washington counties. Olhcer in the militia of Fincastle and 
Washington counties. Built Bledsoe's Fort. I'epresented Washington 
(■oiinty in the GHneral Assembly 1777-1778. Commanded Christian's jiiiny 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 749 

at Long Island from Dcceiiibcr, 177(5, to April, 1777. rit'inoved to Bledsoe's 
\Ai-k, near Na.shvilio. IVniK'ssoe, where he was killed by the Indians. 

CAPTAIN WM. EDMISTON. 

Born in Anj^usta eminly. Si'rved in llie J-'rciicli-iiulian wur of 1 7.')4 17():i. 
^leniber of the eounty courts of Fini-astle and Washington counties. OIHcer 
in the militia of Washington and Fincastle counties. R<>ceivcd a grant of 
.■?,00() acres of land undt-r the King's proclamation of 17G3 for services ren- 
dered in the French-Indian war, and laid the grant in the ccmimunity of 
Fdniiston's Fort, in this county. Captain of a company (in Die expedition 
into South Carolina in October. 17S0. \\'as killed at the head of his com- 
jiany in the battle of King's Mountaiii. 

COLONEL JOSEPH ^L^RTIN. 

Son of Knglish ))arents, who emigrated from Bristol, England, and set- 
tled in Albemarle county, Virginia. Colonel Martin was born in Albemarle 
county in the year 1740. Married Suosanna Childs. Settled in Pittsylvania 
county, Virginia. In 1765 attempted the establishment of Martin's Sta- 
tion, in Powell's Valley, but was driven off by the Indians. Afterwards ap- 
pointed entry-taker by Colonel Richard Henderson for that portion of the 
Henderson purchase situated in Powell's Valley. Commanded a company of 
men upon Christian's -expedition against the Cherokees in 177G. Appointed 
Indian agent and stationed at Long Island of Holston river, which position 
he occupied until the year 1789. Was a member of the Convention of North 
Carolina called for the adoption or rejection of the Federal Constitution, 
and several times a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina. 
About the year 1700 he returned to his old home in Heniy county, Vir- 
ginia. Was soon thereafter elected to the General AiSsembly of Virginia 
from Henry county, and continued to serve in that capacity luitil he him- 
self thought he was by age unfit for further usefulness. Pied in 1S08, in 
the sixty-eighth year of his age. 

GENERAL WM. (L\MPBELL. 

Was a nati\c of Augusta county, of the true Cahnlonian race by the ma- 
ternal line as well as by that of the father. Being an only son, he received 
a liberal education under the best teachers of the times. He had an ardent 
mind, very susceptible of literary improvements, and acquired early in life 
a correct knowledge of the Englisli language, of ancient and modern his- 
tory, and of several branches of mathematics. Nature had formed him for 
a commander in military capacity. His personal appearance was grave 
and masculine, being .something abotit six feet high and well proportioned; 
in conversation rather reserved and thoughtful; in his written communica- 
tions expressive and elegant. His patriotism was not of a timid cast. He 
never balanced between his military duty and prudential maxims. Wlien 
his ire was excited he showed in his countenance the fury of an Achilles. 
The trusty Andnfcrrara, the sword he wore on the day of battle, was once 



"^50 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

the property of his grandfather from Scotland, and he had an arm and a 
spirit that could wield it with effect. In the year 1775 he was of the first 
regular troops raised in Virginia, being lionored with a captain's commis- 
sion in the first regiment. Here he acquired a practical knowledge of tac- 
tics and the discipline of an army. In the latter part of the year 177G he 
resigned his position on account of the Indian war breaking out, by whicli 
his family and friends were exposed to immediate danger. Soon after he 
was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel of the militia of Washington county, 
and the next year, on the resignation of Evan Shelby, Sr., to that of colonel 
of the regiment. In this rank he remained until after the battle of King's 
Mountain and of Guilford, when he was appointed by a vote of the Legisla- 
ture of Virginia to rank as a brigadier-general, and was ordered to join the 
Marquis LaFayette, to oppose the invasion of the enemy in 1781. After 
the defeat of Ferguson, the British general, Cornwallis, imbibed a personal 
resentment, and had the temerity to theaten that if General Campbell fell 
into his hands he would have him instantly put to death for his rigor 
against the Tories. This, instead of intimidating, had the contrary effect, 
and in turn the American general resolved, if the fortune of war should 
place Cornwallis in his power, he should meet the fate of Ferguson. Tliis 
3lZ the battle of Guilford had nearly been the case, for had all the militia 
behaved with the same firmness and courage as on the wing where General 
Campbell commanded, the British army must have met with a total defeat. 
On forming the army in Virginia, mider Marquis LaFayette, in 1781, 
General Campbell became a favorite of that gallant nobleman, who gave 
him command of the brigade of light infantry and riflemen. A few weeks 
before the siege of Yorktown he took sick of a complaint in his breast, 
which obliged him to retire from the army to a friend's house in the coun- 
try, and there, after a short sickness, to end his days, in the thirty-sixth 
year of his age, much lamented by the friends of liberty who knew him. 
Of his military character we have given a short sketch. His moral senti- 
ments and social demeanor in civil life were exemplary. Although an only 
son and heir to a considerable property, he never gave way to the fashion- 
able follies of young men of fortune. He well knew that vice at any time 
of life, or in any shape, darkens the understanding, perverts the will, and 
thus injures social order in every grade of society. He kept a strict guard 
on his own passions, and was by some deemed too severe in punishing thfe 
deviations of others. His military career was short, but brilliant. Warren 
and Montgomery acted at a conspicuous stage, and deserved the eulogisms' 
so often repeated. Campbell undertook a no less arduous task, with an 
inferior number of imdisciplined militia. He marched in a few days nearly 
two hundred miles, over vast mountains, in search of the enemy, who were 
commanded by an experienced officer, of known bravery and military skill, 
and who had chosen his field for battle. It was at (King's Mountain) rather 
a fortification than an open space for combatants to meet upon. The as- 
sault of the Americans was impetuous and irresistible, and the event was a . 
victory to a wish. This victory resulted in the retreat of the main British 
army a considerable distance and their relinquishment of the scheme of 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 751 

invadiug Virginia that year. It also reanimated jill <lie friends of liberty 
in the Southern States, and was the prelude of adverse events to the enemy, 
which, in the course of the next campaign, terminated in their final over- 
throw.* 

COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON. 

Son of John Preston, of Augusta county. Born in Ireland 1730, and died 
at Smithfield, now Blacksburg, 1783. One of the first trustees of Staunton. 
Member the House of Burgesses from Augusta county 17GG-17G8, and from 
]?()tetourt county 1700. Commanded a company of Rangers in the French- 
Indian war 17r)4-170:5. On the fonnation of Botetourt county, 1769, he 
was appointed colonel of the militia, coroner, escheator and county sur- 
veyor. Upon the formation of Fincastle county he was appointed sheriff 
and surveyor. He was engaged with Colonels Campbell and Christian in 
their expeditions against the Cherokees in the year 1776. Was at the battles 
of Whitsill's Mills and Guilford Courthouse, 1781, and was actively en- 
ijaged throughout the Revolution. He was a member of the Committee of 
Safety of Fincastle county, and assisted in the preparation of the Fincastle 
Resolutions. He left eleven children, all of whom, both male and female, 
hceamo distinguished in the history of our country. His five sons were 
• loliii. I'rancis, .James, William and Thomas, and his six daughters were 
Mr-<. Thomas Madison, ^Irs. Thomas jMcDowell, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Thomas 
l>ewis and Mrs. John Floyd. One son and one of his sons-in-law became 
governors of Virginia. 

COLONEL JAMES KING. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Londonderry, Ireland, in 1752. 
He was well educated, and emigrated to Virginia about the year 1769, and 
by piirchase, entiy and condemnation acquired about 50,000 acres of land 
in and around Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia, of the present day. Colonel 
King married Sarah, one of the seven daughters of Colonel Thomas Good- 
son, in Montgomery county, Virginia, and settled a few miles southwest 
of Bristol near the Sulphur Springs. Colonel King won his title through 
the Revolutionarj' war. Was captured and escaped and rejoined his regi- 
nw'nt, and after some time resigned his commission and returned to his 
home, near Bristol, rather than deliver to the quartermaster a magnificent 
mare from which he had knocked a British officer, but subsequently re- 
joined his regiment, and was at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered. 
Colonel King some time previous to the year 1800 erected an iron furnace 
(Barbary Furnace) near the Sulphur Springs, and made the first iron in 
what is now the State of Tennessee. Colonel King's partner in this 
enterprise was Governor Blount, of the Southwest Territory. The iron 
made at this furnace was hauled in wagons to Kingsport, a distance of 
twenty-five miles, the junction of the North and South forks of Holston 
river, and transported from that point by water. Kingsport took its name 



♦Colonel Arthur Campbell. 



752 Southwest Virginia, 17J,6-17S6. 

from Colonel King. Some time previous to the jear 1810 Colonel King 
purchased from Isaac iShelbj', executor of General Evan Shelby, 976 acre^ 
of land, one-half the Sapling Grove tract, lor $10,000, and it is said that the 
backs of two horses were ruined in carrying this silver to Frankfort, Ken- 
tucky, the home of General Isaac Shelby. Colonel King afterwards had this 
property conveyed to his son, the Rev. James King. Colonel King was a 
very active and useful man. He was one of the three commissioners who 
negotiated the treaty of Holston, and afterwards laid off the site of Knox- 
ville, Tennessee. He was a man of considerable wealth, and furnished An- 
drew Jackson (afterwards President of tlie United States) the money witli 
which Jackson and John Overton purchased the Chickasaw Blufi' (now tiie 
site of the city of jNlemph is, Tennessee). Tlie draft for this money is as 
follows : 

Col. James King, 
Sir: 

Please pay to Mr. Andrew Jackson or order two thousand five 
hundred one dollars sixty-seven cents which place to account of 
Sir 

Your 01). Servant, 
Do rid Allison 



Dolls. 2501 07-100 May 13th, 1795. 

Colonel King died of gout August 17th, 1825, aged seventy-three years, 
leaving three children, to-wit: Eev. James King, who married Mourning 
Micajah Watkins, daughter of the Hon. Micajali Watkins, of Halifax 
county; William King and Sarah King. 

Colonel King was buried five miles west of Bristol, under an old coffin- 
shaped tomb of rock and an iron slab, on which the following inscription 
is cast : 

Col. James King 

Dec'd 

Aug. 17th 1825 

Aged 73 years 

A Patriot 

of 

1776. 

The Rev. James King above mentioned was a distinguished Presbyterian 
divine, a man of considerable wealth, the founder of Bristol, Tennessee, and 
of King College. He left a large family of children. 

None but the wealthy in the early days of our covmtry could afford a 
four-wheel carriage. The Rev. James King, Jr., was the owner of such a 
carriage, and below is given a receipt for the taxes assessed by the Federal , 
Government upon this luxury: 

This is to certify that James King, Jr., in the county of Sullivan, in the; 
first collection district of Tennessee, has paid the duty of Thirty dollars, 
for the year to end on the 31st day of December next, for and upon a four- 



Washington Connty, 1777-1870. 753 

wlicel caniago, called a "Coaclioc,'' owned l)y liiin. and (he harness used 
tlitrofor. 

This certificate to bo of no avail any longer than the aforesaid carriage 
shall be owned by tlie .said James King, Jr., unless said certificate shall be 
jjrodnecd to a collector, and an entry be made thereon, specifying the name 
of the then owner of said carriage, and the time when he became possessed 
thereof. 

(Jivon in conformity with the laws of the Ignited States this 2nd day of 
February, ISIS. 

NATHAN GREGG, 
Deputy Collector of the Revenue, &c. 

GENERAL \VM. E. JONES. 

The subject of this sketch was born on tlie Middle Fork of Holston river, 
in the upper end of Washington county, on the 3d day of IVfay, 1824. He 
was the .son of Robert Jones and wife (formerly a IMiss Edmondson). He 
was educated at Emory and Henry College and at the Military Academy, 
\\'est Point, New York, from which institution he 
graduated in 1848, and was commissioned second 
lieutenant in the Mounted Rifles, and for three 
years served in that capacity in what was after- 
wards the State of Oregon. On January 13th, 1852, 
while on a furlough, he was united in marriage to 
Miss Eli/a ^l. Diuin, a daughter of Dr. Samuel 
Dunn, of this county. Mrs. Jones was accidentally 
drowned at Pass Cubolla, Texas, on the 2Gth of 
March, 1852, while on her way with her husband to 
join his command in the West. In 1857 he resigned 

„ -,, ,, , his command in the United States army, and after 

Gen. Win. K. .Tones •" 

visiting many places of interest in the Old World 

he returned to his father's estate, near Glade Spring, and with the assist- 
ance of several French and German emigrants he planted an extensive vine- 
yard, and was so engaged when the war between the States began. He or- 
ganized a cavalrj- company- in the spring of 1861, numbering 102 officers 
and men, to which was given the name of the Washington Mounted Rifles, 
afterwards Company D of the First Virginia Cavalry. In September, 1861, 
he wa.s commissioned colonel of the First Virginia Cavalry, which position 
he held until April, 1862, when ho was assigned to the command of the 
Seventh Virginia Cavalry, General Turner Ashby's old regiment, and was 
succeeiled in the command of the First Virginia Cavalry by Fitzhugh Lee. in 
September, 1S02, he was commissioned brigadier-general, and was assigned 
to a command in the Valley of Virginia, a serious disagreement ariising be- 
tween Generals Stuart and Jones. General Jones was assigned to the 
command of the Department of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee, 
and arrived upon the scene during the battle at Blountville. Shortly there- 
after he surprised the enemy near Rogersville, Tenn., and ca])tured from 
eight to nine hundred prisoners. He was at the siege of Kno.wille with 




754 



Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-1786. 



General Longstreet, and during the same fall and winter lie surprised and 
routed the Federal force of about six hundred officers and men stationed in 
Lee county. In the spring of 1864 his command took part in the battle of 
Cloyd's Mountain, in Pulaski canity. From Cloyd's Mountain he was or- 
dered to the Valley of Virginia to oppose the advance of the Federal forces 
under command of General Hunt. General Jones, with the infantry force 
he had at his command, advanced rapidly to Staunton, and from Staunton 
to Mt. Hope. At this point his forces were attacked by General Hunter, 
and eveiy indication pointed to the success of the Confederate arms, 
when General Jones indiscreetly rushed into the hottest of the fight to rally 
and encourage some of his men, when he was shot and fell from his horse 
dead. In a moment all was confusion, and the Confederates were routed. 
And thus ended the battle of Piedmont. 

General Jones was directly descended from one of the Edmiston families, 
whose ancestor participated in the battle of King's Mountain, and was one 
of the bravest and most striking figures that Washington county has ever 
produced. 

liis remains were interred in the cemetery of the Old Glade Spring Pres- 
byterian church, and his grave is marked by a plain marble shaft, which 
bears the following inscription: 

Gen. Wm. E. Jones, 

killed 

June 5th, 1864, 

In the battle at Piedmont, Virginia, 

aged 

40 years and 27 days. 



JAMES L. WHITE. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Wm. Y. C. White and his wife, 
Margaret Greenway. Was born at Carpet Hill, Abingdon, Va., the home of 
his father, on the 29th of August, 1842. Was edu- 
cated at the Abingdon Academy and University of, 
Virginia. Was a student at the University of Vir-1 
ginia m the spring of 1861, joined a company atl 
the University and went to Harper's Ferry in thel 
spring of that year. Became lieutenant of Captain! 
J. F. McIIhaney's company (Russell county) in the! 
Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment, and became adju-l 
tant of the Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment. Af-ji 
terwards served on the staff of General Wm. Terrj 
Wounded at Appomattox Springs a few days before 
the surrender, and was left upon the battle-field anc 
thought to be dead. Afterwards recovered and 
After the close of the war he studied law, and gradr 
ated in this profession from Washington and Lee University. Was licensei 
and began the practice of law in Abingdon, and in the spring of 1870 wai' 
elected Commonwealth's Attorney foi' this county by 1,600 majority 




James L. White. 
turned to his home. 



Washington County, 1111-1810. 755 

Since that time lias been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, 
and has attained that position where it may be said of him that he is the 
peer of any lawyer to be found in our country. A high-toned, honorable 
gentleman, an honor to his country and a credit to his profession. Early 
in life he married Miss Kate Robertson, daughter of Governor WyndhaH 
Kol)ertson, and they iiavc roared a large family of sons and daughters. 



MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. 



ANDREW MOORE. 
Was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia. Received an academical eau 
cation. Was elected a representative from Virginia in the First Congress, 
and was reelected to the Second, Third and Fourtli Congresses, serving from 
March, 1789 to 1797. Succesisfully contested the election of Thos. Lewis in 
the Eighth Congress, serving from March, 1804, to Novmber 6, 1804, when he 
was appointed a United States Senator from Virginia (in place of Wilson 
Gary Nicholas, resigned). Was subsequently elected a United States Senator 
(in place of Abraham B. Vcuable, resigned), sei-ving from December 17, 1804, 
to !March 3, 1809. Served in the Continental army, his company forming a 
part of Morgan's Corps at the battle of Saratoga. Member of the conven- 
tion that ratified the Constitution of the United States in 1788. Many 
times a member of the Legislature from Rockbridge county. Brigadier- 
general of militia, and in 1809 was appointed a major-general of militia. 
In the year 1810 he was appointed United States Marshal for the State of 
Virginia, and served in that position to the date of his death, which oc- 
curred on the 24th of May, 1821. 

FRANCIS PRESTON. 

Son of Colonel Wm. Preston, of Smithfield. Was 
born at Greenfield (now Botetourt county) on the 
2a day of August, 1765. Graduated at William and 
Mary College and studied law under Chancellor 
Wythe. Settled in Abingdon and began the prac- 
tice of law, and was for many years recognized as 
one of the ablest lawyers in this section of the 
Slate, ilarried Sarah Buchanan Campbell, daugh- 
Coi. ?'iancis rrcston. tor of General William Campbell, on the 10th 
January, 1793. Elected a member of Congress in the same year, and 
served till the year 1797. After retiring from Congress he settled at the 
Saltworks. In the year 1810 he removed to Abingdon. Elected to the 
General Assembly from Washington county. Was commissioned a colonel, 
and marched with his regiment to Norfolk in 1814. He was elected briga- 
dier-general of militia by the General Assembly of Virginia in 1820. He 
died at the home of Wm. C. Preston, in South Carolina, on the 26th day of 
May, 1836, and his remains were interred at Aspinvale, near Seven-Mile 
Ford. He left a family of children, all of whom became distinguished, 




756 Southivest Virginia, 171,6-1786. 

viz., United States Senator Wm. C. Preston, of South Carolina; CJeneral 
John S. Preston, of South Carolina; Thomas L. Preston, University of Vir- 
ginia; Mrs. Wade Hampton, of South Carolina; Mrs. Robert J. Brecken- 
ridge, of Kentucky; Mrs. General Carrington, of Albemarle county; Mrs. 
John B. Floyd, of Washington county; Mrs. James McDowell, of Virginia; 
Mrs. John M. Preston, of Abingdon.* 

ABRAM TRIGG. 

Born in Montgomery county, Virginia. Was elected a representative 
from Virginia in the Fifth Congress. Was reelected to the Sixth, Seventh, 
Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Congresses, serving from May 15th, 1797, to 
March 3d, 1809. 

DANIEL SHEFFEY. 

Was born at Frederick, Maryland, in 1770. Was bred a shoemaker In his 
father's shop, but became proficient in astronomical and mathematical 
studies. Arriving at manhood, he walked into Virginia, carrying his tools, 
and finally located at Abingdon. Studied law under Alexander Smyth. 
Was admitted to the bar, and soon enjoyed a lucrative practice. Was 
elected from Augusta county to the House of Delegates. Was elected a 
representative from Virginia to the Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth and 
Fourteenth Congresses as a Federalist, sei'ving from May 22d, 1809, to 
March 3d, 1817. Died in Augusta county, Virginia, December 3d, 1830. 

ALEXANDER SMYTH. 

Alexander Smyth was born on the Island of Rothlin, Ireland, in 1765 
Emigrated to the United States in 1775, and located in Botetourt county, 
Virginia. Received an academic edvication. Studied law, was admitted to 
the bar in 1789, and commenced practice at Abing 
don. Removed in 1792 to Wythe county. Was a 
member of the State House of Representatives in 
1792, 1796, 1800, 1804-1808. Was appointed by 
President Jefferson colonel of a United States rifle 
regiment, which he commanded at tlie Southwest 
until 1811, when he was ordered to Washington to 
prepare a discipline for the army. Was appointed 
inspector-general in 1812 and ordered to the Cana 
dian frontier, where he failed in an invasion of 
'^'S^^^^^^^ - Canada and left the army. Resumed his practice. 

Was appointed a member of the State Bonrd of 
Public Works. Was again elected to the State 
House of Representatives. Was elected a representative from Virginia in; 
the Fifteenth Congresis, receiving 1,443 votes, against 711 votes for; 
Estill. Was reelected to the Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth' 
Congresses, serving from December 1st, 1817, to March 3d, 1825. Was again 




♦Three of his sons-in-law were Governors, one of South Carolina and two of 
Virginia. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 



757 



elected to the Twentieth Congress, receiving 2,604 votes, against 091 votes 
tor Sliarp, and was reelected to the Twenty-first Congress, serving from 
JJecembcr 3d, 1827, to Ajjril 17, 1830, when he died at Washington city, 
lie' published "Kegulations of United States Infantry" and "Remarks on 
the Apocalypse." General Smyth had four children— Harold, Alexander, 
Malvina and Frances. Malvina married Captain John P. Matthews, who 
was for many years clerk of Wythe County Court and a member of the 
State Constitutional Convention 1829-1830. Frances married Captain 
James II. Piper, who at one time represented the Wythe district in the 
^tate Senate. Colonel Piper had the distinction of climbing the Natural 
Bridge in Virginia. 

JOSEPH DRAPER. 

Son of J(jhn and Jane Crockett Draper. Born in Draper's Valley De- 
i-ember 25th, 1794. Enlisted as a private in the war of 1812-1814. Studied 
law under Daniel ShcfTey, and was admitted to the bar at Wytheville in 1818. 
His fame as an orator came with his first case in court, and it is said that 
he was one of the most brilliant speakers of his day. 
In 1820 he married ^largaret Sawyers, a daughter or 
John T. Sawyers, of Max Meadows, Va. In 1828 he 
was elec'tcd to the State Senate over General Janus 
Hoge, of Pulaski. He was elected to Congress to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the death of General Smyth, 
in 1830, and was again elected to fill the vacancy oc- 
casioned by the death of Chas. C. Johnston, in 1832. 
AVhile in Congress he was a wa,rm friend and great 
admirer of John C. Calhoun, and was on the friend- 
liest terms with liis colleague and couisin, David 
Crockett, of Texas. He was a great friend of Daniel 
Webster, with whom he was associated in a number 
of cases before the Supreme Court of the United States 
10th, 1834, aged forty years. 




Joseph Draper. 
He died on June 



CHAHLES C. JOHNSTON. 

Son of Judge Peter Johnston. Was bom at Panicello, near Abingdon. 
Received an academic education. Studied law, was admitted to the bar, and 
commenced practice at Abingdon. Was elected a representative from Vir- 
ginia in the Twcntj'-second Congress, serving from December 5th, 1831, to 
.Fune 17th, 1832, when he went to Alexandria, Virginia, to visit a friend, 
and on his return at night he fell from the wharf into the Potomac river 
and was drowned. Mr. Johnston was a brilliant orator and splendid law- 
yer. He left two children — John Preston Johnston, who was killed in the 
Mexican war, and Mrs. Eliza M. Hughes, wife of Judge Robert \\. Hughes. 



JOHN H. FULTON. 

Born in Augusta coiinty. Educated at Hampden-Sidney College. Studied 
law under Judge Baldwin, of Staunton. Located in Abingdon. Admitted 



758 Southwest Yirginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 

to the bar. Elected to the House of Delegates from Washington county 
1823-1824. Represented the Washington district in the Senate of Virginia 
1829-1831. Was elected to the Twenty-third Congress as a Whig, receiving 
2,621 votes, against 1,257 for Wm. Byars, Democrat, serving from Decem- 
ber 2d, 1833, to March 3d, 1835. Was a candidate for reelection when he 
died, in January, 1836, his opponent in this election being George W. Hop- 
kins. His remains vi^ere interred in the Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abing- 
don, Va., and his grave is at this day marked by a large iron slab, upon 
which is the following inscription: 

" Tread not upon his ashes, 
For he was the poor man's friend." 

Notwithstanding this inscription, a path through the cemetery passes al- 
most directly over this grave. 

GEORGE W. HOPKINS. 

George W. Hopkins was born in Goochland county, Virginia, February 
22d, 1804. Received a public school edvication. Taught school in Smyth 
county. Studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice at 
Lebanon, Virginia. Was a member of the State House of Representatives 
1833-1834. Was elected a representative from Virginia 
in the Twenty-fourth Congress as a Democrat, defeating 
John H. Fulton. Wais reelected to the Twenty-fifth Con- 
gress, receiving 1,475 majority over John N. Humes, 
Whig. W^as reelected to the Twenty-sixth Congress, re- 
ceiving 2,821 votes, against 2,308 votes for George, 
Whig. Was reelected to the Twenty-seventh Congress. 
Was reelected to the Twenty-eighth Congress, receiving 
about 1,000 majority over Fulton, Whig. Wajs reelected 
George W. Hopkins. *° *^^ Twenty-ninth Congress, serving from December 
7th, 1835, to March 3d, 1847. Was charge d'affaires to 
Portugal March 3d, 1847, to October 18, 1849. Was again a member of the 
State House of Representatives in 1849. Was a judge of the Circuit Court. 
Was again elected to the Thirty-fifth Congress, receiving 5,318 votes, against 
5,249 votes for Martin, American, serving from December 7th, 1857, to 
March 3d, 1859. Was again elected a member of the State House of Rep- 
resentatives, and died March 2, 1861. Was elected a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention 1850, but in the fall of that year resigned and was i 
elected Speaker of the House of Delegates of Virginia. 

ANDREW S. FULTON. . ] 

Born in Augusta county September, 1800. Educated at Hampden-Sidney 1 
College. Studied law in the office of Judge Baldwin, in Staunton, Virginia. 
Located in Abingdon, Virginia, in 1825. Removed to Wythoville in 1828. 
Represented Wythe county one term in the Legislature. Was several times 

Comwo»wealth'§ Attorney of Wythe, Elected to the Tlurtieth Congress fa \ 




Washington County, 1777-1870. 



,759 



a Whig, receiving 2,084, against 2,078 votes for McMullen, Democrat, and 
serving from December Gth, 1847, to March 3d, 1849, and in the year 1852 
was elected judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit 
of Virginia, and held this position for seventeen 
years. He died in November, 1884. 

FAYETTE McMULLEN. - 

\\as born in Scott county, Virginia. Received an 
academic education. Was a stage driver by pro- 
fession. Was elected to the Senate of Virginia from 
the Washington district in the year 1838, and 
served till the year 1849. Was elected as a repre- 
sentative of Virginia in the Thirty-first Congress as 
a Democrat, receiving 4,421 votes, against 2,155 
votes for George, Whig. Was reelected to the 
Thirty-second and Tliirty-third Congresses, having 
no opposition. Was reelected to the Thirty-fourth Congress, receiving 7,383 
votes, against 3,982 votes for Connally F. Trigg, American, serving from 
December 3d, 1849, to March 3d, 1857. Was appointed 
by President Buchahan Governor of Washington Ter- 
ritory, ser\'ing 1857-1861. Was elected a representa- 
tive in the Second Confederate Congress from Vir- 
ginia, serving from February 22d, 1804, to the over- 
throw of the Confederacy. Was many times a candi- 
date for Congress subsequently to the war, and died in 
the year 1881. having been killed on the railroad near 
Marion, V^irginia. 




Aiitlivw S. Fulton. 




IJcirii in I 




ELBERT S. MARTIN. 
ndiaiin. Removed to Lee county, and was Fayette McMullen. 
reared in Jonesville. Educated at Emory and Henry 
College; married Martha Dickenson in 1852. Was a 
merchant by profession. Was elected to the Thirty- 
sixtli Congress as an American, receiving 6,382 votes, 
agiiinst 5,579 votes for Ben Rush Floyd, Democrat, 
serving from December 5th, 1859, to March 3d, 1861. 
Was elected captain of the fii"st company that left 
Jonesville for the Confederate service, and remained 
in the service until the surrender. Emigrated to 
Texas in 1870, and died in the city of Dallas on Sep- 
tember 3d, 1876. His daughter, Mrs. Dr. M. L. Stal- 
lard, now lives at Norton, Va. 






WALTER PRESTON. 

Son of John M. Preston. Born in Abingdon, Virginia. Educated for the 
bar. He became distinguished in his profession as a lawyer and an orator. 



760 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 



Candidate for Attorney-General of Virginia previously to the war between 
the States. Was elected to the Confederate Congress in November, 1861, 
defeating Fayette McMullen. Died shortly after the war. 




JAMES KING GIBSON. 

Son of John and Amelia C. Gibson. Born in Abingdon February 18th, 
1812. Received a common school education, and was brought up in a store. 
Went to Limestone county, Alabama, in 1833, and engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. Returned to Virginia, and was deputy 
sheriff of Washington county in 1834, and again in 
1835. Was a merchant in Abingdon from 1835 to 
1840. Was postmaster at Abingdon (a distribu- 
ting office) from 1838 to 1849, by the appoint- 
ments of Presidents Van Buren, Tyler and Polk. 
Was appointed teller and clerk in tlie branch of 
the Exchange Bank of Virginia at Abingdon in 
1849; also notary public, and held all these offices 
until after the war, when he became a farmer, and 
was elected a representative froin Virginia in the 
Forty-first Congress as a Democrat, receiving 
James King Gibson. 14,508 votes, against 5,966 votes for Smith, Radi- 
cal, iserving from January 28th, 1870, to March 3d, 1871. Died March 30th, 
1879. 

WDXIAM TERRY. 

William Terry was born in Amherst county, Vii'ginia, August 14th, 1824. 
Received a classical education, gradiuiting at the University of Virginia in 
1848. Taught school. Studied law, was admitted to 
the bar, and commenced practice at Wytheville in 
September, 1851. Was for some eighteen months on.- 
of the editors and proprietors of the Telegraph. Was 
in the military service of Virginia in the "John 
Brown raid" in 1859. Entered the Confederate army 
in April, 1861, as lieutenant in the Fourth Virginia 
Infantry, "Stonewall Brigade." Served during the 
war, and by successive promotions attained the rank 
of brigadier-general March 20th, 1864. Was elected a 
representative from Virginia in the Forty-second 
Congress as a Conservative, receiving 10,398 votes, 
against 4,384 votes for F. McMullen, Independent 

Democrat, and 3,922 votes for R. W. Hughes, Republican, serving from 
March 4th, 1871, to March 3d, 1873. Was again elected to the Forty-fourth 
Congress as a Conservative, receiving 8,052 votes, against 1,821 votes for 
G. W. Henderlite, Republican, and 6,760 votes for F. McMullen, Independent, 
serving from December 6th, 1875, to March 3d, 1877. He was accidentally 
drowned in Wohlford's Ford, Reed Creek, two miles south of Wytheville, 
when retuining from Grayson County Court, the 5th of September, 1888. 




W lUiam Teriy 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



,761 




REES T. BOWEN. 

Was born at Maiden Spring,', Tazewell county, Virginia, January 10th, 
1809. Received an academical education at home and at the Abingdon 
Academy. Was a fanner and grazier. Married Maria Louisa Pcery, Janu- 
ary l.'J, 18.35. Was appointed brigadier-general of Virginia militia by Gov- 
ernor Wise. Represented Tazewell county in the 
Legislature of Virginia in 1863-1864. Was elected 
to, the Forty-third Congress as a Conservative, re- 
ceiving 10,352 votes, against 5,304 votes for R. W. 
Hughe.s, serving from December 1st, 1873, to Marcli 
3d, 1875. Died August 2nth, 1879. Was a direct 
lineal descendant of lyieutenant Rees Bowen. who 
\\;is killed at the halde of King's Moimlaiii. 

A. L. PRIDEMORE. 

^Vas born in Scott county, Virginia, June 27th, 
1837. Was brought up on a farm. By his own exer- 
tions, alternately teaching and going to school, he at- 
tained a fair English education. In August, 1861, 
he raised a company of volunteer infantry, and served 
as its captain until 1862, when he was promoted to 
major of the Twenty-first Battalion of Virginia In- 
faTitr}-. Was again promoted in December, 1862, to lieu- 
tenant-colonel of infantry, and in Octol)er, 1803, colo- 
nel of cavalry, and commanded the Sixty-fourth Vir- 
ginia Cavalry until the close of the war. Was elected 
a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in 
March, 18G5, but the close of the war prevented him 
from taking his seat. Commenced the study of law in 
lS(i5. Was admitted to the bar and practised at Jones- 
villc. \\ as a member of the Virginia State Senate 1871- 
1875, and was elected a representative from Virginia 

in the Forty-;second Congress as a Democrat, receiv- 
ing 15,127 votes, against 4,791 votes for George T. 
Egbert, Republican, serving from ISlarch 3d, 
1877, to 1879. Died at his home, in .Fcmesville, Lee 
county. May 17th, 1900. 



Rees T. Bowen. 




A L. Pridemore. 




JAjMES BUCHANAN RICHMOND. 

Was born in Turkey Cove, Lee county, ^'irginia, on 

the 27th day February, 1847. Received a limited 

education at Emoiy and Henry College. Practised 

law in the circuit and county courts of Lee, Scott 

.lam. s 1!. Rirhmonrt. ,^,„| ^yj^^ countie.s, Virginia, and in the Court of 

Apliials ;it \\ ytlu'ville, Virginia. Held the office of orderly sergeant and 

i;i|p|,iin I'f (■(iin|>;niy "A." Fifliclli N'irgiuia Infantry, duriTig llic lirst year 



762 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 




of the war, in the command of General John B. Floyd, of Virginia. Was 
afterwards major of the Sixty-fourth Virginia Regiment for a time. Was 
promoted to lieutenant-colonel, Sixty-fourth Virginia Regiment, some time 
before the close of the war, and was elected to the Forty-sixth Congress as 
a Democrat, receiving 5,120 votes, against 4,829 votes for Fayette McMullen, 
Independent; 4,640 votes for Samuel W. Newberry, Independent, and 613 
votes for Camp, Republican. Was a member of the House of Delegates from 
Scott county in 1873. Judge of the County Court of 
Scott county for six years, beginning in the year 1885. 
Advocated sound money in his candidacy for Congress 
in the year 1877. Was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of 1901-1902. Now actively practicing law 
at Gate City, Virginia. 

COLONEL ABRAM FULKERSON. 

Colonel Fulkerson was born on the 13th day of May, 
1834, four miles north of Bristol, in Washington county, 
Virginia. His father was Abram Fulkerson, a captain 
in the war of 1812, and his mother was Margaret Vance. 
He graduated at the Virginia Military Institute in 1857. Taught school at 
Palmyra, Virginia, and at Rogersville, Tennessee, and was at the latter 
place when the civil war began. He raised a company in Hawkins county, 
Tennessee, and joined the Ninth Tennessee Regiment at Knoxville, and was 
elected major of the regiment. Was severely wounded at the battle of 
Shiloh. He assisted in organizing the Sixty-third Tennessee Regiment, and 
was commissioned colonel on the 12th day of February, 1864, and was again 
wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. In 1866 he began the practice of 
law, and rapidly rose to the front ranks. He was elected to the Virginia 
House of Delegates in 1871-1873; to the Senate of Virginia in 1877-1879. 
Was elected to the Forty-seventh Congress as a Re- 
adjuster, receiving 8,096 votes, against 7,621 votes 
for C. F. Trigg, Funder; 3,640 votes for G. G. 
Goodell, Republican, and 500 votes for Fayette Mc- 
Mullen, Independent. He died on December 17th, 
1902, at his home^ in Bristol, Virginia. 



Col. A bra ui Fulkerson 




HENRY BOWEN. 

Son of Rees T. Bowen. Was born at Maiden 
Spring, Tazewell county, Virginia, December 26th, 
1841. Received a collegiate education. Entered 
the Confederate army in 1861 ; served continuously 
most of the time as captain of cavalry in Payne's 
Brigade, Lee's Division, Army of Northern Virginia, until December 21st, 
1864, when he was captured in a night attack by Sheridan's cavalry at Lacy 
Springs, Virginia. When released from Fort Delaware, Delaware, June 
19th, 1865, returned to Virginia and engaged in farming and grazing. In 



Helii'v Bowen. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



763 



1869 was elected to the Virginia Legislature, and reelected in 1871. In 
1882 was elected to Congress as a Readjuster, and was elected to the Fiftieth 
Congress as a Republican, receiving 13,497 votes, against 9,927 votes for 
R. R. Henry, Democrat. 




Connally F. Trit 



CONNALLY F. TRIGG. 

Was born at Abingdon September 18th, 1847. Is a lawyer. Was elected 
Commonwealth's Attorney for Washington county in 1872, which position 
he held until he resigned in 1884. Was elected to the 
Forty-ninth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 13,844 
votes, against 12,650 votes for D. F. Bailey, Republi- 
can. 

JOHN ALEXANDER BUCHANAN. 
Was bom October 7th, 1843. Was a private in the 
Stonewall Brigade, Confederate army. Was taken 
prisoner at Gettysburg July 3d, 1863, and remained 
in prison until February, 1865. Graduated froiu 
Emory and Henry College, Emory, Virginia, June, 
1870. Studied law at the University of Virginia, 
1870-1871. Was a member of the House of Delegates 

of Virginia from 1885 until 1887. Was elected to the 

Fifty-first Congress as a Democrat, receiving 16,520 

votes, against 16,042 votes for Henry Bowen, Repub- 
lican. Was reelected to the Fifty-second Congress by 

an overwnelming majoritj' ; declined a renomination, 

and was soon thereafter elected judge of the Court of 

Appeals of Virginia, which position he now occupies. 

JAMES W. ]\IARSHALL. 

Mr. Marshall was born in Augusta county, Vir- 
ginia, March 31st, 1844. Served as a private soldior 
for four years in Confederate army commanded by 
General R. E. Lee. Attended Roanoke College part 
of two sessions, and graduated from same in 1870. Studied law and w;is 
admitted to the bar. Was elected Conunon wealth's Attorney for Craig 
county in 1870; served until 1875. Elected to Virginia Senate in 1875, and 
served four years. Elected a member of the General Assembly of Virginia 
in 1882-1883. Elected Commonwealth's Attorney for Craig county in 1884, 
and served until 1888. Was a presidential elector on the Cleveland and 
Thurman ticket in 1888. Elected to the Virginia Senate in 1891 for a term 
of four years, and was elected to tlie Fifty-third Congress as a Democrat, 
receiving 18,431 votes, against 12,699 votes for H. C. Wood, Republican; 
1,709 votes for George W. Cowan, People's party, and 135 votes scattering. 
Elected a meml>er of the Virginia Con.stitutional Convention 1901-1902. 
Now practising law at Newcastle, Craig county, Virginia. 




John A. Buchanan.' 



764 



S until west Virginia, 1746-1786. 



JAMES ALEXANDER WALKER. 

Wajs born in Augusta county, Virginia, August 27th, 1832. Was edu- 
cated at the Virginia Military Institute. Studied law at the University of 
Virginia during the sessions of 1854 and 1855. Began the practice of law in 
Pulaski county, Virginia, in 1856, and followed the practice of his profes- 
sion until his death, which occurred on October 20tli, 
1901. Entered the Confederate army in April, 1861, 
as captain of the Pulaski Guards, afterwards Com- 
pany C, Fourth Virginia Infantry, Stonewall Brigade. 
Was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and asisigned to 
the Thirteenth Virginia Infantry (A. P. Hill, colonel) 
in July, 1861. Promoted to colonel of the Thirteenth 
Virginia Infantry in March, 1862, and May, 1863, wa« 
promoted to brigadier-general and assigned to com- 
mand of the "Stonewall Brigade." Commanded 
Early's old division at the surrender at Appomattox. 
Was severely wounded at Spotsylvania Courthouse 
May 12th, 1864. Elected Commonwealth's Attorney 
for Pulaski county in 1860. Represented Pulaski covmty in the House of 
Delegates of Virginia in 1871-1872. Was elected Lieutenant-Governor of 
Virginia in 1877. Removed to Wytheville, where he practiced his profes- 
sion. Was elected to the Fifty-fourth Congress as a Republican, defeating 
Judge H. S. K. Morrison, of Scott county, Democrat, by about 1,000 ma- 
jority, and was reelected to the Fifty-fifth Congress, receiving 16,077 votes, 
against 14,900 votes for S. W. Williams, Democrat. 




James A. Walker. 



WILLIAM FRANCIS RHEA. 

Was bom in Washington county, Virginia, forty-seven years ago. Worked 
on a farm and attended oldfield School until sixteen years of age. Attended 
college about three years, then studied law and was admitted to the bar. 
Soon afterwards was elected judge of the County Court of Washingion 
county. Served four years, and was then elected to the State Senate. 
Served four years, and was then elected judge of the 
City Court of Bristol. Jn 1895 resigned the city 
judgeship and resumed the practice of law. Was 
unanimously nominated by the Democratic party and 
elected to the Fifty-sixth Congress, and was reelected 
to the Fifty -seventh Congress, receiving 20,163 votes, 
to 18,412 for James A. Walker, Republican. 




CAMPBELL SLEMP. 



Was born in Lee county, Virginia, December 2d. 
1839. Until 1880 was allied with the Democratic; 
party. Was reared on a farm, and has been a farmer most of his life, being 
also engaged in the live-stock business and in trading in coal and timber 



Campbell !?1< mp- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



765 



lands. Was a student at Emory and Henry College, Virginia, but did noi 
graduate, owing to the death of his father. Served in the Confedcrat-j 
army as captain and lieutenant-colonel in the Twenty-first Virginia Bat- 
talion, and as colonel of the Sixty-fourth Regiment, which wojs both infantry 
aJid cavalry. Was elected to the House of Delegates in 1879 and 1881; was 
defeated by forty votes in 1883. Ran for Lieutenant-Governor with Wni. 
Mahone in 1889. Was elector on the Harrison ticket in 1888, and on the 
McKinley ticket in 1896. Was married in 18G4 to Miss Nannie B. Cawood. 
of Owlsey county, Kentucky. Was elected to the Fifty-eighth Congress, re- 
ceiving 13,G94 votes, to 13,470 for Wm. F. Rhea, Democrat. 



UNITED STATES SENATOR. 



i-\.^^!r ^5* 



JOHN WARFIELD JOHNSTON. 

Tlie subject of this sketeh was born at "Panicello," one-quarter of a mile 
east of Abingdon, at the home of his grandfather. Judge Peter Johnston, in 
tlie year 1818. He was the son of Dr. John W. Joluiston and Louisa Boweu 
.InlmNtnn. He was educated at the Abingdon Academy, University of South 
Carolina, and the University of Virginia. He mar- 
ried Miss Narcissa Floyd, daughter of Governor John 
Floyd and sister of Governor John B. Floyd. He 
was licensed to practice law and admitted to the bar 
in 1840, and began the practice of hi.s profession at 
Tazewell Courtliouse. He served as Conunonwealth's 
Attorney for the county of Tazewell, was elected a 
member of the State Senate from the Tazewell dis- 
trict, and in the year 1859 removed to Abingdon, and 
after some years established himself at "Eggleston," 
the name of his country seat, four miles east of Abing- 
don (now the county poorhouse). In the year 1809 
he became judge of the Circuit Court, wliich position 
he lield a little more tlian ten months, when he resigned to take his seat in 
tlie Senate of the United States. He was three times elected by the General 
Assembly of Virginia a Senator in tlic ('(mgress of the United States from 
Virginia, serving from 1870-1883. He died in Richmond in 1890, and his 
remains were interred in the Catholic Cemetery at Wytheville. He was 
survived by his wife and the following children: Dr. Geo. Ben Johnston, 
of Richmond: Josepli B. Johnston, of Riclunond; Mrs. Loui.sa Bowen Trigg, 
wife of Daniel Trigg, of Abingdon; Mrs. Sallie J. Lee, wife of Captain Henry 
C. Lee; IVIrs. Lavalette McMullen, wife of John F. McMullen, of Elliott 
City, Maryland, and Misses Letitia Floyd Joluiston and Coralie Henry 
Johnston. 




lolni VV. Johnston. 



766 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



GOVERNORS OF VIRGINIA. 



WYNDHAM ROBERTSON. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was the son of William Robertson and Chris- 
tina Williams, his wife, and was born on the 26th of January, 1803, in the 
city of Richmond. He attended private schools in his native city, and com- 
pleted his education at William and Mary College in the year 1821. Studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in 1824. Was elected a member of th^ 
Council of the State in 1833, and on the 31st of March, 183G, became the 
senior member of the Covincil, and as such Lieutenant-Governor of the State, 
and upon the resignation of Governor Tazewell, in 
the same year, he became Governor of Virginia. Gov- 
ernor Robertson was a Whig in politics, and the 
Legislature being Democratic, he was succeeded as 
Governor of Virginia in 1837 by David Campbell, of 
Abingdon. Upon the expiration of the term of his 
office, in March, 1837, he retired to the country home 
of his wife, "Mary's Meadows," near to and south of 
Abingdon (his wife was Mary Trigg Smith, daughter 
of Captain Francis Smith, of Washington county), 
where he lived until 1858, when he returned to Rich- 
WyndlKiiu i:o))ertson .mond, and in I860 was elected a member of the House 
of Delegates of Virginia from Richmond city. He 
was opposed to Virginia's seceding from the Union, and did all he could Lo 
prevent the war between the States, but after the proclamation of Lincoln 
calling for troops from Virginia, he was from that time forth zealously 
active in all measures for the defence of his State. After the war he re- 
moved to Abingdon, where he died, on the 11th day of February, 1888, and 
his remains were interred at Cobbs, Chesterfield county. He was a man of 
excellent manners and of considerable ability. He was survived by his wife 
and the following children: Frank S. Robertson, Wyndham Robertson, 
Mrs. James L. White, Mrs. Connally F. Trigg and Mrs. W. W. Blackford. 




DAVID CAMPBELL. 

The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of John Campbell and Eliza- 
beth McDonald, his wife, of Hall's Bottom, Washington county, Virginia, 
and was born on the 2d of August, 1779, at Royal Oak (now in Smyth 
county), and was about eight years of age when his father removed to Hall's 
Bottom. There he grew up, receiving such education as the frontier settle- 
ments could provide. In the year 1794, in his fifteenth year, he was ap- 
pointed an ensign in Captain John Davis' company of militia. In 1799 he 
was commissioned a captain of a company of light infantry assigned to the 
Seventieth Regiment of Militia, and in the fall of the same year he married 
his cousin, Mary Hamilton. He studied law, and was licensed, but never 



Washwfjfon Counhj. 1777-1S70. 767 

practised liis profession. In 1802 he was appointed deputy clerk of the 
County Court of Washington county, and chiefly discharged the duties of 
the office to the year 1812. On the 6th of July, 1812, he was commissioned 
a major in the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, United States army, and 
marched with the forces to th« lakes of Canada, where he served under 
CJenerals Alexander Smyth and Van Rensselaer. On the 12th of March, 
1813, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Thirtieth Regiment, 
where he served until the j'ear 1814, when he resigned his commission. Upon 
his return home he entered the service of Virginia as aide-de-camp to Gov- 
ernor Barbour, and gave valuable assistance in organizing the large military 
forces called into the service in the summer of 1814. In the year 1815 he 
was elected by the General Assembly as general of the Third Brigade of the 
Virginia Militia. On the 25th of Januar}', 1815, he was appointed colonel 
of the Third Virginia Cavalry, and was afterwards transferred to the Fifth 
Regiment of Cavalry. Upon his return to Abingdon, 
he entered the clerk's office, where he remained until 
1820, when he was elected a member of the State Senate 
from the Abingdon district for the term of four years. 
Tn 1824 he was elected clerk of the County Court of 
Washington county, which position he occupied until 
he took his seat as Governor of Virginia, on the 31st 
of March, 1837. Governor Campbell, at the time of 
his election, was a Jackson Democrat, but while Gover- 
nor, and during the administration of President Van 
Buren, the sub-treasury scheme and the standing army David Campbell, 
bill, as they were commonly called, were made party 

measures, and being opposed to them, he warmly supported General Harri- 
son in the presidential campaign of 1840, and ever after acted with the 
Whig party. Governor Campbell, in his first message to the General Assem- 
bly, proposed the establishment of the common school system, of which he 
was one of the earliest advocates. Upon his retirement from the position 
of Governor of the Commonwealth, he was commissioned a justice of the 
peace for Washington county, and was diligent in the discharge of his 
duties as such until the year 1852, when he retired to private life, after 
having spent nearly one-half a century in the public service. In person 
Governor Campbell was about five feet eleven inches in height, spare and 
erect in carriage, with dark hair and eyes and intellectual countenance and 
pleasing manners. He died at "Mont Calm," his home, now the home of 
Colonel Cuniniingis, on March 19th, 1859, without issue, and his remains 
Mere interred in Sinking Spring Cemeteiy, Abingdon, Virginia. 

JOHN BUCHANAN FLOYD. 

The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Governor John and Lae- 
titia Preston Floyd. He was born at Smithficld (now Blacksburg, Mont- 
gomery county, Virginia,) June 1st, 1800. Graduated at the College of 
South Carolina in 182C. Studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1828, 
and began practise in bis native county. Settled in Waishington county in 




768 SouthweM Virginia, 171^6-1186. 

1839. In 1847 he was elected a member of the House of Delegates from 
Washington county, and while a member of the House of Delegates he was 
elected Governor of Virginia, of which office he took charge on January Lst, 
1849. The Washington monument, which graces the public square in Rich- 
mond, was authorized and commenced during the 
term of office of Governor Floyd. The corner-stone 
was laid on the 22d of February, 1850, in the pres- 
ence of a large concourse of people, among the num- 
ber being Zachaiy Taylor, Pi'esident of the United 
States. Governor Floyd was elected a member of the 
House of Delegates from Washington county in 
1855, served as a presidential elector in 1856, 
was appointed Secretary of War in the Cabinet 
of James Buchanan in IMarch, 1857, and served until 

December 20th, 1860, when he resigned and became 
John B. Floyd. ^ ;, ^ \ ■ -^ • + i 

an earnest advocate of secession. He was appomted 

brigadier-general in the Confederate States army on May 23d, 1861, and 
served with distinction through the war. He was chief in command at Fort 
Donaldson when it was besieged by General Grant, but made his escape from 
the fort on February 15th, 1862, with 3,000 men. He was commissioned a 
major-general by the General Assembly of Virginia, and was authorized to 
raise a division of troops from among the classes not embraced in the con- 
scription acts of the Southern Confederacy. He died August 26th, 1863, at 
Abingdon. He married in early life Sarah Buchanan Preston, daughter of 
General Francis Preston, and died without issue. His remains were interred 
iji Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, Virginia. 




JUDGES OF THE COURTS. 



SUPERIOR COURT OF LAW. 



JUDGE PETER JOHNSTON. 
1811-1831. 
The subject of this sketch was a son of Peter and Martha Johnston, of 
"Longwood," Prince Edward county, Virginia. He was educated at Hamp- 
den-Sidney College, receiving a classical education. At the age of seventeen 
he ran off from his home and joined Lee's Legion. Was made a lieutenant. 
In 1782 he resigned from Lee's Legion, joined the Light Coi-ps formed 
by General Greene, and was adjutant, with the rank of captain. Upon the 
close of the Revolutionary war he returned to his father's home, studied 
law, and practised his profession in Prince Edward and the adjoining coun- 
ties. He was elected a member of the Virginia House of Delegates several 
times, and was a member at the time of the celebrated resolutioiLs of 1798- 
1799, and the speech that he made upon this occasion was considered so able 



Washing Ion County, 1777-1870. 



769 



lliat it was publislied in full in the Regisltr, then llio loading paper in Hit; 
United States. In 1811 he was elected a judge of tiie General Court and 
assigned to the Prince Edward Circuit, but he ex- 
. . - ~ changed circuits with Judge Wm. Brockenhrougli, 

who had been assigned to the Southwest Virginia 
Circuit, and came to Abingdon to live, and for 
twenty-one years lived at '•Panicello," one fourth 
of a mile east of Abingdon, and presided over the 
Superior Court of Law for this district with dis- 
tinguished ability for more than twenty years. Ho 
died December 8th, 1831, and was buried near his 
home, in this count}^ He was commissioned n 
brigadier-general by the Legislature in early life, 
and left a distinguished family of children. His 
wife, ]\Liry Johnston, was the daughter of Valen- 
tine W'iiod and Luey Henry, his wife, a sister of Patiiek Henry and a 
woman of dislinguished ability. The names of his deseendantis were John 
\V. Johnston, I'eter Carr Johnston, Edward Johnston, General Jos. E. John- 
ston, Beverly Randolph Johnston, Chas. C. Johnston, Benjamin Johnston, 
Mrs. Jane C. IMitchell and Algernon Sidney Johnston. 




.IU(lt;e Peter .lohnstoii. 



CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT OF LAW AND CHANCERY. 



BENJAMIN ESTILL. 

1831-1852. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of Benjamin Estill and Kitty 
MolTett, who .settled upon 1,400 acres of land that they purchased from 
Colonel Wm. Christian at Hansonville (now in 
Russell county, Virginia,) (m January 1st, 177t). 
Benjamin E.still, Jr., wa.s born on this farm on 
the 13th day of March, 1780. He received an aea 
demic education. Studied law, was admitted to 
the l)ar. and .settled in Abingdon. He became the 
Attorney for the Commonwealth for this county, 
and lilled the position with di.stinguished ability 
for many years. He was elected a member of tho 
Legislature fnmi Washington county; proposed 
and advocated the formation of the county of 
Seott, and gave to the county its name. He was a 
great admirer of Wintield Seott, with whom he 
agreed in politics, and thus sought to honor him. 
To the new county seat wa.s given the name of 

Estillville ( imw Gate City). Such was the popularity of Benj. Estill that 
in the year 1825 he wais elected to the Nineteenth Congress of the United 
States from this district, receiving nearly every vote cast, and serving from 




Benjamin EstUl. 



770 Southwest Virginia, 17^6-1786. 

1825-1827. Upon the reorganization of the courts of the Commonwealth, 
in the year 1831, he was elected a member of the General Court and as- 
signed to the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of Lee, 
Scott, Russell, Washington and Tazewell, and served with distinguished 
ability in this capacity until the year 1852, when he resigned his office and 
moved to a farm in Oldham county, Kentucky, where he died and was 
buried, his death occurring on July 14th, 1853. Judge Estill was six feet 
four inches in height, broad-shouldered and of striking appearance, and is 
said to have been the most eloquent man this county has produced in its 
history. Persons now living make the statement that the citizens of Abing- 
don would close their business houses and crowd the courthouse on the first 
day of his court to hear him deliver his charge to the grand jury, such was 
his eloquence and attractiveness. While judge of the Circuit Court he lived 
in the residence now occupied by Thos. W. White, on Main street, Abingdon, 
Virginia, until 1844, and subsequently thereto on a farm about one mile west 
of Jonesville, Virginia, on the Mulberry Gap road, and now owned by Judge 
Morgan. Fifty years have passed since Judge Estill ceased to move among 
the people of Southwest Virginia, still his strong and powerful mind, his 
piety, patriotism, eloquence, gentle manners and transcendant legal abilities 
are fresh in the memory of our people, and the position attained by him in 
the front rank of the men of Southwest Virginia has not been questioned 
with the passing of the years. Of him it may be truly said : 

" The sweet remembrance of the just 
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust." 

What better evidence of the true merit of the man? What a tribute to 
his memory. 

JUDGE SAMUEL V. "FULKERSON. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of Abram Fulkerson and Margaret 
Vance, and was bom at his father's farm (now the John E. Burson farm), 

in the lower end of this county, in the year , but 

was principally reared in Grainger county, Tennessee. 
He enlisted as a private in Colonel McClelland's regi- 
ment in the Mexican war, and served throughout the 
war with distinction. Studied law and began tho 
practice of his profession at Estillville in 1846. Was 
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention of 
1850. Was elected judge of this circuit, defeating 
Jos. Strass, of Tazewell county, in the year 1856, and 
served until the spring of the year 1861, when he was 
elected and commissioned colonel of the Thirty- 
seventh Virginia Regiment of Infantry and com- j^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^ 
manded this regiment until June 27th, 1862, when he 

fell mortally wounded whilst gallantly leading the Third Brigade in a bold 
and splendid charge upon one of the enemies' strong positions on the Chicka- 
hominy. He died on the following day, and his remains were interred in 
the Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, Virginia. His career, in the words 




Washington County, 1777-1870. 



,771 



of anotlier, wa.s bright, brief and useful, and his name deserves to be in- 
scribed in the catalogue of the names of the gallant men who died for tlieir 
countiy. Judge Fulkerson was never married. 



JOHN A. CAMPBELL. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was the son of Edward Campbell. Was born 
at Hall's Bottom, in this county, in the year 1823. Educated at the Abing- 
don Academy, Emory and Henry College and Vir- 
ginia Military Institute. Studied law, and was 
licensed in 1846. Was a Whig candidate for the 
Legislature from Waishington county in 1852. 
Member of the Secession Convention of 1861. Com- 
missioned colonel of the Forty-eighth Virginia Regi- 
ment of Infantry in 1861. Wounded at Winchester, 
Virginia, in 1862. Was elected judge of this circuit 
in 1863, and served till 1869 with distinguished 
ability. Was president of Board of Trustees of 
Emory and Henry College for seventeen years. He 
was a patriot and the peer of any lawyer that prac- 
tised at thiiS bar during the many years of his life. 
He married Mary Branch, da\ighter of Peter Branch, and died without issue 
June 17th, 1886. 




John A. CampbelL 



JUDGE JOHN A. KELLY. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was born in Lee county, Virginia, June 23d, 
1821. He spent his early life carrying the mail and acquiring an education. 
At the age of sixteen he was employed in the clerk's office of Russell comity, 
and with the assistance of the Rev. James P. Carroll, clerk of the Russell 
court, he attended Emory and Henry College. He taught school in Smyth 
and Oiles counties, and while teaching in the latter 
count}' he studied law under Samuel Peck, with 
whom he aftersvards formed a partnership. Was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1843. W^as cashier of the North- 
western Bank of Virginia from 1854 until after the 
war. After the war he removed to Smyth county and 
formed a partnership with Judge Robert A. Richard- 
son, and enjoyed a lucrative practice. Was elected a 
member of the Legislature from Smyth county in 
18G9; in February, 1870, was elected judge of the 
Sixteenth Circuit; assumed this office on April 23d, 
1870, and continued to discharge the duties thereof 
imtil 1894, when he declined a reelection. Judge 
Kelly was excellently fitted for the duties of this office, and for nearly 
twenty-five years was diligent, upright and learned in the discharge of the 
duties of his position. He died at Marion, Virginia, November 17th, 1900. 




Judge Jno. A. Kelly. 



Southwest Virginia, 17J^6-1786. 



JUDGE JOHN PRESTON SHEFFEY. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of James White Sheffey and Ellen 
Fairnian Preston, his wife, and was born at Marion, Virginia, December 
12th, 1837. He graduated at Emory and Henry College in June, 1857. 
Studied law at the University of Virginia 1858-'59, and began the practice 
of law in 1859. Enlisted in the Confederate army, 
served as second and first lieutenant, and was elected 
captain of Company "A," Eighth Regiment of Vir- 
ginia Cavalry, at the reorganization in 1862; was taken 
prisoner at Moorefield, Virginia, August 7th, 1864, and 
confined in Camp Chase, Ohio, until February, 18G5; 
was exchanged, and afterwards joined his company at 
Appomattox. He resumed the practice of his profes- 
sion, and continued until January 1st, 1895, when he 
assumed the duties of judge of the Sixteenth Circuit of 
Virginia, to which position he had been elected by the 
General Assembly of Virginia. Was a member of the 
Legislature from Smyth county 1893-'94, and several times a member of 
the Council of Marion, Virginia. Was married June 19th, 18G3, to Miss 
Josephine Spiller, and has seven children, all living. 




John P. Sheffej'. 



JUDGE FRANCIS BEATTIE HUTTON. 

Was born two miles south of Emory and Henry College, this county, 
January 28th, 1858. Is a son of Dr. A. D. Hutton. Was educated in the 
public schools of the county. Liberty Hall Academy, and Emory and Henry 
College, graduating therefrom June, 1877. He read law under Judge Wm. 
V. Deadrick, Blountville, Tennessee, and General A. C. Cummings, Abing- 
don, Virginia, and at the University of Virginia. 
Was admitted to the bar in 1880, and has prac- 
tised his profession in Abingdon, in partnership at 
first with Professor Jas. H. Gilmore, of Marion, and 
afterwards until the present time with Martin H. 
Honaker. Was elected judge of the County Court 
in December, 1885, which position he resigned in 
October, 1886, to accept the position of Assistant 
United States Attorney for the Western District of 
Virginia, to which position he was appointed by 
President Cleveland. He resigned this position upon 
the election of President Harrison, and was elected 
Commonwealth's Attorney of Washington county in May, 1891, by 2,700 
majority. He was elected judge of the Twenty-third Judicial Circuit of 
Virginia February 12th, 1903. 




Francis B. Hutton. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



,773 



COUNTY JUDGES. 



REUBEN MURRELL PAGE. 

Reuben Munell Page was born at Abingdon, May 7(li, 1843. In May, 
18G1, went into the Confederate army as a member of the Washington 
Mounted Riflemen (under command of Captain, afterwards General, Wil- 
liam E. Jones), which company became Company "D" of the First Regi- 
ment of Virginia Cavalry. Was severely wounded 
near Newtown, in Frederick county, November 
12th, 1864. Was licensed as a lawyer in February, 
1868, after reading law in the office of Campbell & 
Humes from the fall of 1865 and serving as deputy 
clerk of the County Court, under Major Jas. C. 
Campbell, for about fourteen months. W^as mar- 
ried November, 1868, to Miss Mary Crawford, of 
Abingdon. Was the first county judge of Wash- 
ington county, being chosen to said position in 
April, 1870, and reelected in 1873, continuing in 
that office until the beginning of the year 1880. 
Was Grand Master of Masons of Virginia, Decem- 
ber, 1881, to December, 1883. In 1881 became a.ssociated with Colonel Abram 
Fuikerson in Ihe practice of law, under the name of Fulkerson & Page, 
wliicli law firm afterwards became Fulkerson, Page & Hurt. 




KfUl.rn Murifll Patrc 



JUDGE GEO. W. WARD, Jr. 
Son of Geo. W. Ward. Born at Winchester, Va., July 31st, 1847. 



Edu- 



cated at the Virginia Military Institute. Took part in the battle of New- 
market in May, 1864. Studied law in the law school of Judge Richard 
Parker at Winchester and at the University of Vir- 
ginia. Licensed to practise law, and settled at Spring- 
field, Missouri, in the year 1872. Came to Abingdon in 
1874, began the practice of his profession, and became 
the editor of the Abingdo7i Virginian. In the year 1880 
he was elected judge of the County Court of this 
county, which position he resigned before the expira- 
tion of his term. He subsequently filled the office ot 
Commonwealth's Attorney, and was thereafter twice 
elected county judge, which oflice he held at the time of 
his death. He became ill of pneumonia, and died on 
the 21st day of January, 1897. Judge Ward was a 
Bcholarly man, was able and energetic, and was recog- 
nized as an accurate, painstaking and honest lawyer. 
Rosalie Preston, daughter of the Hon. Walter Preston, who, with her son 
and daughter, survived him. 




Geo. W. Ward, Jr. 
He married Mb 



774 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 




David C. Cummings. 



JUDGE DAVID CAMPBELL CUMMINGS. 

Son of David C. and Eliza White Cummings. Born 
June 23d, 1861, in Abingdon. Served as deputy clerk 
of the County Court of Washington county from 
April, 1882, to July 1st, 1887. Was elected clerk of 
the County Court of Washington county, and served 
as such from July 1st, 1887, to February 1st, 1897. 
Commissioned judge of the County Court of Wash- 
ington county February 1st, 1897, and at the present 
time occupies this position. For many years a com- 
missioner of accounts, and served as president of the 
Board of Directors of the Southwest State Hospital, 
Marion, Virginia, from 1894 to 1898. 



MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 



EDWARD CAMPBELL. 
Son of John Campbell, of Hall's Bottom. Received an academic educa- 
tion. Studied law and was admitted tt) the bar. Served as Commonwealth's 
Attorney for Washington covmty for many years. Elected a member of the 
Constitutional Convention 1829-'30. Brother of Governor David Campbell 
and an uncle of Governor Wm. B. Campbell, of Tennessee. He left several 
sons, who became distinguished in their several spheres, to-wit : Judge John 
A. Campbell, Jos. T. Campbell, and Dr. E. M. Campbell. 



COLONEL WM. BYARS. 

Was born November ISth, 1776. A man of moderate education, but of 
fine judgment, made accurate by close observation. 
he by diligence and excellent management of farm- 
ing operations accumulated wealth, much of which 
he used in founding and promoting the interest 
of Emory and Henry College and for the public 
good in general. He was a leading member of the 
Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry College 
for many years. Member of the House of Dele- 
gates from Washington coimty 1809-1812. Can- 
didate for Congress 1833. Died February 14th, 
1856. Was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1829-1830. 




Col. Will. Baal's. 



CONNALLY F. TRIGG. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Abingdon March 8th, 1810. Studied 
law, became a lawyer of eminent ability, and had but few equals at the 



WnaMngion County. 1777-1870. 



775 



bar. Was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Washington county, May 
r2th, 1838. Candidate for Congress in 1855. In 1856 he removed to Knox.- 
ville, Tennessee, wliere he was soon recognized as the 
peer of any lawyer at the bar. He was appointed 
July 2d, 1802, by President Lincoln to the judgeship 
of the United States Circuit and District Courts of 
Tennessee. By liLs fiminess and decision upon the 
liencli he did much, if not more than any other one 
person in Tennessee, in quieting the turbulent ele- 
ments of the State during the terrible days of recon- 
struction. He died at his home, a few miles south of 
Bristol, Tcnnes.see, April 25th, 1880, and was buried 
at Abingdon. Was elected a member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention of 1850-1851. 




Connally F. Trijig. 



JOSEPH T. CAMPBELL. 

Son of Edward Campbell, of Hall's Bottom. Born at Hall's Bottom, in 
this county, in the year 1827. He was educated for the law, and settled and 
practised his profession at Abingdon. He took an active part in the war 
between the States. Became adjutant of the Thirty- 
seventh Virginia Infantry. Was elected Common- 
wealth's Attorney of Washington county, and 
served from 1862 to 1865. Was a member of the 
Constitutional Convention 1867-'68. Was educated 
at the Abingdon Academy, University of Virginia 
%* ^aitfTl'm 1846-'48. Died April 16th, 1878, at Abingdon. 

BENJAMIN RUSH FLOYD. 

Was born December 10th, 1811, in Montgomery 
county. Was a son of Governor John Floyd and a 
.Joseph T. fampboll. brother of Governor Jolm B. Floyd. Was educated 
at Georgetown College, D. C, in 1832, graduating with the first honors of 
his class. Studied law and practised at Wylhoville, Virginia, for many 
years. A member of the Virginia House of Delegates 1847-1848. Member 
of the Stale Senate from this district 1857-1858. Member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention from tliis district 1S50-"51. Defeated for Congress .by 
Elbert S. Martin 185t), and died in Washington, D. C, February 15th, 1860. 




THOMAS M. TATE. 

Was born in Rich Valle}- in 1801. Son of Chas. Tate and Mary Tate, who 
was a daugliter of General Wm. Tate, who was a general in the Revolu- 
tionary army. His father lived near Broad Ford (now in Smyth county, 
Virginia). He was by profession a physician. SherifT of Washington 
county. Was several times a member of the Legislature from Smyth county. 
Was a member of the State Senate from this district in the years 1852 
1857. Was appointed Sixtlt Auditor in the Postoffice Department l)y Presi- 



^76-, 



Sotithwcst Virginia, 171^6-1786. 



dent Buchanan, and sei-ved until Lincoln was inaugurated. He was a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention in 1850-1851. 




PRESTON WHITE CAMPBELL. 

Son of Edward and Ellen White Campbell. Born in Abingdon in the 

year . Was educated at the Abingdon Academy and the University of 

Virginia. Read law under Judge F. B. Hutton and at 
the University of Virginia. Was licensed to practise 
law in 1896, and settled at Abingdon. Was elected a 
member of tlie Constitutional Convention of 1901- 
1902. 

JOHN C. SUMMERS. 

Son of Andrew Summers and Oliva Wirt Hawkins, 
his wife. Was born at Gap Mills, Monroe count}', 
West Virginia, February 1st, 1841. Was educated at 
Emory and Henry College and the University of Vir- 
ginia. Was licensed to practise law in 1860. Eu- 
PrehtonW-CampboU. jj^^-g^j ^^ ^ private in the Monroe County Invincibles 
in the spring of 1861, and took part in the battles of Scarrie Creek and 
Sewell's Mountain. ^\'as elected major of the Sixtieth Virginia Regiment 
at the reorganization in 1862, was made lieutenant-colonel in 1863, and was 
commissioned a colonel in the Provisional army in 1864. Was under the 
command of (Generals Field and A. P. Hill in the battles around Richmond. 
In the absence of the colonel, he commanded the Sixtieth Regiment at 
the battle of Cold Harbor, and when night came on, being hard 
pressed by the enemy, lie charged them with bayo- 
nets. The conduct of the regiment at this time was 
observed by General Hill in person, and on the fol- 
lowing day the Secretary of W;ir for the Confederal f 
States ordered cross bayonets to be inscribed upm 
the flag of the regiment. Was captured at Moore 
field in 1864, and imprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio, 
imtil July, 1865, when he was released. In March 
1866, he married Miss Nannie M. Preston, daughtei 
of John F. Preston, of this cannty, and in the sam^ 
Tear settled in this county and began to practise hi- 
profession. Was elected Commonwealth's Attorney 
of Washington county, and served from 1887-1891. Was elected a member 
of the Constitutional Convention of 1901-1902, receiving a majority of 498 
votes over J. H. Winston, Democratic nominee in Washington county, and a 
majority of 157 in the district. 




John C. Summers. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



777 



COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEYS. 



SAMUEL LOGAN. 

Born October 19th, 1799. Educated for the law. Settled at Abingdon, 
where he practised his profession. Was Commonwealth's Attorney for 
Washington county for more than fifteen years. He died at Prince 
Edward Courthouse, Virginia, July 15th, 1855. He was an excellent citizen 
and a hiwyer of distinguished ability. 




GEORGE EAKIN NAFF. 

Was born at Jonesboro, Tennessee, July 3d, 1829. Educated at Emory and 
Henry College. Won the Robertson prize medal in 1847, in his junior year, 
having John Goode, Wm. E. Peters, Everett, Clayton, 
Ridgeway, ct als., for competitors. Studied and prac- 
tised law until 1855, when he took charge of a female 
college at Athens, Alabama. Was elected to the presi- 
dency of Soule Female College, Murfreesboro, Ten- 
nessee, in 1858, which position he held until 1862, 
when he died of erysipelas. In 1850 he married Mar- 
garet Elizabeth Hope, of this county. Was appointed 
and served as Commonwealth's Attorney for this 
county in 1855, upon the death of Samuel Logan. ^^^ 1 ^. 

JOHN HENRY ERNEST. 

John Ilonry Ernest was bom May 7th, 1825, in 
Hanover (•(uinly, Virginia, and died at his home. 

Brook Hall, in 1868. He graduated at Williuin 
and Mary College in 1847, and married Amanda J. 
Byars, daughter of Colonel Wm. Byars, of this 
county. He was elected Commonwealth's Attorney 
for Washington county in 1855, and served until 
1863. Was provost marshal at Abingdon for two 
years during the war. After the war he retired to 
his farm and devoted himself to farming. On 
March 3d, 1868, while directing some laborers on 
his farm who were moving a log, he was crvished 
by the log and killed. Colonel Ernest's pastor 
says of him: "The writer of these lines knew 
him well, and does not hesitate to say that he 
never knew a more liberal, kind hearted and humane man. His liberality 
(li-iliensfd with I ho most profuse and lavish kindness the earnings uf his 




.John Hoiirj- Erneht. 



778 



Southwest Virginia, 17Ji.6-1786. 



own labor. When the war ended he found a poor man in the mountains vvlio 
had lost an arm in the service. Instantly his generous heart was moved 
with pity, and he clothed him in genteel apparel, sent him to college, and 
assumed the whole cost of his education." 



REES B. EDMONDSON. 

The subject of this sketch was bom in Tazewell county, and died in the 
city of Washington on February 13th, 1901. He was a lawyer by profes- 
sion, and practised in Abingdon, Virginia, Mom- 
phis, Tennessee, and Washington, D. C. Entered 
the Confederate service as second lieutenant, and 
served throughout the war. He was elected Com- 
monwealth's Attorney of Washington county in 
1865, and served for several years. ^J/MI^KfT ^1/ / ,.>S 

JOHN L. ROWAN. 

Son of Colonel John M. and Virginia Summers 
Rowan. Was born in Monroe coimty. Wast Vir- 
ginia, February 25th, 1862. Graduated at Wash- 
ington and Lee University in June, 1883. Prac- 
tised his profession in Abingdon for several years. 

Was appointed Commonwealth's Attorney for the county, and served in that 
capacity for some time. Removed to Union, Monroe county. West Virginia, 
where he has since practised law, serving as prosecuting attorney for that 
county for a number of years. 




ReesB. Edmondson. 




Peter J. Da\ enport. 



PETER JOHNSTON DAVENPORT. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Lindell, 
in this county, on the 14th of February, 1863. He 
is the son of Elijah P. Davenport, a native of this 
county, and Adelia H. Hall, daughter of Dr. John 
Hall, of Russell county. Educated in the schools of 
the county. Studied law in the office of Colonel 
John C. Summers, Abingdon, Virginia. Was licensed 
and began the practice of his profession in Abing- 
don. Was elected Commonwealth's Attorney for 
Washington county in the year 1895, which posi- 
tion he has since held, and the duties of which he 
has discharged with marked ability. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 

STATE SENATORS. 



779 




Win. E. Peters. 



WM. E. PETERS. 

He was born in Bedford county, Virginia, August 18th, 1829. Received 
academic training at New London Academy. Entered Emory and Henry 
College in 1840, and graduated in 1848. Taught a 
private school at Lynchburg, and entered the Uni- 
versity in 1850. In 18.53 he was elected to tlie chair 
of ancient languages in Emory and Henry College, 
filling this puisition until 185G, when a leave of ab- 
Renee was granted him by the Board of Trustees and 
he spent two j'ears studying ancient and modern 
languages at Berlin, Prussia; after which he re- 
sumed his duties at Emory and Henry. He entered 
the Confederate service as a private in April, 1861; 
served as lieutenant of cavalry ; later as captain, 
lieutenant-colonel of infantry and colonel of the 
Twenty- first Virginia Cavalry. After having been 

three times wounded, he surrendered with his command at Appomattox 
Courthouse. Was elected a member of the State Senate irom this district 
in ]8()3, which position some months thereafter he resigned. Professor of 
Latin in the University of Virginia from 1866 to 1902. 

JOSEPH J. GRAHAM. 
The subject of this sketch was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His grandfather, 
Robert Graham, emigrated to this country from the north of Ireland prior 
to the American Revolution and settled in North Carolina, near Guilford 
Courthouse. He was a soldier in the Revolution, and was so harassed by 
the Tories that he refugeed to what is now the east- 
ern portion of Wythe county, about twelve miles 
ea.st of Wytheville, where he accumulated a consid- 
erable fortune. Jos. J. Graham was born on one of 
the farms owned by his grandfather, near Max Mea- 
dows, on the lOth of July, 1811. In his early life 
he taught a country school. Afterwards he had em- 
ployment with his uncle (David Graham), who was 
the pioneer in the iron industry in Southwest Vir- 
ginia. After remaining with him some years, he 
went to Tennessee, where he was engaged in busi- 
ness at the outbreak of the Mexican war. He went 
with a body of troops to join Scott's column in 
Mexico, and took part in the bombardment of the fortress of Vera Cruz. 
After the Mexican war he returned to Wythe county, and for several years 
was engageil with the late Colonel James Piper, of Wythe county, in lo- 
cating turnpike roads in Southwest Virginia. He was three times elected a 




Joseph J. Ciraliam. 



780 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 




James S. Greever. 



member of the Legislature from Wythe county, and once to the State Senate 
from this district. He died April 9th, 1877, without issue. 

HIRAM A. GREEVER. 
Was born October 30th, 1806, and died the 23d day of May, 1882. He was 
colonel of militia before the civil war, and served in the House of Dele- 
gates from Smyth county. He afterwards served one term as a Senator in 
the General Assembly from this district; after which 
he retired to private life on his estate, in Smyth 
county, a part of which was inherited from his 
father, who was among the pioneers of Southwest 
Virginia. 

JAMES S. GREEVER. 

General James S. Greever was born September 9th, 
1837, and died December 30th, 1895. He was edu- 
cated at Emory and Henry College, and was an 
honor graduate in the year 1859. The degree of 
Master of Arts was conferred upon him in 1867 by the same institution. 
When war was declared he entered the Confederate service as captain of 
Company A, in the Forty-eighth Virginia Infantry. In 1869 he was elected 
to the Senate from Smyth and Washington counties. He was reelected at 
the expiration of his first term, serving through the administrations of 
Walker and Kemper. During this period he married an only daughter of 
Mr. Richard Woolfork Scott, of Prince Edward county, Virginia, and left 
one child. Miss Virginia Holmes Greever, who, with her mother, survives 
him. General Greever was elected a member of the Board of Trustees of 
Emory and Henry College in 1875, which place he held until his death. He 
also served on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Virginia Hospital, 
at Marion. He filled other responsible positions, being for years agent for 
the large and A^aluable property known as the "Douglas Lands." When he 
died he was president of the Bank of Glade Spring, and 
it was largely through his influence that this bank 
commenced operations. He died at his home, "West- 
view," a fine estate lying along the banks of the Hol- 
ston river, near Chilhowie, Vii'ginia, where his wife 
and daughter still reside. 

DAVID FLOURNOY BAILEY. 




David F. Bailey. 



Born January 23d, 1845, in Charlotte county, Vir- 
ginia. Came to Bristol before the civil war, where he 
has since resided. Learned the art of i)rinting in the 
office of the Bristol Neics and at one time owned and edited that paper. 
Was a private Confederate soldier in Company A, Thirty-seventh Virginia 
Infantry, and later in the cavalry service. Studied law at Cumberland 
University, Lebanon, Tennessee, and began the practice of his profession in 
July, 1869, at Bristol. Was married February 29th, 1872, to Sarah Eleanor 



i 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



,781 




I'reston. daughter of John F. Preston, of "Locust Glen," Washington county, 
\irginia. He represented Washington county in the Legislature of Vir- 
ginia 1879-1880, and was chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Was Sena- 
tor from Washington and Smyth counties in 1881-1885. Was Republican 
nominee for Congress in 1884, and was defeated by C. F. Trigg. Was As- 
sistant United States Attornoj^ for the Western District of Virginia during 
Harrison's administration. Was a delegate from this distinct to the Na- 
lidiuil Republican Convention at St. Louis in 189G, 
and placed in nomination General James A. Walker 
for Vice-President of the United States. Was t'no 
Republican elector from this district in the year 
1900, and at the present time is referee in bank- 
ruptcy for this division. 

E. L. ROBERTS. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Broad Ford. 
Smj^th county, Virginia, April 4th, 1831. Was 
educated in the common schools of the county, and 
held the position of Superintendent of Schools for 
. Smyth county before the war. Soon after the war 

he was elected clerk of the county and circuit 
fourts of Smyth county, which position he held for six years. Was twice 
elected a member of the House of Delegates from Smyth and Bland counties. 
Was elected a member of the State Senate from this district in the year 
1889. Has served as school trustee, sheriff and justice of the peace. 

B. F. BUCHANAN. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was born in Smyth county, Virginia, and 
graduated in the academic department of the University of Virginia in 1880 
and the law department in 1884. Was elected a mem- 
ber of the State Senate from this district, serving 
f 1(1111 IS!).3 to 1897. Was a delegate to the National 
Deinoeratic Convention in 1900, and has been a mem- 
ber of the State Democratic Committee for ten years. 
Was Grand Comniandi r of the 
Grand Commandery of Knights 
Templar of Virginia for the 
years 1901-1902; Now i)i:u- 
tiees law at Marion, Va. 

CHAS. W. STKKLK. 




B. F. Hiiehanan. 



'Ilie subject of this .sketch was 
burn at Steelesburg. Ta./.eweil 
county, Virginia, -luly 241 h, 1S.")S. .Married and settled 
in this county. Was land assessor in 189.5. Elected 
a member of the State Senate from this district, and 
served from 1897 to 1901. 




Charles W. Steele. 



782 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 



J. CLOYD BYARS. 

The subject of this sketch was born at his father's farm, "Southern 
View," in Washington county, Virginia, on December 9th, 1868. Located at 
Bristol in 1891. Admitted to the bar in 1896. Was 
elected City Attorney for Bristol in 1899. Was de- 
feated for Mayor of Bristol in 1900, and was elected 
to the State Senate from the First Senatorial Dis- 
trict, composed of the counties of Smyth and Wash- 
ington, in the year 1901, which position he now fills. 



MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF 
DELEGATES. 




JOHN GIBSON. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the Valky .j. Cloyd Byars. 
of Virginia January 1st, 1775, and married Amelia 

Carter Cummings, daughter of the Rev. Charles 
Cummings, and settled in this county. He was a 
captain in the war of 1812 and a member of the 
"Legislature from Washington county in the year 
1837, and died at his home, in this county, August 
26th, 1863. 

ROBERT E. GRANT. 




John Glbson.l 



The subject of this sketch was born on the 25th 
of September, 1825, in Washington county, Vir- 
ginia, and was married in 1850 to Miss Anna Snod- 
grass, of this county. Was elected a member of the 
Legislature from Washington county in 1855, and a 
member of the Secession Convention of 1861. Upon 

the breaking out of the war he organized a company, 

afterwards Company H of the Thirty-seventh Virginia 

Volunteers, of which company he was captain. He en- 
tered the service and remained until the surrender at 

Appomattox. He removed with his family to Austin, 

Texas, in 1872. Died July 17tli, 1S88, leaving his 

wife and several children (Surviving him. 

JACOB LYNCH. 

Major Lynch was born in Abingdon in the year 1798, 
and died March 16th, 1862. He was educated by Mr. 
Samuel Baillie, who taught a school in Abingdon for Robert E. Grant 
many years. He entered the Clerk's office at the age 
of fourteen years as a deputy to Andrew Russell, and remained with him for 
many years. He then became deputy clerk to David Campbell, and remainetl 




Washington County, 1777-1810. 



783 




witli liiin until he (Campbell) was elected Govcruor of Virginia. Jacob 
Lynch was then elected clerk of the court, and held this oiricc until 1858, 
when he declined a reelection. In the spring of the j^ear 1859 he was elected 
a member of the House of Delegates from Washington 
county, and served until the spring of 18G0, when he 
was elected president of the Exchange Bank of Abing- 
don, and resigned his position as a member of the Gen- 
eral Assembly. He was for many years president of 
the Russell l^irnpike Company. 

DR. ALEXANDER R. PRESTOX. 

Dr. Preston wa^s born at "Locust Glen," the home 
of his father, Robert Preston, five miles west of Abing- 
don, on December 8th, 1805. He was the son of Robt. 
Jacoi. l,,\ii.ii. Preston, who emigrated to this country from Ireland, 

and Jennie Preston, his wife, a daughter of Robert 
Preston, of Walnut Grove. He received his educa- 
tion at the Abingdon Academy, and was educated 
in medicine at Transylvania College, and practised 
his profession in this community luitil March 5th, 
1874, the date of his death. He was elected a mem- 
ber of the General Assembly from Washington 
county in the year 1860, and was clerk of the Circuit 
Court of this county in the year 1870. 

DAVID B. CLARK. 
Tile subject of this sketch was born near the Old 
i.la.lc Spring Church on the 18th of March, 1827, Alex. R. Preston. 

md died March 12th, 1896. He was for a number of 
years a member of the County Court of this county, 
a school trustee for Saltville District, and a member 
of the House of Delegates from Washington county 
in ISO.'MSGa. 

DAVID CAMPBELL DUN.V. 

'i'lie subject of this sketch was 
born at Abingdon, Virginia, 
INIny 7th. 1829. Educated at 
tlie Abingdon Academy. Mem- 
ber ()f Captain J. M. Stephens' 
Duvi.l H. Clark. militia company b;-forp the wpr. 

In April, 1861, he enlisted a^ 
a private in C-ompany B, Floyd's Brigade; pio 
moted to captaincy of Company B; second lieuten- 
ant of the Sixty-third Virginia Regiment, which David C. Dunn, 
position he held until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle of 
Cross Lanes. Was a member of the House of Delegates from Washington 
county from 1861 to 1865. Now lives at Conway, South Carolina. 






r84 



Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 



ARTHUR CAMPBELL GUMMING S. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of James and Mary Gummings, and 
was born October Lst, 1822, on tlie location of t];e first settleinent made by 
his great-grandfather, Charles Cunamings, in about the year 1774, at the 
head of Wolf Hill Creek, about three miles west of Abingdon. Attended 
the private schools of the neighborhood until appointed a cadet at the 
Virginia Military Institute in the year 1841, from wliich institution he 
graduated in 1844. He studied law and was licensed to practise in 184(). 
When the war between the United States and Mexico commenced, in May, 
184G, he raised and was elected captain of two different volunteer com- 
panies under a call for volunteers by the United States Government, but 
neither company was called to go into service. Was commissioned by 
President Polk in March, 1847, as captain of Company K, Eleventh Regi- 
ment of the United States Infantry, being one of the ten regiments raised 
under an act of Congress to serve for five years, or during the war. He 
enlisted about thirty-six men at Abingdon and at Chillicothie, Ohio, the 
rest of the company being enlisted by the two lieutenants au Wheeling, 
Virginia. He was then ordered to' join his regiment, and reached Vera 
Cruz the 1st of July, 1847; was there attached to the command of Major 
Lally, being the first troops to leave Vera Cruz after 
the army under General Scott had commenced their 
march on the city of Mexico. Captain Cumniings 
was dangerously wounded in an engagement with a 
large force of guerillas concealed in a cha'parral, at 
a place called Paso Ovejas, near the National Bridge 
leading to the City of Mexico, and wais made brevet 
major for gallant conduct in that eingagement. He 
served as captain until the close of the war, and was 
discharged witn the regiment at Fort Hamilton, Long 
Island, ^ew York, about September 1st, 1848. Was 
ajipointed division inspector of militia for the Fifth 
Division on October 22d, 1849; was commissioned colonel of the Fifth Regi- 
ment of Artillery (militia) July 24th, 1858; was commissioned captain 
of the Eleventh Regiment of Infantry (militia) May 20th, 1847. On his 
return home he resumed the practice of law. In May, 1861, he was commis- 
sioned colonel of Virginia Volunteers; was ordered to report to General 
T. J. Jackson at Harper's Ferry, and was by him assigned to the command 
of what was then the Second, afterwards the Tenth, Regiment. In June, 
1861, by order of General Jackson, he organized the Third Regiment, then 
reporting from the adjoining counties. He afterwards organized the Thirty- 



k 




A. C. Cummuigh. 



Washington County, 1711-1870. 



785 



third Regiment, and was assigned to its command, and this command be- 
came a part of the Stonewall Brigade. He commanded this regiment at the 
first battle at Manassas and until the reorganization 
in 1862. Elected a member of the House of Delegates 
from this county in 18t».'i and again in 1869 and 
1871. 

(^KOIKJE GlUliAM. 

lioni August 9th, 1831, at the location of his pres- 
ent residence, in this county. Enter<^ the Confed- 
erate service in April, 1861, as first lieutenant of the 
Glade Spring Rifles, known in the service as Company 
y. Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment. Was promoted 
to captain in June, 1861, where he remained until September, 1863, when 
he wa^ elected a member of the House of Delegates from Washington 
county. Was reelected in 1869; since which time he has been engaged in 
farming upon an extensive estate. He married Miss Rebecca Preston, 
(1;iii;/liier f.f rVjInn^l Thomas JL Preston. 




Georse Graham^. 



SELDEN LONGLEV. 

Born at Emorj- and Henrj' College on the 7th of February, 1846, and is 
the son of Edmond Longley and May Hammond Longley. Educated in the 
common schools and Emor\' and Henrj' College. At tlie age of seventeen he 
entered tlie Confederate array, first in Captain J. K. Ramlxi's company of 
Border Rangers; was afterwards transferred to Company F, Twenty-first 
Virginia Cavalry, Captain Fred Gray and others commanding. He was 
made orderly sergeant soon after he enlisted, and commanded a company for 
several months before the close of the war. When 
the war was over lie reentered Emorj' and Henry 
College, and in June, 1866, won the Rol^rtson prize 
medal for oratory, and graduated in 1868. He wa? 
elected assistant professor of ancient and modern 
languages, and taught at Emory for one year. 
Studied law at the University of Virginia, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1870. In June, 1870, he was 
the final orator of the Washington Literary Society 
at the University of Virginia, and in November, 
1873, he was elected to the House of Delegates from 
Washington county, and in the sam^ year he was 
happily married to Miss Leona Howard Jordan, 
daughter of Colonel W. .J. Jordan, of Pulaski county. In 1891 he re- 
moved to Pulaski county, was appointed judge of the County Court of 
that county by Governor Chas. T. O'Ferrall, and was elected by the General 
Assembly in 1897 to sene for the term of ¥ix years, which por^ition hf now 
occupies. 




Bejaen Jjongley. 



786 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jt6-1786. 




ISAAC CHAPMAN FOWLER. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Tazewell, Virginia, September 23d, 
1831, but was principally reared near Red Sulphur Springs (now West Vir- 
ginia). Was educated at Emory and Henry Col- 
lege. Was engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Tazewell from April, 1852, until October, 1860, 
when he removed to Emory and engaged in mer- 
chandising there until all of his property was 
swept away by the war. Was connected with the 
Commissary Department of the Confederate 
States under General Breckenridge. After the 
close of the war he removed to Bristol. Was 
five times Mayor of that town. Represented 
Washington county in the House of Delegates 
for six years, during which time he was Speaker 
of the House of Delegates. Was owner and editor 
of the Bristol News from August, 1868, until 
Isaac Chapman Fowler. Februaiy, 1884, at which time he was appointed 
clerk of the United States Court, Abingdon, Vir- 
ginia, which position he now holds. 

CHARLES B. COALE. 
Was born in Maryland in 1807. He came to 
Abingdon and became associate editor and proprie- 
tor of the Abingdon Virginian, in 1837. In 1841 he 
associated himself with Geo. R. Barr and began 
the publication of the Abingdon Virginian. To- 
gether they continued to own and publish the 
Abingdon Virginian until February, 1873. Was 
elected a member of the House of Delegates from 
this county in the year 1875. Was the author of a 

book entitled "Wilbum Waters, 

the history of this county has been preserved. While 
not a native of this county, he contributed his time 
and energy to a greater extent than any that had pre- 
ceded him in preserving the history of the county. 
Was an active member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, of 
Abingdon, Virginia, and took an active part in the 
founding of Martha Washington College. He died on 
January 3d, 1879, and was buried in Sinking Spring 
Cemetery. He left no descendants. 





Charles B. Coale. 
in which much of 



JONAS S. KELLY. 



Jonas 8. Kelly. 



The subject of this sketch was bom near Emory, 
Virginia, February 22d, 1819; died November 29th, 1895. He was a mem- 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



787 




Daniel Trigg. 



l)cr of the House of Delegates from Washington county for eight years. \A'as 
a meml)er of the Board of Supervisors from Saltville District for many 
years. He was one of the most popular men that 
ever appeared before the people of Washington 
county. 

DANIEL TRIGC. 

I'lio suhjeol of this sketch is a son of Dr. Daniel 
Trigg and Anna Munford Trigg, daughter of Alexan- 
der Tompkins, and was born in Abingdon on the 12th 
day of March, 1843. Was educated at the Naval 
Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, resigned there- 
fruni in 1801 and joined the (Confederate States navy, 
and served therein throiighout the war, attaining the 
rank of lieutenant. After the war he studied law, 
was licensed, and settled in Arkansas in the year 1^68, but returned to 
Abingdon and settled in the j'ear 1869, where he has since practised his pro- 
fession with success. Was elected a member of the 
House of Delegates from Washington county in 
the year 1882, and took high rank in the proceed- 
ings of the following sessions of the General As- 
'^-' '*' sembly. Ue married Miss Louisa Bo wen Johnston, 

daughter of Judge John W. Johnston, and has 
three sons and two daughters now living. 

CHAS. W. ALDERSON. 
Born at Lebanon, Russell county, Virginia, June 
21st, 1846. Settled in Washington county. Was 
elected a justice for the Glade Spring District ^or 
the year 1887. Was elected a member of the 
House of Delegates from Washington county in the year 1891. Served as 
school trustee in Glade Spring District from 1896 to 1900. 




Clias. W. Alderson. 



; 



L. 11. SNODGRASS. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Sull'van 
county, Tennessee, June 18th, 1859. Married and 
settled at Craig's Mills, in this county. Served as 
supervisor and school trustee of Kinderhook Dis- 
trict for several years. Was elected a member of the 
House of Delegates from Washington county in ISO). 

JAMES CROW. 

James Crow was born near Friendship, October 
loth, 1821, and died November 14th, 1902. He was 
the descendant of one of the original settlers of this L. H. Snodgrass. 
county. Wa;3 well known and respected for his fine character and ability. 
Was a justice of the peace for fifteen years; supervisor, first of Glade Spring 




788 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 



District and cafter^yards of Holston District for a number of years. Was 
elected a member of the House of Representatives from this county in 1881). 
He accumulated a considerable fortune and left very respectable descendants. 



E. S. ELENDRICK. 
Was born in New Garden, Russell county, Virginia, September 20th, 1856. 

Removed to Bristol in 1882. Was a member of the Washington County 

School Board for Goodson District for several years 

and a member of the Town Council for Goodson for 

four years. Represented Washington county in the 

House of Delegates 1889-1890, and during this time 

secured an act of the General Assembly changing 

the name of Goodson to the city of Bristol. Was a 

member of the City Council for Bristol for four 
years and a member of the 
School Board of the city. 
Again represented Washing- || 
ton county and the city of 
Bristol in the House of Dele- 
gates in the years 1893-1894. James Crow. 





ANDREW F. RAMBO. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Palestine, 
in this county, July 5th, 1845. Educated in the 
schools of the county. Has been a merchant most of 
'■■■ ' ■ ^' '" '" ^' his life. Joined the Washington Mounted Rifles in 

April, 1861; served through the war. Has been 
postmaster at Palestine since 1881. Was elected a 
member of the House of Delegates from Washington 
county in the year 1895. 



JOSEPH M. BUTT. 

Was born four miles north- 
west of Abingdon, October 
29th, 1846. Was the youngest 
child of Rignal and Sarah 
Butt. Served as lieutenant in 
Company E, Thirteenth Bat- 
talion of Virginia Reserves. 

Was elected a member of the House of Delegates from 
Waishington county in 1895. Twice married — first to 
Theresa J. Lyon, of Washington county, and secondly 
to Fannie A. Drinkard, of Richmond, Virginia. 





Andrew F. Rambo. 



Joseph M. Butt, 



W. H. TOMNEY. 
Great-grandson of Christopher Simmerman, who gave the land for the 
location of the town of Wytheville. Was born in Wytheville, September 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



789 



15th, 18G2. Has spent his life in the newspaper business. Was elected a 
member of the House of Delej^ates from Washington county in the year 1893, 
at which time he was the editor of the Glade Uprinfj Citizen. 

JOHN ROBERTS. 

Born on the head waters of Rattle Creek, in this county, five miles north 

of Abingdon, on December 9th, 1834. Was the son of Henry and Elizabeth 

Roberts. Was captain of militia in 18o8. Enlisted 

as a private in Company I, Forty-eighth Virginia 

Regiment, in 1801, and was elected lieutenant of 

the company at tlii,- reorganization in 1802. lie 

lost his right leg at the battle of Chancellorsville, 

May 3d, 18G2. Was appointed purchasing agent 
for the county in 1864. 
Twice represented North 
Fork District as a super- 
visor. Elected a member 
of the Legislature in 1887. 
Has served as Commis- 
sioner of the Revenue for the Western District since 
1895. 

SA^MUEL P. EDMONDSON. 

The subject of this sketch is a direct lineal de- 
scendant of one of the heroes of King's Mountain. 
He was born in this county, educated in the schools 
of the county, and for many years has been a very 
successful farmer and cattle trader. Has held a 
number of very responsible positions. Was elected 
a member of the House of Delegates from Washing- 
ton county in the year 1887. 

CHAS. H. JENNINGS. 
Born in Bristol, Vir- 
ginia, February 9th, 18C5. 
Has lived in 
since Januaiy 





Tomney. 



Joiin Kol^erls. 





Samuel P. Edmondson. 



Abingdon 
1st, 1883. 
Member of the Town Coun- 
cil and the School Board of Cave City School Dis- 
trict. Married Miss Hattie MeChesney Jones, De- 
cember 9th, 1884. Was elected a member of the 
House of Delegates from Washington county in 
1897. Is now the proprietor of the Hattie House 
and of Jennings' drug store, Abingdon, Va. 

THOMAS J. CAMPBELL. 

The subject of this sketch is a son of Wm. B. Campbell, and was reared 
on the Jonesboro road, about nine miles west of Abingdon. Has been a 



Cliarlcft H. Jeiiniugs. 



790 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 



farmer all his life. Was elected a member of the House of Delegates from 
Washington county in 1897. 



JOHN W. PRICE. 

John W. Price, a son of Rev. Wm. H. Price, was born at his father's home, 
on the Middle Fork of Holston river, in this county. Was educated at Emory 
and Henry College. Studied medicine and gradu- 
ated with high honors. Afterwards studied law, and 
settled and began to jDractise his profession in Abing- 
don in 1894. Was an unsuccessful candidate for 
Commonwealth's Attorney in 1895. In the follow- 
ing year removed to Bristol, where he has since 
jjractised hLs profession with success. Was elected 
a member of the House of Delegates from Washing- 
ton county and the city of Bristol in 1899, and was 
recently elected judge of the Corporation Court for 
the city of Bristol for the terra beginning February 
1st, 1904. ^ 




John W. Price. 




C. H. McCLUNG. 
The subject of this sketch was born on a farm in 
Greenbrier county (now West Virginia), April 30th, 
1841. Was educated in the common schools of his 
county. Entered the Confederate service as a pri- 
vate in Comp^iy C, Nineteenth Virginia Regiment 
of Cavalry, in 1861, and served as such until 18G4, 
when he became adjutant of his regiment. Was cap- 
tured in the fall of that year, and remained a pris- 
oner at Camp Chase, Ohio, until after the close of 
the war. After the war he began farming, and at 
times managed hands in the grading of the Cliesa- 

peake and Ohio railway on New River, West Virginia. 
Was appointed sheriff and treasurer of Fayette county, 
West Virginia, in 1877, and at the following election 
was elected to the same office for the term of fouryears. 
In 1888 he removed to Meadow View, Washington 
county, Virginia. In 1895 was a candidate for treas- 
urer of Washington county, but was defeated by S. M. 
Withers. Was elected a member of the House of Dele- 
gates from this county in the year 1899; since which 
time he has been farming and merchandising. 



C. H. Mcriung 




A. J. Hufl. 



A. J. HUFF. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Roanoke 
county, May 27th, 1865. He has been an extensive farmer and stock-raiser 
since maturity; is a part owner of the Byars' farm, in the upper end of this 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



7dl 




J. W. Mort. 



county, and has lived in this county since October 1511i. lilOl. Was elected 
a member of the House of Delegates from this county in the year 1901. 

J. W. MORT. 

Was born in Strasburg, Shenandoah county, Virginia, September 10th, 
1855. Moved to Bristol in 1876. Was appointed Commissioner of the Reve- 
nue for the city of Bristol in 1890. Was afterwards elected to succeed him- 
self fdur (inics in that ofTice, and served ten years. Was twice elected a 
member of the City Council. Was elected a member 
of the House of Delegates from Washington county 
and the city of Bristol in 1901. 

CHARLES STUART BEKEM. 

(.'linrlcs Stuart Bekem was bom in Abingdon, Vir- 
ginia, December 25th, 1802, and died in his native 
town, August 19th, 1875, in the seventy-second year 
of his age. He was the son of William and Jane 
Bekem, who came to America from Ireland before the 
close of the eighteenth century and settled in Abing- 
don. Mrs. Bekem was a sister of Lieutenant John 
Carson, of tiie First Continental Artillery, who died the 12th of September, 
1781, of wounds received at Eulaw Springs, South Carolina, 8th September, 
1781, and of Chas. S. Carson, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and who 
figured conspicuously in the business affairs of Southwest Virginia. Tlic 
subject of this sketch was a graduate of Washington College, Tennessee. 
Mr. Bekem was a prominent laAvyer, distinguished for his honesty and in- 
tegrity, and was called upon often to represent his county in the Legislature, 
which he did with great fidelity. He was Commonwealth's Attorney for the 
counties of Washington and Russell, and achieved quite 
a reputation in this capacity for uprightness of conduct 
and fair dealing with those he had to prosecute. Mr. 
Bekem had as his contemporaries at the bar i^such men as 
James W. Sheft"ey, Samuel Logan, Arthur C. Cununings, 
John W. Johnston, John A. and Jos. T. Campbell, and 
others equally as prominent. Mr. Bekeiu was a promi- 
nent !Ma>son. In politics he was a Whig, and was an 
ardent admirer of the principles of that party, his couji- 
pel often being scnight in regard to party affairs. Mr. 
B<'kem had three sisters — Margaret C, who never mar- 
ried; Sallie K., who married \\'m. King, of Saltville, and 
Jane Eli/a, who married Rev. Lewis F. Cosby, D. D. : two brothers, John ('. 
and James C, wlio died unmarried. In religious belief the Bekems were 
Presbyterians. 

JOHN CAMPBELL. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of David Campbell, and was born 
in Augusta county. In about the year 17G5 he accompanied Dr. Thomas 




Chas. S. Bekem. 



792 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

Walker to the waters of tlie Holston, and with his father and brothers pur- 
chased a valuable tract of land on the waters of the Middle Fork of Holston 
river, called the "Royal Oak," now about one mile east of Marion, Virginia. 
He was a captain of militia and took part in the battle of Long Island 
Flats. He was a member of the County Covirt of Washington county, 
became clerk of the court of the county in the year 1779, and served until 
1815, thirty-six years. About the beginning of the nineteenth century he 
purchased from Jacob Young a valuable tract of land in the lower end of 
this county, since known as "Hall's Bottom." This Jacob Young came 
directly from Germany with a large household; was a wealthy man, and 
lived and ruled his household and tenantiy like a lord. To this tract of 
land John Campbell removed and lived for many years, and reared a large 
family of children, many of whom became distinguished. John Campbell, 
his son, was for ten years treasurer of the United States, and represented 
this county in the Legislature before he was twenty-one years of age. David 
Campbell, his son, was for twenty-two years clerk of the County Court of 
this county, member of the Senate of Virginia for four years, and Grovernor 
of Virginia from 1837 to 1841. A grandson, Wm. B. Campbell, was Gover- 
nor of Tennessee, and a brother-in-lav\', Archibald Roane, the husband of Ann 
Campbell, was judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee and 
Governor of that State from 1801 to 1804. Another son, Edward Camp- 
bell, was a distinguished lawyer, and lived in this county. 

COLONEL JOHN PRESTON. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of Robert Preston, the first sur- 
veyor of this county. He wa.s born in Abingdon in 1781, and died at 
Walnut Grove in 1865. He was educated for the law, but never practised 
his profession. The landed estate inherited by him from his father was 
immense, and he devoted his life to farming pursuits. He was for many 
years presiding justice of the County Court for Washington county, and 
exercised great influence in his time. He left a large and highly respectable 
family of children. 

COLONEL JOHN CAMPBELL. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of John Campbell, and was born 
at Royal Oak in about the year 1791. He was educated at the Abingdon 
Academy, and in the year 1811 was elected a member of the House of Dele- 
gates from Washington county, became a member of the Council of State, 
and acquired an excellent reputation. In the year 1818 he decided to settle 
in Alabama, and President James Monroe, when informed of that fact, ad- 
dressed the following communication to Governor Bibb, of Himtsville, Ala- 
bama, in regard to Colonel Campbell : 

TjOUisvnXE, June 24th, 1819. 
Dear Sir: 

Had I seen you when at Huntsville I should have spoken to you 

and recomwe»4§4 to your kwd atteotion Major Jol)» Campbell, lately of 



Washington County, 1111-1870. 



793 



the Council ot State in Virginia, now a resident of Alabama. I consider 
him a young man of great merit for integrity, strength and correctness of 
judgment and purity of political principles. In his welfare I take great in- 
terest. Well knowing his merit, I have thought it proper to communicate 
to you the sense I entertain of it, in the hope that it might be of some ser- 
vice to him. 

With great respect and esteem, I am, dear sir. 

Yours, 

JAMES MONROE. 

Gov. Bibb, Huntsville. 

Colonel Campbell did not remain long in Alabama, but returned to this 
county, and in April, 1829, he was appointed Treasurer of the United 
States by President Jackson, and discliargod the du- 
ties of that position with distinguislied ability until 
18.'i9, when, finding himself opposed to many of the 
policies of President Van Buren, he resigned his posi- 
tion, returned to his home, and ever afterwards advo- 
cated the policies of the Whig party. 

COLONEL JAMES WHITE. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Carlisle, 
Pennsylvania, February 22d, 1770, of Scotch-Irish pa- 
rents, and when quite young was a clerk in the con- 
cern of Talbot, Jones & Co., of Baltimore, Maryland, 
with whom he remained two or three years. This firm advanced him a small 
stock of goods, with which he made his first trip to Southwest Virginia. 
On the 4th of January, 1798, he married Miss Eliza Wilson, and settled in 
Abingdon. All of his undertakings seemed to pros- 
per, and at the date of his death, which occurred Oc- 
tober 20th, 1838, his estate was estimated to be 
worth more than two-thirds of a million dollars. He 
was over six feet in height, of broad .shoulders, deep 
chest, and that symmetry of limb that indicates 
agility and strength. He left a very large and dis- 
tinguished family of children. 




Col. ,Jno. Campbell. 




WILLIAM KING. 



Col. James White. 



Was born in Ireland in 1769, and came to America 
at the age of fifteen years, landing at Newcastle, 

Delaware, August 17th, 1784, and was for five years engaged with a mer- 
chant at Philadelphia, his father, Thomas King, having previously to that 
time settled in Fincastle county. William King remained in Philadelphia 
until 1791, when he joined his father at Abingdon. (The home of Tliomas 
King was near to and a little east of the present residence of Dr. Wm. 
White.) He received a legacy of 100 pounds from his grandmother, Eliza- 
■ betb Pavis, apd with this capital he started as a pedler to make hie fof. 



794 



Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 



tune. His success was rapid, and he established stores along his line of 
travel and stocked them with such merchandise as best suited the people of 
the country. In 1799 he married Mary Trigg, and 
built the first brick house in Abingdon. (This house 
is still standing on Court street opposite the court- 
house.) He died in 1808. The crowning act of his 
life was the devise of $10,000 to the Abingdon 
Academy. 

JOSEPH W. DAVIS. 



Joseph W. Davis was bom in what is now Smyth 
county, Virginia, in 1798. Moved to Washington 
county in 1846 from his former home at Pleasant 
Hill. For several years he represented Smyth 
county in the Legislature, and after the war was 
State Senator for two years. He did much ais a 
magistrate, surveyor and civil engineer. Became manager of the Emory 
and Henry College boarding-house and farm in 1846, holding this position 
for six years. Subsequently engaged in merchandising, and finally in farm- 
ing. He was a trustee of Emory and Henry College for about twenty years. 
Major Davis was a man of deep and earnest convictions, and few nivn 
have exerted a more positive influence on others. 




Jos. W. iJavis. 



ROBERT W. HUGHES. 

Judge Robert William Hughes was born in Powhatan county, Virginia, 
June 16th, 1821, and was reared by Mrs. G-eneral Carrington, daughter of 
General Francis Preston, of Abingdon. He was edu- 
cated at Caldwell Institute, Greensboro, North Caro- 
lina. Was tutor in Bingham High School, Hillsboro, 
North Carolina, 1840-1843. Was a practising lawyer 
in Richmond 1843-1853. WaiS editor of the Richmond 
Examiner 1850-1857, and joint editor of that paper 
from May, 1861, to April, 1865. Upon the close of the 
war he aligned himself with the Republican party, 
and edited first the Richmond Republic and after- 
wards the Richmond Journal. In 1873 he was the Re- 
publican candidate for Governor of Virginia, and in 
January, 1874, he was by President Grant commis- 
sioned United States District Judge for the Eastern 
District of Virginia, in which position he served with 

marked ability and distinction till February 22d, 1898, when, owing to his 
advanced age, he tendered his resignation. On June 4th, 1850, at the Gov- 
ernor's Mansion, in Richmond, he married Miss Eliza M. Johnston, daughter 
of Hon. Chas. C. Johnston and Eliza Mary Preston, niece of General Jos. E. 
Johnston. For many years he occupied as a summer home his fine 
estate, about three miles southeast of Abingdon. He was the author of 
biographies of General Floyd and General Joseph E. Johnston, published in 
"Lee and His Lieutenants," 1867; a volume entitled "The American Dol- 




Robt. W. Hughes. 



Washingt07i County, 1777-1870. 



.795 



lar," 1885, and of five volumes of United States Circuit and District Court 
reports, entitled "Hughes' Reports, 1879-1885." In the year 18G6 Judge 
Hughes fought a duel with Wm. E. Cameron, afterwards Governor of Vir- 
ginia, which resulted in Cameron's receiving a broken rib at, the first fire. 
He died Deceml)er 10th, 1901. His remains were interred in Sinking Spring 
Cemetery. 

REV^ LEWIS F. COSBY. 

Rev. Lewis F. Cosby, D. D., was the son of Dabney Cosby, deceased, of 
Staunton, Virginia. Was born the 15th day of January, 1807, and de- 
parted this life the 6th day of July, 1883, in Abingdon. At the age of 
eleven years he was converted, and some years afterwards became a minister 
of the gospel in the Methodist Protestant church, 
serving many charges in Eastern Virginia. He 
came to Abingdon and assumed charge of the 
church here. During a revival in said church i 
very accomplished young lady (Miss Jane Eliza 
•iikem) professed religion, and on the 13th day of 
i.inuary, 1833, she became the wife of the young 
preacher, the ceremony being performed by the 
Rev. David R. Preston, of the Presbjterian church. 
To this union seven children were born, four of 
whom are yet living. After this Dr. Cosby re- 
turned to Eastern Virginia, but in the year 1844, 
with his family, removed to Washington county, 
and settled at "Oakland," where he farmed success- 
fully and preached in Abingdon and often in the surrounding country. Mrs. 
Cosby departed this life June 13th, 1853. He was married the second time, 
his last wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Montgomery, who survived him a few 
years. Dr. Cosby wa.s noted for his kindliness of heart, his generosity to tlie 
poor and suflering, and for the purity of his life. He was a fluent speaker, 
and had a voice in song that was unexcelled. He lived honored and re 
spected by all. He took great interest in public affairs, and gave much of 
his time and talents for the good of the public. His dust lies in Sinking 
Spring Cemeterj'. 




Rev Lewis F. Cosby. 



796 Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786, 



APPENDIX. 



JOURNAL OF DOCTOR THOMAS WALKER— 

1749-'50. 

Having on the 12th of December last been employed for a certain con- 
• sideration to go to the westward in order to discover a proper place for a 
settlement, I left my home on the 6th day of March, at 10 o'clock, 
1749-'50, in company with Ambrose Powell, William Tomlinson, Colby 
Chew, Henry Lawless & John Hughes. Each man had a horse and we 
had two to carry the baggage. I lodged this night at Col. Joshua Fry's, 
in the Albemarle, which county includes the Chief of the head Branches of 
James River on the east side of the Blue Ridge. 

March 7th. We set off about 8, but the day proving wet, we only went 
to Thomas Joplin's on Rockfish. This is a pretty River, which might at a 
small expense be made fit for transporting Tobacco; but it has lately 
been stopped by a Mill Dam near the Mouth to the Prejudice of the upper 
inhabitants who would at their own expense clear and make it navigable, 
were they permitted. 

March 8th. We left Joplin's early. It began to rain about Noon. I left 
my people at Thomas Jones's and went to the Reverend Mr. Robert Rose's 
on Tye River. This is about the size of Rockfish, as yet open, but how 
long the Avarice of Millers will permit it to be so, I know not. At pres- 
ent the Inhabitants enjoy plenty of Fine fish, as Shad in then* Season, 
Carp, Rocks, Fat-Backs which I suppose to be Tench, Perch, Mullets, etc. 

March 9th. As the weather continues unlikely, I moved only to Baylor 
Walker's quarters. 

March 10th. The weather is still cloudy, and leaving my people at the 
Quarter, I rode to Mr. John Hanaes', where I dined and returned to the 
quarter in the evening. 

11th. The Sabbath. 

March 12th. We crossed the Fluvanna and lodged at Thomas Hunt's. 

13th. We went early to William Calloway's and supplied ourselves with 
Rum, Thread, and other necessaries & from thence took the main wagon 
Road leading to Wood's or the New River. It is not well cleared or beaten 
yet, but will be a very good one with proper management. This night 
we lodged in Adam Beard's low grounds. Beard is an ignorant, impudent, 
brutish fellow, and would have taken us up, had it not been for a reason 
easily to be suggested. 

We went from Beard's to Nicholas Welche's, where we bought corn for 
our horses, and had some Victual dressed for Breakfast, afterwards we 
crossed tl^e Blvi^ Ridge, T^e aspept and descent is so easj^ that a- Stranger 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 797 

would not know wlien he crossed the Ridge. It began to rain about Noon 
and continued until night. We lodged at William Armstrong's. Corn 
is very scarce in these parts. 

March 15th. We went to the Great Lick* on a Branch of the Staunton 
& bought com of Michael Campbell for our Horses. This Lick has been 
one of the best places for Game in these parts and would have been of 
much greater advantage to the Inhabitants than it has been if the Hunters 
had not killed the Buffaloes for diversion, and the Elks and Deer for their 
skins. 

Tliis afternoon we got to the Staunton where the Houses of the Inhabi- 
tants had been carried of^" with their grain and Fences by the Fresh last 
Summer, and Lodged at Jamcis Robinson's, the only place I could hear of 
where they had Corn to spare, notwithstanding the land is such that an 
industrious man might make 100 barrels a share in a seasonable year. 

March IGtli. We kept up the Stavmton to William Englishe's. He lives 
on a small branch, and was not much hurt by the Fresh. He has a Mill, 
which is the furthest back except one lately built by the Sect of people, 
who call themselves of the Brotherhood of the Euphrates, (17th) and are 
commonly called the Duncards, who are the upper inhabitants of the New 
River, which is about 400 yards wide at this place. They live on the west 
side and we wore obliged to swim our Horses over. The Duncards are an 
old set of poopio who make it a matter of religion not to shave their 
Beards, ly on beds, or eat Flesh, though at present, in the last they trans- 
gress, being constrained to it, as they say, by want of a sufficiency of 
Grain and Roots, they having not long been seated hi^re. I doubt the 
plenty and dcliciousncss of the Venison & Turkeys has contributed not 
a little to this. The unmarried have no private property, but live on a 
Common Stock. They don't baptize either Young or Old, they keep their 
Sabbath on Saturday, & hold that all men shall be happy hereafter, but 
must first pass througii ])unishment according to their Sins. 'J'hoy are 
very hospitable. 

March 18. The Sabbath. 

19th. We could not find our Horses and spent the day in looking for 
them. In the evening we found their track. 

20th. We went very early to the track of our Horses & after following 
them six or seven miles, we found them all together. We returned to the 
Duncards about ten o'clock, and having purchased half a bushel of meal 
and as much small Hominy we set off and Lodged on a small Run be- 
tween Peak Creek and Reedy Creek. 

^larch 21st. We got to Reedy Creek and Camped near James MeCaH's.y 
1 went to his House and Lodged and bought what Bacon I wanted. 

22n(l. 1 returned to my People early. We got to a large Spring about 
five miles below Davis's Bottom on Holston's River and Camped. 

23rd. We kept down Holston's River about four miles and Camped; and 
then Mr. Powell and I went to look for Samuel Stalnaker, who I bad bco^i 

•Now Roanoke. 
fNow Max Meadows. 



79S Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-1786. 

informed was just moved out to settle. We found his Camp, and returned 
to our own in the Evening. 

24th. We went to Stalnaker's, helped him to raise his house and Camped 
about a quarter of a mile below him. In April 1748, I met the above 
mentioned Stalnaker between the Reedy Creek Settlement and Holston 
River, on his way to the Cherokee Indians, and expected him to pilot iiie 
as far as he knew but his affairs would not permit him to go with me. 

March 25th. The Sabbath. Grass is plenty in the low gi'ounds. 

26th. We left the Inhabitants, and kept nigh West to a large Spring on 
a Branch of the North fork of Holston. Thunder, Lightening, and Rain 
before Day. 

27th. It began to Snow on the morning and continued till Noon. The 
Land is very hilly from West to North. Some Snow lies on the to^JS of 
the mountains N. W. from us. 

28th. We traveled to the lower end of Giant's Ditch on Reedy Creek. 

29th. Our Dogs were very uneasie most of the Night. 

30th. We kept down Reedy Creek, and discover'd the tracks of abovit 
20 Indians, that had gone up the Creek between the time we Camped last 
Night, and set off this IMorning. We suppose they made our Dogs so rest- 
less last Night. We Camped on Reedy Creek. 

March 30th. We caught two young Buffaloes one of which we killed, 
and having cut and marked the other we turn'd him out. 

31st. We kept down Reedy Creek to Holston where we measured an 
Elm 25 feet roimd 3 feet from the Ground. We saw young Sheldrakes, we 
went down the River to the North Fork and up the North Fork about a 
quarter of a mile to a Ford and then crossed it. In the Fork between Hol- 
ston's and the North River, are five Indian Houses built with loggs and 
covered with Bark, and there were abundance of ]3ones, some whole Pots 
and Pans, some broken and many pieces of mats and Cloth. On the West 
Side of the North River, is four Indian Houses such as before mentioned, 
we went four miles Below the North River and Camped on the Bank of 
Holston's, opposite to a large Indian Fort. 

April ye 1st. The Sabbath. We saw Perch, Mullets, and Carp in plenty, 
and caught one of the large Sort of Cat Fish. I marked my Name, the 
day of the Month, and date of the year on several Beech Trees. 

2nd. We left Holston & travelled through small Hills till about Noon, 
when one of our Horses being choaked by eating Reeds too greedily, we 
stopped, having travelled seven miles. 

3d. Our horse being recover'd, we travelled to the Rocky Ridge. I went 
up to the top to look for a Pass, but found it so Rocky that I concluded 
not to attempt it there. This Ridge may be known by Sight at a distance. 
To the Eastward are many small Mountains, and a Buffalo Road between 
them and the Ridge. The growth is Pine on the Top and the Rocks look 
white at a distance. We went Seven miles this day. 

4th. Wo kept under the Rocky Ridge crossing several small Branches 
to the Head of Holly Creek. We saw many small Licks and plenty of 
Deer. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 799 

April 5th. We went down Holly Creek. There is much Holly in the 
Low Grounds & some Laurel and Ivy. About 3 in the afternoon, the Ridge 
appeared less stony and we passed it and Camped on a small Branch 
about a mile from the top. My riding Horse choaked himself this Even- 
ing and I drenched him with water to wash down the Reeds, and it an- 
swered the End. 

6th. It proving wet we did not move. 

7th. We rode 8 miles over broken Land. It snowed most of the day. 
In the Evening our dogs caught a large He Bear, which before we could 
come up to shoot him had woamded a dog of mine, so that he could not 
Travel, and we carried him on Horseback, till he recovered. 

8th. The Sabbath. Still snow. 

9th. We travelled to a river, which I suppose to be that which the 
hunters Call Clinche's River, from one Clinch a Hunter, who first found it. 
We marked several Beeches on the East side. We could not find a ford 
Shallow eneugh to carry om* Baggage over on our horses. Ambrose Powell 
Forded over on one horse, and we drove the others after him. We then 
made a Raft and carried over one Load of Baggage, but when the Raft 
was brought back it was so heavy that it would not carry anything more 
dry. 

April 10th. We waded and carried the remainder of our Baggage on our 
shoulders at two turns over the River, which is about one hundred and 
thirty yards wide. We went on about five miles and Camped on a small 
Branch. 

April 11th. Having travelled 5 miles to and over a High Mountain, wo 
came to Turkey Ci'eek, which we kept down 4 miles. It lies between two 
Ridges of ^fountains, that to the Eastward being the highest. 

12th. We kept down the Creek 2 miles further, where it meets with a 
large Branch coming from the South West, and thenoe runs through the 
East Ridge making a very good Pass; and a large Buffalo Road goes 
from that Fork to the Creek over the West Ridge, which Ave took and 
found the ascent and descent tolerably easie. From this Mountain we 
rode four miles to Beargrass River. Small Cedar Trees are very plenty 
on the fiat ground nigh the River, and some Barberry trees on the East 
side of the River. On the Banks is some Beargrass. We kept up the 
River two miles. I found some Small ])ieces of Coal and a great plenty of 
very good yellow Flint. The water is the most transparent I ever saw. 
It is about 70 yds. wide. 

April 13th. We went four miles to a large Creek, which we called Cedar 
Creek, being a Branch of Bear Grass, and from thence Six miles to Cave 
Gap, the land being level. On the North side of the Gap is a large Spring, 
which falls very fast, and just above the Spring is a small Entrance to a 
large Cave, which the Spring runs through, and there is a constant 
Stream of Cool air issuing out. The Spring is sufficient to turn a Mill. 
Just at the foot of the Hill is a Laurel Thicket, and the Spring Water 
runs through it. On the South side is a plain Indian Road. On the top 
of the Ridge are I^aurel Tiees marked with Crosses, others blazed and 



800 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

several Figures on them. As I went down on the other Side, I soon came 
to some Laurel in the head of a Branch. A Beech stands on the left hand 
on which I cut my name. This Gap may be seen at a considerable dis- 
tance, and there is no other that I know of, except one about two miles 
to the North of it, which does not appear to be so low as the other. The 
Mountain on the North Side of the Gap is very Steep and Rocky, but on 
the South Side it is not so. We called it Steep Eidge. At the foot of the 
hill on the North West Side we came to a Bi'anch, that made a great deal 
of flat Land. We kept down it 2 miles, Several other Branches coming in 
to make it a large Cieek, and we called it Flat Creek. We camped on the 
Bank where we found very good Coal. I did not See any Lime Stone be- 
yond this Ridge. We rode 13 miles this day. 

April 14th. We kept down the Creek 5 miles Chiefly along the Indian 
Road. 

15th. Easter Sunday. Being in bad grounds for our Horses we moved 
7 miles along the Indian Road, to Clover Creek. Clover and Hop Vines 
are plenty here. 

April 16th. Rai(n). I made a pair of Indian Shoes, those I brought out 
being bad. 

17th. Still rain. I went down the Creek a hunting and found that it 
w«nt into a River about a mile below our Camp. This, which is Flat 
Creek and some others joined, I called Cumberland River. 

ISth. Still Cloudy. We kept down the Creek to the River along the In- 
dian Road to where it crosses. Indians lived about this Ford Some years 
ago. We kept on down the Sovith Side. After riding 5 miles from our 
Camp, we left the River, it being very crooked. In riding 3 miles we canir^ 
on it again. It is about 60 or 70 yards wide, ^^'e rode 8 (?) miles this 
day. 

19th. We left the River but in four miles we came on it again at the 
Mouth of Licking Creek, which we went up and down another. In the 
Fork of Licking Creek is a Lick much used by Buffaloes and manj' large 
Roads lead to it. This afternoon Ambrose Powell was bit by a Bear in 
his Knee. We rode 7 miles this day. 

20th. We kept down the Creek 2 miles to the River again. It appears 
not any wider here than at the mouth of Clover Creek, but much deeper. 
I thought it proper to cross the River and began a bark Canoo. 

April 21st. We finished the Canoe and tryed her. About noon it began 
to thunder, lighten, hail and rain prodigiously and continued about 2 hours. 

22nd. The Sabbath. One of the horses was found unable to walk this 
morning. I then propos'd that with 2 of the Company I would proceed, 
and the other three should Continue here till our return, which was agreed 
to and Lots were drawn to determine who should go, they all being de- 
sirous of it. Ambrose Powell and Colby Chew were the fortunate Persons. 

23rd. Having carried our Baggage over in the bark Canoe and Swum our 
horses, we all crossed the River. Then Ambrose Powell, Colby Chew and 
I departed. Leaving the others to provide and salt some Bear, build an 
house, and plant some Peach Stones and Corn. We travelled about 12 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. Sol 

miles and encamped on Crooked Creek. Tlie mountains are very small 
hereabouts and here is a gi-eat deal of flat Land. We got through the 
Coal to-day. 

April 24th. We kept on Westerly 18 miles, got Clear of the mountains 
and found the Land poor and the woods very Thick beyond them, and 
Laurel & Ivy in and near the Branches. Our Horses suffered very much 
here for want of food. This day we Came on the fresh Track of 7 or 8 
Indians, but could not overtake them. 

25th. We kept on West 5 miles, the Land continuing much the Same, the 
Laurel rather growing worse, and the food scarcer. I got up a tree on a 
llidge and saw the Growth of the Land much the same as Far as my Sight 
could reach. I then concluded to return to the rest of my Company. I 
kept on my track 1 mile then turn'd Southerly & went to Cumberland 
River at the mouth of a water Course, that I named Rocky Creek. 

26th. The River is 150 yards wide and appears to be navigable from this 
place almost to the mouth of Clover Creek. Rocky Creek runs within 40 
yards of the River Bank then turns off, and runs up the River, surround- 
ing about 25 acres of Land before it falls into the River. The Banks of 
the River and Creek are a sufficient Fence almost all the way. On the 
Lower Side of the mouth of the Creek is an Ash marked T. W., a Red 
Oak A. P., a white Hickory C. C, besides several Trees blazed Several 
ways with 3 Chops over each blaze. We went up the North Side of the 
River 8 miles, and Camped on a Small P.rancli. A Bear Broke one of my 
Dogs forelegs. 

April 27th. We crossed Indian Creek and went down Meadow Creek to 
the River. There Comes in another from the Southward as big as this 
we are on. Below the mouth of this Creek and above the mouth are the 
remains of Several Indian Cabins and amongst them a round Hill made 
by Art about 20 feet high and GO over the Top. We went up the River, and 
Camped on the Bank. 

28th. Wo kept up the River to our Company whom we found all w^ell, 
but the lame Horse was as bad as we left him, and another had been bit 
in tlie Nose by a Snake. I rub'd the wounds with Bear's oil, and gave him 
a drench of the same and another of the decoction of Rattle Snake root 
some time after. The People I left had built a House 12 by 8, cleared and 
broke up some groimd & planted Corn and Peach Stones. They also 
had killed several Bears and cured the meat. This day Colby Chew and 
his Horse fell down the Bank. I bled and gave him Volatile drops, & he 
soon recovered. 

April 29th. The Sabbath. The bitten Horse is better. 3 quarters of 
a mile below the House is a Pond in the Ivow Ground of the River, a 
Quarter of a mile in Length and 200 yds. wide much frequented by Fowl. 

30th. I blazed a way from our House to the River. On the other side 
of the River is a large Elm cut down and barked about 20 feet and an- 
other standing just by it with the bark cut around at the root and about 
15 feet above. About 200 yards below this is a white Hickory Barked 
about 15 feet. The depth of water here, when the lowest that I have seen 



802 Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

it, is about 7 or 8 feet, the Bottom of the River Sandy, ye Banks very 
high, & the Current very slow. Tlie bitten Horse being much mended, 
we set off and left the lame one. He is white, branded on the near But- 
tock with a swivil Stirrup Iron, and is old. We left the River and having 
Crossed Several Hills and Branches, Camped in a Valley North from the 
House. 

May 1st. Another Horse being bit, I applyed Bears Oil as before men- 
tioned. We got to Powell's River in the afternoon and went down it 
along an Indian Road, much frequented, to the mouth of a Creek on the 
West side of the River, where we camped. The Indian Road goes up the 
Creek, and I think it is that Which goes through Cave Gap. 

2nd. We kept down the River. At the mouth of a Creek that comes 
in on the East side is a Lick, and I believe there was a hundred Buffaloes 
at it. About 2 o'clock we had a Shower of rain. We camped on the River, 
which is very crooked. 

May 3rd. We crossed a narrow Neck of Land, came on the River again 
and kept down it to an Indian Camp, that had been built this Spring, and 
in it we took up our Quarters. It began to rain about Noon and continued 
until Night. 

4th. We crossed a nanow Neck of Land and came on the River again, 
which we kept down till it turn'd to the Westward, we then left it, and 
went up a Creek, which we Called Colby's Creek. The River is about 50 
yards over where we left it. 

5th. We got to Tomlison's River, which is about the size of Powell's 
River, and I cut my name on a Beech, that stands on the North Side of 
the River. Here is plenty of Coal in the South Bank opposite to our 
Camp. 

6th. The Sabbath. I saw Goslings, which shows that Wild Geese stay 
here all the year. Ambrose Powell had the misfortune to sprain his well 
knee. 

7th. We went down Tomlison's River the Land being very broken and 
our way embarrassed by trees, that had been blown down about 2 years 
ago. 

May 8th. We went up a Creek on the North Side of the River. 

9tK. We got to Lawlesse's River which is much like the others. The 
Mountains here are very Steep and on Some of them there is Laurel and 
Ivy. The tops of the Mountains are very Rocky and some part of the 
Rocks seem to be composed of Shells, Nuts and many other Substances 
petrified and cemented together with a kind of Flint. We left the River 
and after travelling some Miles we got among Trees that had been blown 
down about 2 years, and were obliged to go down a Creek to the River 
again, the Small Branches and Mountains being impassable. 

10th. We Staid on the River, and dressed an Elk skin to make Indian 
Shoes — most of ours being quite worn out. 

11th. We left the River, found the Mountains very bad, and got to a 
Rock by the side of a Creek sufficient to shelter 200 men from Rain. 



WdsJtinijton. Coiiiih/, 1777-1S70. 803 

Finding- it so (.onvenieiit. wo C'onchidcd to stay and put our Elk skin in 
order for shoes and make them. 

12th. Under tlie Rock is a Soft Kind of Stone almost like Alum in 
ta.ste; below it a Layer of Coal about 12 inches thick and wliite Clay under 
that. 1 called the Run Alum Creok. I have obsei-ved several mornings 
past, tliat the Trees begin to iln;-, just before day & continue dripping 
till about Sun rise, as if it rain'd slowly. We had some rain this day. 

1.3th. The Sabbath. 

1-tth. ^^■hen oiu' Elk Skin was pr-epared we liad lost every Awl that we 
had Inought out, and I made one with the Shank of an old Fishing hook, 
the other People made two of Horse Shoe Nailes, and with these we made 
our Shoes or Moccosons. \A'p A\rote several of our Names with Coal under 
the Rock, & I wrote our names, the time of oiu' comeing and leaving this 
place on paper and stuck it in tci the Rock with Mortar, and then set otf. 
We Crossed Hughes's River and Lay on a large Rrancli of it. There is no 
dew this morning but a shower of Rain about (J oclock. The River is 
about 50 yards wide. 

iNLiy l.itli. Laurel and Ivy increase upon us as we go up the Branch. 
About noon it began to rain & we took up oiu* Quarters in a Valley be- 
tween very Steep Hills. 

IGth. We crossed Several Ridges and Branches. About two in the after- 
noon, I was taken with a Violent Pain in my Hip. 

17th. Laurel and Ivy are very plentiful and the Hills still very steep. 
The Woods have been burnt some years past, and are now very thick, the 
Timber being almost all kill'd. We Camped on a Branch of Naked Creek. 
The pain in my Hip is something asswaged. 

IStli. We went up Naked Creek to the iiead and hud a plain Buft'alo 
Road most of the way. From thence we proceeded down Wolf Creek and 
on it we Camped. 

10th. We kept down ye Creek to Hunting Creek, which we crossed and 
left. It rained most of the afternoon. 

!May 20th. The Sabbath. It began to Rain about Noon and continued 
till next day. 

21st. T^ft oir raining about S. We crossed several Ridges and Small 
Brancli<¥! & Camped on a Branch of Hunting Creek. In the Evening it 
rained very hard. 

22iid. We went down the I'raneh to liunting Creek & kept it to Milley's 
River. 

2:b(l. We attempted to go down the Iviver but could not. We then 
(.lossetl Hunting Creek and attempted to go up the River but could not. 
It being ver\' deep we began a Bark Canoe. Tiie River is about 90 or 100 
j'ards wide. I blazed several Trees in the Fork and marked T. W. on a 
Sycamore Tree 40 feet around. It has a large Hole on the N: W: side- 
about 20 fi'ct from the Giound and is divided into 3 Branches just by the 
hole, and it stands about 80 yards above the mouth of Hunting Creek, 

May 24th. We finished the Canoe and crossed the River about noon, and 
I marked a Svcamore 30 feet round and several Beeches on the North side 



804: Southwest Virginia, 171^6-1786. 

of the Kiver opposite to the mouth of the Creek. Game is very scarce 
hereabouts. 

25th. It began to rain before day and continued till about noon. We 
travelled about 4 miles on a Ridge and Camped on a small Branch. , 

26th.We kept down the Branch almost to the River, and up a Creek, and 
then along a Ridge till our Dogs roused a large Buck Elk, Which we fol- 
lowed down to a Creek. He killed Ambrose Powell's Dog in the Chase, and 
we named the Run Tumbler's Creek, the Dog being of that Name. 

27th. The Sabbath. 

28th. Cloudy. We could not get our Horses till almost Night, when we 
went down the Branch. We lay on to the main Creek, and turn'd up it. 

May 29th. We proceeded up the Creek 7 miles, and then took a North 
Branch & went up it five miles and then encamped on it. 

30th. We went to the head of the Branch we lay on 12 miles. A shower 
of Raiii fell this day. The Woods are burnt fresh about here and are the 
only fresh burnt Woods we have seen these Six Weeks. 

31st. We crossed 2 Mountains and Camped just by a Wolf's Den. They 
were very impudent and after they had been twice shot at, they kept 
howling about the Camp. It rained till Noon this day. 

June ye 1st. We found the Wolf's Den and caught 4 of the young ones. 
It rained this morning. We went up a Greek, crossed a mountain and 
went through a Gap, and then, camped on the head of A Branch. 

2nd. We went down the Branch to a River 70 yards wide, which I called 
Frederick's River. We kept up it a half a mile to a Ford, where we crossed 
and proceeded upon the North Side 3 miles. It rained most of the after- 
noon. Elks are very plenty on this River. 

June 3rd. Whit-Sunday. It rained most of the day. 

4th. I blazed several trees four ways on the outside of the low Grounds 
by -a Buflfalo Road, and marked my Name on several Beech Trees. Also 
I marked some by the River side just below a "mossing" place with an 
Island in it. We left the River about 10 o'clock & got to Falling Creek, 
and went up it till 5 in the afternoon, when a very black Cloud appear- 
ing, we turn'd out our Horses, got tent Poles up, and were just stretching 
a Tent, when it began to rain and hail, and was succeeded by a violent 
Wind which Blew down our Tent & a great many Trees about it, several 
large ones within 30 yds. of the Tent. We all left the place in confusion 
and ran different ways for shelter. After the Storm was over, we met at 
the Tent, and found all safe. 

5th. There was a violent Shower of Rain before day. This morning 
we went up the Creek about 3 miles, and then were obliged to leave it, 
the Timber being so blown down that we could not get through. After we 
left the Creek we kept on a Ridge 4 miles, then tinned down to the head 
of a Branch, and it began to rain and continued raining very hard till 
Night. 

June 6th. We went down the Branch till it became a large Creek. It 
runs very Swift, falling more than any of the Branches we have been on 
of late. I called it Rapid Creek. After we had gone 8 miles we could not 



Was]iington County, 1777-1S70. 805 

ford, ami we (.'anipt'd in tlie low (iromul. There is great sign of Indians on 
tliis Creek. 

7th. Tlie Creek being fordaljle, \ve Crossed it & kept down 12 miles to a 
River about 100 yards over, which we called Louis.a River. The Creek is 
about 30 yards wide, & part of ye River breaks into ye Creek — -making 
an Island on which \\c Camped. 

8th. Tlie River is so deep we cannot ford it and as it is falling we con- 
cluded to stay and hunt. In the afternoon, Mr. Powell and my Self was a 
hunting about a mile & a half from the Camp, and heard a gun just below 
us on the other side of the River, and as none of our People could cross, 
I was in liopes of getting some direction from the Person, but could not 
find him. 

June 9th. Wo crossed the River & went do\Mi it to the mouth of a Creek 
& up tlie Creek to the head and over a Itidge into a Steep Valley and 
Camped. 

10th. Trinity Sunday. Reing in very bad ground for our Horses, we 
concluded to move. We were very much hindered by the Trees, 4,hat were 
blown down on Monday last. We Camped on a Small Brancli. 

11th. It rained violently in the Latter part of the Night & till 9 o'Clock. 
The Branck is impassable at present. We lost a Tomahawk and a Cann 
by the Flood. 

12tli. The Watt'r being low we went do^^n tlie Branch to a large Creek, 
& up the Creek. INIany of the trees in the Branches are Wash'd up by 
the Roots and others barked by the old trees, that went^ down ye Stream. 
The Roots in the Bottom of the Runs are Barked by the Stones. 

June 1.31 h. We are very much hindered by the Gust & a shower of Rain 
about Noon. Game is very scarce here, and the mountains very bad, the 
tops of the Ridges being so covered with Ivy and the sides so steep and 
stony that we were obliged to cut our way through with our Tomahawks. 

14th. The Woods are still bad and Game scarce. It rained to-day about 
Noon & we Camped on the top of A Ridge. 

l.")th-16th. We got on a large Creek where Turkey are plenty and some 
Klks. We went a hunting & killed 3 Turkej's. Hunted & killed 3 Bears 
& some Tin-keys. 

17th. The Sabbath. We killed a large Buck Elk. 

18th. Having prepared a good stock of Meat, we left the Creek cross- 
ing several Branches and Ridges. The Woods still continuing bad the 
weather hot & our Horses so far spent, that we are all obliged to walk. 

June 19th. We got to Laurel Creek early this morning, and met so im- 
pudent a Bull Buffalo that we were obliged to shoot him, or he would 
have been amongst us. We then went up the Creek six miles, thence up a 
North Branch of it to the Head, and attempted to cross a mountain, but 
it proved so liigh and difficult, that we were obliged to Camp on the side 
of it. This Ridge is nigh the eastern edge of the Coal Land. 

20th. We got to the top of the ilountain and Could discover a flat to 
the South & South East. We' went down from the Ridge to a Branch and 
down the Branch to Laurel Creek not far from where Ave left it yester- 



806 Southwest Virginia, 17JfO-17S6. 

day & Camped. My riding Horse ^yas bit by a Snake this day, and hav- 
ing no Bear's Oil I rub'd the \)\ace witli a piece of fat meat, which had the 
desired effect. 

21st. We found the Level Nigh the Creek so Full of Laurel that we were 
obliged to go up a Small Branch, and from the head of that to the Creek 
again, and found it good travelling a Small distance from the Creek. We 
Camped on the Creek. Deer are very scarce on the Coal Land. I have 
seen but 4 since the 30th of April. 

June 22nd. We kept up to the head of the Creek, and the Land being 
Leveller than we have lately seen, and here are some large Savanna's. 
:Many of the Branches are full of Laurel and Ivy. Deer and Bears are 
plenty. 

23rd. Land continues level with Laurel and Ivy & we got to a large 
Creek with very high & steep Banks full of Rocks which I called Clifty 
Creek, the Rocks are 100 feet perpendicular in some Places. 

24th. The Sabbath. 

25th. We Crossed Clifty Creek. Here is a little Coal and the Land still 
flat. 

26th. We crossed a Creek that we called Dismal Creek, the Banks being 
the worst and the Laurel the thickest I have seen. The Land is Moun- 
tainous on the East Side of the Dismal Creek, and the Laurels end in a 
few miles. We Camped on a Small Branch. 

June 27th. The Land is very high & we crossed several Ridges and 
camped on a sniffll Branch. It rained about Noon and continued till the 
next day. 

28th. It continued raining till Noon, and we set off as soon as it ceased 
and went down the Branch we lay on to the New River just below the 
mouth of Green Bryer. Powell, Tomlison and myself stripped, and went 
into the New River to try if we could wade over at any place. After 
some time having found a place we returned to the others and took such 
things as would take damage by water on our Shoulders, and waded over 
Leading our Horses. The bottom is very uneven, the Rocks very slippery 
and the Current very Strong most of the way. We Camped in the Low 
Ground opposite to the mouth of Green Bryer. 

29th. We kept up Green Bryer. It being a Avet day we went only 2 
miles, and Camped on the North Side. 

June 30th. We went 7 miles up the River, which is very crooked. 

July ye 1st. The Sabbath. Our Salt being almost spent We travelled 10 
miles, sometimes on the River and at other times some distance from it. 

2nd. We kept up the River the chief part of the day and we travelled 
about 10 miles. 

3rd. We went up the River 10 miles to-day. 

4th. We went up the River 10 miles through very bad Woods. 

5th. The way growing worse we travelled 9 miles only. 

6th. We left the River. The low grounds on it are of very little Value, 
but on the Branches are very good, and there is a great deal of it, and 
the high land is very good in many places. We got on a large Creek called 



Washington County. 1777-1870. 807 

Anthony's Creek, wliicli affords a groat deal of Very good Land, and it is 
eluefly bought. We kept up the creek 4 miles and Camped. This Creek took 
its Xame from an Indian, calh'd John Antliony, that frequently hunts in 
these Woods. There are some inhabitants on the Branches of Green Bryer, 
but we missed tiieir Plantations. 

July 7th. We kept up the Creek, and about Noon 5 men overtook us and 
inform'd us we were only 8 miles from the inhabitants on a Branch of 
James Iliver called Jackson's River. We exchanged some Tallow for Meal 
and partetl. W'e Camped on a Creek nigh the top of Alleghany Ridge, 
which we named Ragged Creek. 

Stli. Having Shaved, Shifted, & made new Shoes, we left our useless 
Kaggs at ye Camp & got to Walker Johnston's about Noon. We moved 
over to Robert Armstrong's in the Afternoon & staid there all Night. 
The People here are very hospitable and would be better able to support 
Travellers wa^ it not for the great number of Indian \^arriors, that fre- 
(jueiitly take wiiat they want from them, much to their jirejudice. 

• Inly !tth. We went to the hot Springs and found Six Invalids there. 
Tlie Spring Water is very Clear & warmer than new Milk, and there is a 
spring of cold Water within 20 feet of the Warm one. I left one of my 
Company this day. 

loth. Having a Path we rode 20 miles & lodged at Captain Jemyson's 
lirlow the Panther Gap. Two of my Company went to a Smith to get 
tlifir Horses Shod. 

nth. Oiu- Way IMending, We travelled 30 miles to Augusta Court 
ir<i\i-.c, where I found Mr. Andrew Johnston, the first of my acquaintance 
I liad seen since the 2(jth day of March. 

I2tli. Mr. Johnston lent me a fresh Horse and sent my Horses to Mr. 
David Steward's, who was so kind as to give them Pasturage. About 
S o'clock I set oflT leaving all my Company. It began to rain about 2 in 
till" Afternoon & 1 lodged at Capt. David Lewis's, about 34 miles from 
Augu-ta Court House. 

l.'Uli. I got home about Noon. 

AVe killed on the Journey 13 Buffaloes, 8 Elks, 53 Bears, 20 Deer, 4 
Wild r;-e<>se, about 150 Turkeys, besides small Game. We might have 
killed three times as much meat if we had wanted it. 



808 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



First Lands Surveyed on the Waters of the Holston and 
Clinch Rivers of which Any Record is Preserved. 



SURVEVOR'S RECORD OF FINCASTLE COUNTY. 



Surveyed by John Floyd, Eohert Doach, Robert Preston and Francis Smith. 











ACRES 


Mar. 


15, 16, '74. 


Wm. Edmiston, . . . 


.1000 


April 


16, 


1774. 


John Campbell, . . . 


. 200 


Feb. 


19, 


1774. 


Benj. Logan, 


. 250 




15, 


1774. 


Lewis Pitts, 


. 154 




22, 


1774. 


Benj. Hawkins, . . . 


. 365 




21, 


1774. 


Nathaniel Davis, . . 


. 118 




23, 


1774. 


Eliais Moore, 


. 400 




15, 


1774. 


Anthony Herd, .... 


. 210 




21, 


1774. 


John Davis, 


. 275 


Jan. 


22, 


1774. 


Daniel McCormick, . 


. 330 




24, 


1774. 


Colin McKinney, . . 


. 103 




24, 


1774, 


Benj. Maiden, 


. 90 




24, 


1774. 


James Bryan, 


. 475 




24, 


1774, 


Andrew Kincannon, 


. 200 




24, 19, '74. 


Francis Kincannon^. 


. 33 




24, 


1774. 


Joseph Lester, .... 


. 153 




-18, 


1774. 


Alex. Wiley, 


. 235 




20, 


17/4. 


Robert Shannon, . . 


. 258 




21, 


1774. 


Robert Crow, 


. 241 




21, 


1774. 


Ed. Pharez, 


. 115 




24, 


1774. 


Wm. Lockhart, . . . 


. 215 




22, 


1774. 


John Wiley, 


. 234 




12, 


1774. 


Thomas Crow, . . . • 


. 226 




13, 


1774. 


David Phillips, . . . 


. 155 




21, 


1774. 


Edward Crow, . . . . 


. 299 




24, 


1774. 


Thos: McCulloch, . . 


. 290 




12, 


1774. 


James Cameron, . . 


. 29 




24, 


1774. 


Samuel Simpson, . . 


. 140 




22 


1774. 


Samuel McHenry, . 


. 95 




14, 


1774. 


John Boyd, 


. 260 




11, 


1774. 


Francis Delaney, . . 


. 155 




11, 


1774. 


John Kirk, 


. 290 




15, 


1774. 


George Adams, . . . . 


. 535 


Feb. 


4 


1774 


Roger Topp, 


. 400 



and 1000 bet. M. & S. Forka 

Holston. 
Rich Valley, W. North Fork. 
Beaver Creek. 
North Fork. 
Wolf Creek. 
Beaver Creek, N. Fork, 
on Middle Fork of Holston. 
Rich Valley, North Fork. 
Beaver Creek. 
Middle Fork. 
Cedar Creek. 
Waters North Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
& 546 N. & M. Fork of Hols'n. 
Middle Fork. 
Middle Fork. 

Bear Creek, M. Fork Holston. 
Hungers Mother, Br'ch of M. F. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters M. F., nr. bend thereof. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters of North Fork. 
Holston. 
Middle Fork. 
Eleven-Mile Creek. 
East side Middle Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Waters Middle Fork. 
Holston. 
Holston. 



Wasldnrjton County, 1777-1870. 



800 



ACRES. 

5, 1774. John Bealer, 290 Beaver Creek. 

10, 1774. George Lester, 60 Middle Fork. 

5, 1774. Alex. Laughlin, .... 395 Sinking Creek. 

17, 1774. Jonathan Wood, ... 160 Middle Fork. 

24, 1774. Arthur Blackburn,.. 130 Waters M. F. 

5, 1774. Daniel Miller, 340 Cedar Branch, W. Beaver C"k, 

4, 1774. Henry Turney, 340 Waters of Holston. 

25, 1774. George Clark, 380 M. F. Eleven-Mile Creek. 

27/1774. Samuel Henry, 204 S. F. Fifteen-Mile Creek. 

yt, 1774. Wni. Montgomery,... 224 S. F. Fifteen-Mile Creek, 

/12, 1774. Robert Buchanan, .. 210 M. F. 

. 14, 1774. David Remey, 261 Waters S. Fork. 

25. 1774. Arthur Gilbreath, .. 356 Waters M. Fork. 

. 14, 1774. James Bishop, 351 Waters S. Foric. 

5, 1774. John Parker, 322 Crab Orchard Cr., Br. Holston. 

"9. 1774. Wm. Lewis, 176 South Fork. 

10, 1774. Mitchell Borden, ... 282 South Fork. 

20, 1774. Abraham Stailey, .. 152 Middle Fork. 

. 13, 1774. Jos. Cole, 221 South Fork. 

8, 17/4. Jos. Cole, 278 South Fork. 

12, 1774. JLirtin Gash, 195 South Fork. 

9, 1774. Henry Bowen, 426 W. S. Fork of Holston. 

10, 1774. Matthew Evans, ... 197 W. S. Fork of Holston. 

12, 1774. Matthew Bishop, ... 77 S. F. of Holston. 

9, 1774. John Thomas, 404 W. S. F., Holston. 

12, 1774. Ihomas Baker, 328 Reedy Hill Cr., S. F. Holston. 

13, 1774. John Kelly, 190 S. Branch Holston River. 

20, 1774. Shadrack Newton, .. 133 N. Branch Holston River. 

29, 1774. Nicholas Fain, .... 230 on Wolf Hill Cr., S. F. of Hol'n. 

27, 1774. Wm. McGaughy, ... 235 on Head Sugar Tree Draft. 

13, 1774. Jolin Riley, 120 Holston Sinking Creek. 

19, 1774. Jos. Snodgrass, 390 W. M. F. Holston. 

28, 1774. John Fain, 30 Wolf Hill Cr. Br., S. F. of Hoi. 

10, 1774. John Johnson, 230 Sinking Creek, Br. Holston. 

9, 1774. David Mcachin, 45 Steels Creek. 

9. 177«1. James Elliott, 560 Waters of Holston.- 

5, 1774. Daniel Miller, 340 Cedar Br., W. Beaver Creek. 

8, 1774. Thomas Fugate, 140 Reedy Creek. 

7, 1774. Jo. Bcattie, 226 & 360 Waters of Holston. 

11, 1774. Wm. Cox, 220 Reedy Creek. 

8, 1774. Duvid Steele, 290 Br. Steele's Creek. 

17, 1774. Ed. Bond, 320 Beaver Creek. 

9, 1774. Margaret Elliott, ... 430 Reedy Creek. "^ 
16, 1774. Jolin E<lmiston, ... 345 S. F. of Holston. 
16. 1774. James Sproul, 220 Rich Valley. 

15, 1774. Isaac Bledsoe, 300 W. N. F. of Holston. 

12, 1774. John Cearnes, 108 W. Reedy Creek. 



810 



Southwest Virginia, 1740-17S6. 



F«b. 

VMcar, 
Feb. 



Jan. 
Feb. 



Feb. 
Jan. 

Feb. 



Jan. 

Feb. 



Mar. 
Jan. 

Feb. 



r 



Jan. 

Feb. 



Mar. 
May 
Mar. 

May 



16, 1774. 
12, 1774. 
16, 1774. 

15, 1774. 

16, 1774. 

16, 1774. 
— 1, 1774. 

12, 1774. 

17, 1774. 

20, 1774. 
17. 1774. 

10. 1774. 
17, 17/4. 

11, 1774. 

15, 1774. 

10, 1774. 
28, 1774. 

11, 1774. 
10, 1774. 

21, 1774. 
21, 1774. 

16, 1774. 

10, 1774. 
9. 1774. 

11, 1774. 
IS, 1774. 
IS, 1774. 

20, 1774. 

21, 1774. 
14, 1774. 
28, 1774. 

3, 1774. 
19, 1774. 
28, 1774. 

12, 1774. 
12. 1774. 
10, 1774. 
21, 1774. 

4, 1774. 
4, 1774. 

31, 1774. 

17, 1774. 
21, 1774. 

4, 1774. 



George Steele, . . . 
Robert Snodgi'ass, 
Thomas Knight, . 
Moses Buchanan, 
Wm. Henderson, . 
John Robinson, . . 

John Owen, 

John Adair 

Thomas Jones ... 
David Snodgrass, 
Henry Grimes, . . 
Robert Steele, . . . 
Cliris. Funkhouser 

John Berry, 

David Berry, .... 

Alex. Doran, 

James Steele, .... 
Francis Davis, . . . 
John Donohue, . . 

John Hollis, 

Nath. Davis, .... 
James Doran, .... 
Abraham Ellis, . . 
Francis Scott, . • . 
Arcliibald McNeal, 
George Maxwell, . 
Wm. Hughes, .... 
Samuel Newell, . . 

John Roark, 

John Blackburn, 
Samuel Edmiston, 
Robert Gramall, . . 
T. King & J. Sharp 
James Roaik. . 
Andrew Martin. 
Wm. Elliott, . . . 
Wm. Anderson, 
John Donohue, . 
Anthony Bledsoe, 
Wm. Thompson, 
John Wilson, . . 
John Walker, . . 
Wm. Robertson, 
Henry Dickenson, 
John HaA'is, . . • • 



ACRES. 

95 
200 

96 
170 
160 
180 
104 

86 
290 
690 
240 
386 
.160 
139 
212 
105 
342 
280 
254 
162 
115 
268 

82 
252 
191 
113 
220 

69 

93 

78 
200 
340 
130 

63 
110 
270 
160 
330 
740 
195 
279 

94 
617 
170 
227 



Rich Valley. 

W. Reedy Creek. 

Rich Valley. 

Soutli Fork Holston. 

Rich Valley, W. of N. Fork. 

Rich Valley, W. of N. Fork. 

M. F. of Holston. 

W. Reedy Creek. 

W. Beaver Creek. 

N. side of Holston. 

Beaver Creek. 

Kincaid Cr., Br. of Holston. 

W. Beaver Creek. 

W. Wolf Hill Creek. 

Beaver Creek. 

Head Cane Brake Sp'r Iron Mt. 

Kincaid Creek. 

Wolf Creek. 

K. Creek. 

W. of Holston. 

Beaver Creek. 

Wolf Creek. 

Rich Vaiiey, ^v. of X. Fork. 

Waters of Holston. 

Kincaid Creek. 

Waters of Holston. 

Waters Beaver Creek. 

Waters Beaver Creek. 

W^aters Beaver Creek. 

Waters Beaver Creek. 

W. M. Fork, north side. 

Fifteen-Mile Creek, west side. 

Xorth Fork, north side. 

Waters Beaver Creek. 

Fifteen-Mile Creek, east side. 

Waters Reedy Ciieek. 

Waters Reedy Creek. 

Br. Holston River. 

Meeting House, Br. W. Holston. 

S. Fork Clinch River. 

Rich Valley. 

Sinking Creek. 

Castle's Woods. 

both sides Clinch River. 

foot Brushy Mt., both '^ide.s 

Leatherwood Run. Waters of 

Holston. 



Wa.shiiKjlon Couniy, 1777-1S70. 



81.1 



Mar. 


14. 


1774. 




14. 


1774. 




3, 


1774. 


April 


3, 


1774. 




2 


1774. 




•"), 


1774. 


Mar. 


2(3. 


1774. 


April 


•^• 


1774. 


May 


•">. 


1774. 




4. 


1774. 




•23, 


1774. 


Mixv. 


25, 


1774. 




4. 


1774. 




13, 


1774. 




21. 


1774. 




.).) 


1774. 




20. 


1774. 




24, 


1774. 




24, 


1774. 




23. 


17 74. 


April 


•"). 


1774. 




4. 


1774. 


Mar. 


2 •") . 


1774. 


April 


•"). 


1774. 


May 


HI. 


1774. 




l.>. 


1774. 




24. 


1774. 




20. 


1774. 




26. 


1774. 




2fl. 


1774. 




20, 


1774. 


Apiil 


."). 


1774. 




21. 


1774. 




1. 


1774. 
1774. 




•"). 


1774. 


Mm. 


•il). 


1774. 




2(i. 


1774. 


April 


•"). 


1774. 


Mar. 


20. 


1774. 


May 


20 


1774. 


April 


•1. 
3. 
3, 


1774. 
1774. 
1774. 


^[ay 


31. 


1774. 


.luiic 


10. 


1774. 



ACRES. 

Henry Smith, 464 

Daniel Smith, 673 

Philip Phillip.s, 120 

Samuel Cowan, .... 254 

Chris. Kilgore, 250 

David Cowan, 264 

John Carter, 92 

Joseph Moore, 334 

Samuel McAdams, . . 225 

James King, 132 

John Anderson, .... 64 

John BIaekmor«, . . . 515 

John Wilson, 270 

James Wilson, 253 

Fred. Fry ley, 216 

Abraham McClelland, 343 

Thomas Carter, .... 197 

Samuel Ritchie, .... Ill 

Jos. Blaekmore, .... 75 

Lewis Green, 91 

John Boles, 262 

Samuel McAdams, . . 147 

Isaac Crisman, 225 

Matthias Mountis, . . 243 

Matthias Mount.s, . . 365 

John Henry, 167 

John Anderson, .... 95 

Wm. Thomp.son, . . . 229 

Archilas Dickenson,. 310 
Humphr'y Dickenson, 310 

Arthur Campliell, . . 293 

Janu>s Burke, 96 

James Moore, 92 

John Crank 116 

Patrick Porter, 214 

John Smith 224 

Rich. Stauntoi 73 

Deal Carter 96 

Wm. Moore. 493 

.john Biackmnre. . . . 200 

Henry Hamblin, ... 310 

Wm. Trimble, 113 

David Guess 434 

David Wharton 218 

Abraliaiu Cnibtroc,. . 104 



Th 



la^ Portt 



144 



S. Fork Clinch River. 

Indian Cr., Waters Cl'ch River. 

N. side & an island in C. River. 

both sides McKinney Run. 

E. side Falling Creek. 

Mill Creek. 

N. W. side Clinch River. 

S. Branch Clinch River. 

at end Morris' Knob. 

S. F. Clinch River. 

both sides Clinch River. 

Stonej^ Cr., X. side Cl'ch River. 

Rich Valley. 

toot Brushy ^lounlain. 

Clinch River, S. iside. 

Sinking Waters Clinch, S. side. 

Clinch River, N. side. 

Clinch River, south side. 

Clinch River, north side. 

Clinch River, south side. 

in Castle's Woods. 

Clinch, N. side South Fork. 

Cove Creek. 

Castle Run, west side. 

S. Waters Clinch River. 

Clinch. Waters South Fork. 

both sides Clinch. 

N. W. of South Fork. 

Clinch, on W. 

north side Clinch River. 

north side Clinch River. 

Copper Creek. 

Abb's Valley. 

Copper Creek. 

Falling Creek, W. side. 

in Castlewoods. 

Clinch, N. side. 

Clinch, N. side. 

Clinch, S. side. 

S. side bet. R'r Hills & C. Cr. 

Clinch, N. side. 

Clinch, S. Waters. 

Sinking Waters, S. side Clinch. 

Clinch, S. side. 

Holiston. bet. Pawpaw Bottom 

and Clay Lick. 
M. F. H., S. Brancii. 



812 



Southwest Virginia, 17 46-17 86. 



June 11, 1774. 





7, 


1774. 




9, 


1774. 




9, 


1774. 




8, 


1774. 




11, 


1774. 


ilay 


31, 


1774. 


June 


8, 


1774. 


May 


30, 


1774. 




26, 


1774. 




27, 


1774. 




23, 


1774. 


June 


11, 


1774. 




11, 


1774. 


May 


26, 


1774. 


June 


7, 


1774. 


May 


26, 


1774. 




7, 


1774. 


June 


8, 


1774. 




10, 


1774. 


May 


30, 


1774. 


June 


2, 


1774. 




1, 


1774. 


May 


27, 


1774. 




27, 


1774. 


June 


8, 


1774. 




1, 


1774. 




5, 


1774. 




7, 


1774. 


May 


5, 


1774. 


June 


5, 


1774. 




1, 


1774. 




2, 


1774. 




7, 


1774. 


May 


28, 


1774. 


June 


7, 


1774. 


^Jan. 


4, 


1775. 


Dee. 


2 


1774. 




3, 


1774. 




23, 


1774. 




23, 


1774. 




7, 


1774. 




15, 


1774. 




23, 


1774. 




2 


1774. 



ACRES. 

Elias Maekay, 124 

Conrad Henniger, . . 37 

Rich. Higgins, 119 

Chas. Campbell, 285 

James Fullen, 126 

Rouise Potter, 151 

Alex. Vance, 192 

Joseph Drake, 326 

John Fowler, 152 

Arthur Ncal, 44 

James Crabtree, . . . 373 

Jeremiah Harrison,. . 412 

Hellen Dungins, .... 354 

Jonathan Dean, .... 60 

Wm. Crabtree, 98 

Rich. Humphreys, . . 404 

Humberson Lyon, . . 343 

Isaac Crabtree, 50 

Aaron Horn, 261 

Wm. Marlin, 151 

Wm. Fowler, 375 

Thomas Stern, 91 

Fred Stern, 238 

John Crabtree, 129 

Nathan Richison, . . . 122 

Hanchrist Carlock,.. 126 

Fred Stern, 176 

John Hopton, 279 

Jeremiah Barnet, . . . 259 

Wm. Whitley, 142 

Justice Reynolds, . . . 123 

Conrad Carlock, .... 168 

Samuel Scott, 94 

Samuel White, 45 

Abel Richison, 309 

George Hyce, 205 

Evan Shelby, 1000 

John Carson, 130 

Anthony Linder, .... 79 

David Linder, 150 

Jacob Mongle, 86 

Nathan Reid, 63 

James Davidson, ... 90 

Fred. Gobble, 32 

Job Cochran, 145 



S. Br. M. F. H'd Higgin's Mill 

Run. 
Middle Fork, N. side. 
Mill Creek. 

S. B. of Mid. F. of Holston, 
Carlock's Br. M. Fork. 
S. Branch. 
Beaver Creek. 
Carlock's Br., Middle Fork. 
Sinking Rock Br., N. F. 
North Fork. 
Beaver Creek. 

Sinking Rock Br., >iorth F. 
Neils' Br., N. F. Head Spring. 
South Fork. 
North Fork. 
M. F. Neil's Branch. 
North Fork, both sides. 
Cedar Branch, head of. 
Middle Fork N. B. 
Neil's Branch, Middle F. 
Beaver Creek. 
Branch of Lick Run. 
Branch of Lick Run. 
Incld. Head Spring, Elkhora 

Br., Waters of Holston. 
N. F. Sinking Branch. 
Mid. F. S. Br., Lick Run. 
M. Fork Clapboard Cabin Br. 
Neil Branch, Middle Fork. 
Middle Fork. 

Simpson Branch. Middle Fork. 
Middle Fork S. Branch. 
M. Fork Branch Lick Run. 
Middle Fork Lick Run. 
Middle Fork Dry Run. 
N. Fork Beaver Creek. 
Big Spring Branch Middle F. 
Beaver Creek. 
North Fork. 

North Fork, Rich Valley. 
North Fork. 
North Fork. 
North Fork. 

Moccasin Creek, North F. 
North Fork, north side. 
Rich Valley, North F. 



Dec. 1, 1774. 

6, 1774. 

6, 1774. 

15, 1774. 

28, 1774. 

1, 1774. 

6, 1774. 

24, 1774. 

13, 1774. 
23, 1774. 

23, 1774. 
3, 1774. 

14, 1774. 
31, 1774. 
31, 1774. 

P^an. 6, 1775. 

Dec. 5, 1774. 

31, 1774. 

5, 1774. 

Jan. C, 1775. 

Feb. 2, 1774. 

Jan. 27, 1774. 

V^ Dec. 20, 1774. 

24, 1774. 
28, 1774. 
20, 1774. 
28, 1774. 
24, 1774. 

•Tan. 12, 1774. 

Dec. 12, 1774. 

Dec. G, 1774. 

20, 1774. 
0, 1774. 

15, 1774. 
27, 1774. 

S, 17/4. 

/8, 1774. 

Mar. ^15, 1774. 

Dec. 7. 1774. 

12. 1774. 

!», 1774. 

21, 1774. 
10. 1774. 

8, 1774. 

f). 1774. 

Jan. (!, 177"). 



Washington CounUj, 1777-1870. 813 

Rich. Lynem, 160 North Fork Rich Valley. 

1 eter Anderson, 80 North Fork Rich Valley. 

Zach. Clemmons, ... 160 North Fork. 

Jonathan Wood, 185 Nortli Fork Moccasin Creek. 

Thomas McNeil, ... 125 South Fork Mill Creek. 

George Baker, 82 Waters M. F. Holston. 

Michael Huffaker,.., 100 Rich Vaiiey, North Fork. 

David Mongle, 90 North Fork. 

Robert Tate, 174 Moccasin Creek, North Fork. 

Isaac Newland, .... 175 North Fork. 

Abraham Newland,.. 175 Nortn Fork. 

Jolin Robinson, 220 W. N. F. 

\\n\. Huston, 535 MocKison Cr., Br. N. F. Hols'n. 

John Carmack, .... 470 Sinking Creek, Br. of Holston. 

Thomas Sharp, .... 580 Sinking Creek, Br. of Holston. 

Isaac Baker, 450 Beaver Creek..^ 

Wm. Crabtree, 79 Rich Valley, N. F. Holston. 

Thomas Rafferty, ... 335 Mill Creek. 

Peter Lee, 230 Rich Valley, North Fork. 

Alex. Laughlin, .... 590 W. Sinking Cr., incld. former 

survey. 

Wm. Davidson, 325 N. side Holston River. 

James Craig, 480 Middle Fork. 

Wm. T. Livingston,. 470 North I'ork. 

Wm. Samples, 85 North Fork. 

John Jones, 219 Waters of South Fork. 

John Sevier, 65 North Fork. 

Wm. Pruitt, 300 South Fork. 

Wm. Williams, 280 North Fork. 

Rich. Moore, 390 Beaver Creek. 

Josse Cain, 75 North I'ork. 

John Fugate, ISO North Fork. 

Robert Carson, l^o North Fork, Rich Valley. 

John Sevier, 200 North Fork. ""^ 

Jeremiah Hatfield, . . 140 North Fork Water.?. 

John Frazier, 180 Mockison Creek. 

Francis Whitney, . . 220 Mill CreeK. 

Ricli. Brumley, .... 80 Branch North Fork. 

John Lovelace, ..... 186 Rich Vaiiey. 

Moses Buchanan, ... 87 N. side S. Fork Oi Holston. 

Moses Keewood, ... 180 Rich Valley. 

John Tate, 145 Mockison Creek. 

John Patterson, .... 145 Rich Valley. 

Wm. Blackburn, .... 220 Branch of Holston. 

Halbert McClure, ... 208 N. side North F. Holston. 

Henry Pirtle, 142 Br. North Fork Holston. 

vieo. Hatlield, 120 W. North Fork of Holston. 

lltiir\- llarkleroad, . . 114 Beaver Creek. 



814 



Southwest Virginia^ 17^6-1786. 



ACRES. 

Feb. 12, 1774. Robert Patterson, . . 170 

Jan. 12, 1775. Cornelius Carmack,. . 100 

Feb. 4, 1774. George Riddle, 310 

Jan. 31, 1774. James Phillips, 200 

Feb. 12, 1774. Robert Williams, ... 125 
Jan. 7, 1775. John Carmack, .... 97 

15, 1774. Wm. Bates, 130 

Feb. 1, 1774. i^avid Dryden, 160 

Dec. 7, 1774. Stephen Keewood, . . 50 

8, 1774. George Pirtle, 190 

IG, 1774. Kasper Mansker, . . . 190 

3, 1774. Jonas vSmith, 270 

^ 17, 1774. Robert Trimble, 220 

June 8, 1775. Samuel Davis, 364 

Dec. 4, 1774. Nathaniel Davis, ... 115 

Feb. 14, 1776. George Pearis, 95 

Mar. 22, 1775. John Bradshaw, 335 

31, 1775. Thomas Farley, 355 

1, 1775. Wm. Allison, 150 

Feb. 27, 1775. David Campbell, ... 141 

11, l/VS. John Morris, 131 

28, 1775. John Vaught, 390 

23, 1775. Thomas Worley, ... 612 

6, 1775. henry Wagoner, . . . 476 
25, 1775. John Crow, 210 

7, 1775. Chas. King, 177 

,^'8, 1775. John Campbell, 156 

Mar. 1, 1775. Lewis Abel, 249 

Feb. 7, 1775. John Hays, 308 

* 8, 1775. Arthur Campbell, . . 279 



22, 1775. John Williams, 



134 



24. 1775. John Jakes 249 

24, 1775. Hugh Johnson 341 

28, 1775. John Morrison, .... 271 

23, 1775. Jonathan Dean, .... 203 

23, 1775. Henry Vice, 329 

28, 1775. Alex. Campbell, 173 

27, 1775. David McCord 218 

27, 1775. Robert Preston, 154 

June 16, 1774. Robert Buchanan, .. 722 

April — , 1774. Wm. Ellis, 200 

Mar. 10, 1774. dos. Cole, Jr., 215 



Reedy Creek. 

Beaver Creek. 

Branch of Holston. 

Wolf Hill Creek. 

Reedy Creek. 

Sinking Creek. 

Br. Middle Fork Holston. 

N. side South Fork Holston. 

Rich Valley, Drm. in Colonel 

Byrd's Reg. 
Rich Valley. 
Mockison Creek. 
Bi'anch of Holston. 
Mockison Creek. ^^ — 
H'd Waters M. F. of Holston. 
Beaver Creek. 

foot Big Spr. Mt., W. New Ri'r. 
Plumb Cr., Br. N. F. of Hols'n. 
Cumberson Bottom, New River. 
Br. Laurel Fork, Waters S. F. 
Middle Fork. 
Middle Fork. 
South Fork. 
South Fork. 

Dividing Ridge Hoi. & Reed C. 
Hungers Mother, Br. Mid. F. 
Hays' Spring, Br. Middle F. 
Middle Fork.: 

Joining Iron Mt., S. side S. F. 
Spence Creek, Br. Middle Fork. 
M. F. bet. Gooseberry Garden 

and Royal Oak. 
N. Br. M. F., above Seven-lMile 

Ford. 
Middle F., oppo. Aspin Bottom. 
N. Br. Middle Fork of Holston. 
South i^'ork. 
N. side South Fork. 
North side Soutn Fork. 
North side South Fork. 
S. F., includ. head Sp'g thereof. 
Laurel Fork of Holston. 
Head Waters of Holston. 
Flat Rock, Br. Waters of N. F. 
Waters South Fork. 



*Now Marion, Va. 



Washington Coiinti/, 1777-1S70. 



815 



Jan. 
Mar. 
Jan. 
Feb. 



Dec. 
Mar. 



Mar. 



Feb. 



Mar. 
Feb. 
Mar. 

Feb. 
Mav 



Mar. 



29, 
10, 
28, 
21, 
21, 
20, 
10, 



4. 
22 
24, 
25, 

27.. 
1, 
1, 
2 

2l! 
■a8, 
22, 

9 

28, 
4, 

24, 
16, 
18, 
19, 
17, 
15, 
12, 
20, 
15, 
16, 
19, 
12, 
20, 
20, 
20, 
21, 



774. 
774. 
774. 
775. 
/75. 
775. 
774. 
77.5. 
775. 
'7."). 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 

775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
773. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 
775. 



Wni. Lester, . . 
Wni. McMullin, 
Arthur Gilbreath 
Wni. Campbell, 
Arthur Campbell 
John Sharp. ... 
J. Dysart, W. Mi 
John llay.s, .... 
Win. Richison, 
John Havoii. . 
Andrew Lamie, 
Henry Dougherty 
John Campbell, 
Wni. McElheny, 
Isaac Spratt, . 
John Spratt, . 
Andrew Steel, . 
Benj. Watson, 
Wni. Hays, . . . 
Arch. Buchanan 
John Bowyer, 
Chas. Blackly, 
Wni. Davies, . 

Robert Preston, 
Andrew Leaper, 
John Gross, . . . 
Reuben Thomas, 
Alex. McClure, , 
Griffith Lewis, . 
Will. Allison. 
Win. Lamie. . . . 
Joshua Jones, . . 
Wm. Lewis, . • . 
Robert Lamie, , 
Robert Allison, 
Daniel Johnson, 
Wm. Patieiison, 
James Scroggs, 
Francis Hynes, 



ACRES. 

250 Poplar Grove, Br. of Holston. 

250 South I'ork. 

255 Middle Foik. 

1345 Aspinvale. 

1215 Royal Oak, Middle Fork. 

100 Beaver Creek. 

. 200 :\Iockis(>n Creek. 

234 Rich \ alley. 

157 Waters Xortli Fork Holston. 

17G Sugar Tree Bot'm, W. N. Ri'r. 

110 Cove Creek, X. F. Holston. 

240 Big Creek, M-aters N. F. of Hoi. 

200 Rich Valley. 

250 Rich Valley, North Fork. 

2G4 Waters N. Fork of Holston. , 

232 North Fork. 

85 Lick Creek, waters North Forkl 

184 Rich Valley. 

224 North Fork. 

2(iG Locust Cove, North Fork. - 

180 Lick Creek, N. F. of Holston. 

180 Lick Creek, N. F. of Holston. 

573 both sides Beaver Dam C. the 
Bend. 

315 Rich Valley. 

270 Waters South F. Holston. 

200 south side South Fork. 

100 south side South Fork. 

570 South F. Holston. 

192 Two-Mile Cr., Br. S. F. Holston. 

224 Head Waters S. Fork Holston. 

250 Waters Mid. F. of Holston. 

273 One-Mile Cr., Waters S. F. Hoi. 

204 south side S. F. of Holston. 

206 N. side South Fork Holston. 

340 Head Waters S. F. Holston. 

243 north side of Clinch. 

143 Waters North Fork of Clinch. 
145 N. Waters of Clinch. 

144 S. side Nortli Fork of Clinch. 



81G Southivest Virginia, 17JfG-17S6. 

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 

UNITED STATES REPRESENTING WASHINGTON COUNTY 

FROM 1789-1904. 

1777-1789 — Representatives elected by the General Assembly. 

1789-1793 — Andrew Moore, Rockbridge county, Third District. 

1793-1797 — Francis Preston, Washington county, Fourth District. 

1797-1809 — Abram Trigg, ]\Iontgomery county. Fourth District. 

1809-1817— Daniel Sheffey, Wythe county. Sixth District. 

1817-1825— Alexander Smyth, Wythe county. 

1825-1827 — Benjamin Estill, Washington county. Twenty-second Dis- 
trict. 

1827-1830— Alexander Smyth, Wythe county. 

1830-1831-^oseph Draper, Wythe county. 

1831-1832 — Charles C. Johnston, Washington county. 

1832-183.3 — Joseph Di-aper. Wythe county. 

1833-1835 — John H. Fulton, Washington county. 

1835-1847 — George W. Hopkins, Washington county, Tliirteenth Dis- 
trict. 

1847-1849— Andrew S. Fulton, Wythe county. 

1849-1857 — Fayette McMuUen, Smyth county. 

1857-1859 — George W. Hopkins, Washington county. 

1859-1861— Elbert S. Martin, Lee county. 

1861-1863 — Walter Preston, Washington county, Confederate States 
Congress. 

1863-1865— Fayette McMuUen, Smyth county, Confederate States 
Congress. 

1865-1867 — Daniel Hoge, Montgomery county, not admitted to seat. 

1869-1871 — James K. Gibson, Washington county. 

1871-1873 — William Tei-ry, Wythe county. 

1873-1875 — Rees T. Bowen, Tazewell county. 

1875-1877 — William Terry, Wythe county. 

1877-1879 — A. L. Pridemore, Lee county. 

1879-1881— J. B. Richmond, Scott county. 

1881-1883 — Abram Fulkerson, Washington county. 

1883-1885 — Henry Bowen, Tazewell county. 

1885-1887 — Connally F. Trigg, Washington county. 

1887-1889 — Henry Bowe», Tazewell county. 

1889-1893 — John A. Buchanan, Washington county. 

1893-1893— James W. Marshall, Craig county. 

1895-1899 — James A. Walker, Wythe county. 

1899-1903- William F. Rhea, Bristol city. 

1903-1905 — Campbell Slemp, Lee county. 



Washington County, 1777-1S70. 817 

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES IN THE GENERAL AS- 
SEMBLY OF VIRGINIA FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY FROM 
1777-1904. 

1777 — ^\"illialll Cocke and Anthony Bledsoe. 
1778 — Arthur Campbell and Anthony Bledsoe. 
1779 — David Campbell and Isaac Shelby. 
1780 — William Campbell and Aaron Lewis. 
1781 — William Campbell and William Moore. 
1782 — Arthur Campbell and David Campbell. 
1783 — Arthur Campbell and James Montgomery. 
1784 — William Russell and James Montoomery. 
1785 — Andrew Kincannon and William Russell. 
178C — Arthur Campbell and Robert Craig. 
1787 — Arthur Campbell and Samuel Edmiston. 
1788 — John Lowry and Samuel Edmiston. 
1789 — William Tate and Thomas Edmiston. 
1790— William Tate and Samuel Edmiston. 
1791 — William Tate and Samuel Edmiston. 
1792— William Tate and J. S. Blair. 
1793 — Samuel Edmiston and William Tate. 
1794 — Samuel Edmiston and William Tate. 
1795 — William Tate and Daniel Perkins. 
179G — William Tate and Daniel Perkins. 
1797 — 'James Bradley and Samuel IMeek. 
179S — James Bradley and Samuel Meek. 
1799 — James Dysart and Samuel Meek. 
180(.> — SaiiUR'l Mock and Rolu-rt Craig. 
1801 — Samuel ^Icck and James Dysart. 
1802 — Samuel ]\Ieek and Robert Craig. 
1803 — Samuel Meek and John Fulkerson. 
1804 — Frederick Hamilton and Andrew McHenry. 
1805 — Henry S. Dixon and Thomas Edmiston. 
180G — Andrew McHenry and Frederick Hamilton. 
1807 — Frederick Hamilton and William Byars. 
1808 — David Craig and William Byars. 
1809 — William Byars and David Craig. 
1810 — William Byars and David Ci-aig. 
1811 — William Byars and John Campbell. 
1812 — Reuben Bradley and Francis Preston. 
1813 — Reuben Bradley and John Campbell. 
1814 — Reuben Bradley and Francis Preston. 
181.5 — Reuben Bradley and Francis Preston. 
18ir — Reuben Bradley and Benj. Estill. 
1817 — .John Goodson and L. L. Henderson. 
1818 — .John Goodson and L. L. Henderson. 



818 SoutJurest Viri/inia. 17J/()-17S6. 

1819 — William Poston and William P. Thompson. Unseated 
by contest, Peter Mayo. 

1820 — jSTathaniel Dryden and Peter Mayo. 

1821 — Reuben Bradley and Peter ]Mayo. 

1822— Reuben Bradley and Peter Mayo. 

1823 — John H. Fulton and Robert Edmiston. 

1824 — John H. Fulton and Reuben Brax.!ley. 

1825 — James Miller and Patterson Fletcher. 

1826 — Robert E. Cummings and John Keller. 

1827 — Robert E. Cummings and John Keller. 

1828 — Robert E. Cummings and Henry P. Thompson. 

1829 — Robert E. Cummings and John Keller. 

1830 — Robert E. Cummings and John Keller. 

1831— Thomas McCulloch and John Keller. 

1832 — Thomas McCulloch and John Keller. 

1833-1834— Thomas McCulloch. 

1835-1836— John Clark. 

1837 — John Gibson. 

1838-1847— Samuel E. Goodson. 

1848-1849— John B. Floyd. 

1850 — George W. Hopkins. Elected Speaker House of Dele- 
gates. 

1851 — George W. Hopkins. 

1852 — William King and I. B. Dunn. Dunn resigned. W. K. 
Heiskell elected to fill vacancy. 

1853 — William King and William K. Heiskell. 

1854—1. B. Dunn and C. S. Bekem. 

1855— W. K. Heiskell and John B. Floyd. 

1857— R. E. Grant and W. L. Rice. 

1859 — George W. Hopkins and Jacob Lynch. Lynch resigned. 
A. R. Preston elected to fill vacancy. 

1861— D. C. Dunn and David B. Clark. 

1863 — A. C. Cummings and George Graham. 

1865— C. S. Bekem and Josiah Teeter. 

1869— George Graham and J. F. Terry. 

1871 — A. C. Cimimings and A. Fulkerson. 

1873 — Selden Longley and A. Fulkerson. 

1875—1. C. Fowler and C. B. Coale. 

1877 — I. C. Fowler and Jonas S. Kelly. 

1879— Jonas S. Kelly and D. F. Bailey. 

1881 — I. C. Fowler and Jonas S. Kelly. I. C. Fowler elected 
Speaker House of Delegates. 

1883— -Jonas S. Kelly and Daniel Tligg. 

1885 — John A. Buchanan and A. Fulkerson. 

1887 — John Roberts and S. P. Edmondson. 

1889 — .Tames Crow and E. S. Kendrick. 

1891 — C. W. Alderson and L. H. Snodgrass. 

1893— E. S. Kendrick and W. H. Tomney. 



Washington Coiiniij, 1777-1S70. 819 

1895— A. F. Ranibo and J. M. Butt. 
1897— C. II. Jennings and T. J. Campbell. 
1899— John W. Price and C. H. McClung. 
1901— John W. Jlort and A. J. Huff. 



Senate. 

1777-1787 — William Fleming, Botetourt county. 
1787-1795 — William Russell, Russell coiuity. 
1795 1802 ^Jolin Preston, Montgomery county. 
1802-1805 — James Preston, Montgomery county. 
ISOa- 1809— Daniel Shelf ey, Wythe county. 
1809-1811— Alexander Smyth, Wythe county. 
1811-1813 — Francis Smith, Washington county. 
1813-1818— Henry Chapman, Giles county. 
1818-1822 — Francis Preston, Washington county. 
1822-1824— David Campbell, Washington county. 
1824-1829— John D. Sharp, Lee county. 
1829- 183 1-^ohn H. Fulton, Washington county. 
1831-1834 — George Cowan, Russell county. 
1834-1838— John Keller, Washington county. 
1838-1849— Fayette McMullen, Smyth county. 
1849 —Henry S. Kane, Scott county. 

1850-1851- George Cowan. 
1852-1857— Thomas M. Tate, Smyth county. 
1857-18G1— B. R. Floyd, Wythe county. 
1801 ■ — Hiram A. Griever, Smyth county. 

1803-1864— William E. Peters, Smyth c-ounty. 
lSti4- 1805— Jos. J. Graham. Wythe county. 
1805-1871— Jos. W. Davis, Washington county. 
1871-1877 — James S. Griever, Smyth county. 
1877-1881— A. Fulkerson, Bristol, Va.. 
1881-1885- D. F. Bailey, Bristol, Va. 
1885-1889— W. F. Rhea, Bristol, Va. 
1889-180.3— E. L. Roberts, Bristol, Va. 
1893-1897— B. F. Buchanan, Smyth county. 
1897-1901— C. W. Steele, Washington county. 
1901-190 —J. C. Byars, Bristol, Va. 



820 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

VlRGimA CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 

FiNCASTLE County. 

1776 — Arthur Campbell and William Russell. 

Washington County. 

1788 — Samuel Edmiston and James Montgyjmery. 
1829-1830— Edward Campbell and William Byars. 

— John B. George, of Tazewell, and Andrew McMillan, of Lee. 
1850-1851 — Benjamin Rush Floyd, George W. Hopkins, 
— Thomas M. Tate and Connally F. Trigg. 
Hopkins resigned. Elected Speaker of House of Delegates. 
Trigg elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Hopkins. 
18G7-18G8— J. H. Thompson, Joseph T. Campbell. 
1901-1902— John C. Summers, Preston W. Campbell. 



JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY COURT. 

Augusta County, 1740-1770. 

Anderson, John, December 1, 1740. 

Alexander, Archibald, June 11, 1751. 

Archer, John, June 15, 1757. 

J Buchanan, John, December 1, 1740. 

Brown, John, . . .December 1, 1740. 

Bell, James, December 1, 1740. 

Barton, Richard, June, 174G. 

Borden, Benjamin, June 11, 1751. 

Breckenridge, Robert, June 11, 1751. 

Bowyer, John, March 25, 1755. 

\ Buchanan, James, June 15, 1757. 

Blagg, John, June 15, 1757. 

Bowyer, William, June 15, 1757. 

Cunningham, Robert, December 1, 1740. 

Christian, John December 1, 1740. 

Campbell, Robert, December 1, 1740. 

Craven, Robert, December I, 1740. 

Christian, William, June 11, 1751. 

Christian, Israel, June 15, 1757. 

Dickenson, Adam, December 1, 1740. 

Downs, Henry, June, 1740. 

Downs, Henry, Jr., May 9, 1749. 

Denton, John. June 11, 1751. 

Diekenson, John March 20, 1755. 

English, Thomas June 11, 1751. 

Fleming, William, June, 1765. 

Gray, Samuel, June, 1746. 

Gilbert, Felix, June 11, 1757. 

Hart, Silas, June 1. 1746. 



Washington County, 1777-JS70. 



831 



Hook, Rol>crt, May 9 

Harrison, William, May 9 

Harberson, WiHiam, June 11 

Jamison, William, May 9 

Ket-r, James December 1 

Kennedy, Joseph, June 11 

Lewis, Jolin, December 1 

Lewis, Thomas, December 1 

Lewis, Andrew, June 11 

Lynn, John, June 11 

Lockhart, James, June 11 

Ly It". John, June 1 1 

iIont<,mmery, James, June 1 

Martin. Patrick, June 11 

:Mills, John, June 11 

McClanahan, Robert, June 11 

Matthews, John, June 11 

Martin, Ifobert J>me 11 

^McC'ianahan, Ah^xander, June 11 

Matthews, Sani|)son, June 11 

-McnowcU. Samuel, June 11 

Ncely, James. March 20 

O'Dell, Samuel, May 9 

*- Patton, James, December 1 

Poajre. Robert, December 1 

Pickens, John, December 1 

Pickens, Andrew, December 1 

Patterson, Erwin, June 11 

I'reston, William, March 20 



1745. 

1745. 

1751. 

1745. 

1740. 

1751. 

1740. 

1740. 

1751. 

1751. 

1751. 

1751. 

174(5. 

1751. 

1751. 

1751. 

1751. 

1757. 

1757. 

1757. 

1757. 

1755. 

1749. 

1748.- 

1748. 

1748. 

1748. 

1751. 

1755. 



1740 — Georjre Robinson. 
1751 — James Rutledge. 
1757 — Daniel Smith. 
1751— Mat bias Scltger. 
1751 — David Stewart. 
1740 — .Tohn Tinier. 
174(1 — William Thompson. 
1741 — .\braham Vanderpool. 
174ti— John Wilson. 



1751 — Robert Ramsey. 
1751 — John Riddle. 
1755 — Alexander Sayers. 
1740— Peter Scholl. 
1751 — Tlioma.s Stewart. 
1740 — Hugh Thompson. 
1741 — Ephraim Vass. 
1740— Richard Woods. 
1751 — Alexander Wright. 



BOTETOURT COUNTY— 1770-1774. 

The fn-t court met at the house of Robert Breckenridge in said county 
on Tuesday, the 13th day of February. 1770. William Preston and James 
Trimble administered the oatii. 

Arbuckle, Matthew, June 11, 1771. 

Breckenridge, Robert Felnuary 1.3, 1770. 

Bowver. John February 13, 1770. 



822 Southwest Virginia^ 17 46-17 SO. 

Bowman, John, February 14, 1770. 

Bledsoe, Anthony, February 14, 1770. 

Christian, Israel, February 13, 1770. 

Christian, William, February 14, 1770. 

Crockett, Walter, February 14, 1770. 

Dpage, Robert, February 14, 1770. 

Estill, Benjamin, February 13, 1770. 

Fleming, William, February 13, 1770. 

Hawkins, Benj., February 13, 1770. 

Howard, John, February 14, 1770. 

Herbert, William, February 14, 1770. 

Inglis, William, February 14, 1770. 

Love, Philip, Februaiy 14, 1770. 

Lewis, Andrew, February 14, 1770. " 

Montgomery, John, February 14, 1770. 

Maxwell, John, February 13, 1770. 

McGavock, James, February 14, 1770. 

Matthews, William, February 14, 1770. 

McKee, William, February 14, 1770. 

Preston, William, February 13, 1770. 

Kobinson, David, .February 13, 1770. 

Robertson, James, February 14, 1770. 

Robinson, John, June 11, 1771. 

Skillem, George, February 13, 1770. 

Smith, Francis, February 14, 1770. 

Stewart, John, June 11, 1771. 

Trigg, Stephen, February 14, 1770. 

Trimble, James, February 13, 1770. 

Thompson, James-on-Holston, June 11, 1771. 

Woods, Richard, February 13, 1770. 

Woods, Andrew, February 14, 1770. 

Van Bebber, John, June 11, 1771. 

FINCASTLE COUNTY— 1773-1777. 

Court assembled at the Lead ]\Iines on January 5, 1773. Oath admin- 
istered by Arthur Campbell and James Thompson. 

Bledsoe, Anthony, • January 5, 1773. 

Campbell, Arthur, January 5, 1773. 

Christian, William, January 5, 1773. 

Ci-ockett, Walter, January 5, 1773. 

Crockett, Samuel, January 5, 1773. 

Campbell, William, January 6, 1773. 

Doaeh, Robert, January 5, 1773. 

Estill, Benj., January 5, 1773. 

Herbert, William, January 6, 1773. 

Inglis, William, . : January 5, 1773. 

Monto-omerv, John, January 5, 1773. 



Washingtoti County, 1771-1870. 823 

McGavock, James, January 5, 1773. 

McKee, Alexander, January 5, 1773. 

McCorkle, James, January 6, 1773. 

^reston, William, January 5, 1773. 

Kussell, William, January 5, 1773. 

Thompson, James, January 8, 1773. 

Trigg, Stephen, January 8, 1773. 

JUSTICES OF WASHINGTOX COUNTY— 1777-1870. 

Anderson, John, January 28, 1777. 

Adair, John, November 25, 1777. 

Buclianan, Alexander, January 28, 1777. 

Blackburn, George, January 28, 1777. 

Barnett, Alexander, July 18, 1780. 

Black, Joseph, July 18, 1780. 

Blackmore, John, November 29, 1782. 

Bradley, James, Jaruiary 17, 1791. 

Buchanan, Wm. (died ]\[arch 29, 184(i.),. .October 16, 1813. 

Barb, Jacob, June 19, 1821. 

Bronough, Jeremiah, May 27, 1839. 

Baltzell, David, July 25, 1842. 

Bradley, Reuben (died June G, 1844,). March 18, 1800. 

Bradley, Abram (died October, 1846,), January 1, 1814. 

Bowen, Arthur M., May 27, 1824. 

Byai-s, William B., September 23, 1844. 

Bradley, John L., September 23, 1844. 

Bradley, Abram F., September 23, 1850. 

Bradley, D. September 23, 1850. 

Berry, Nathaniel, September 23, 1852. 

Buchanan, Solon, August 23, 1852. 

Beattie, Absalom, August 23, 1852. 

Bailey, James A., May 24, 186 -. 

Butt. William A., April 10, 1869. 

Buchanan, Matthew, July 15, 1811. 

Berry, John, October 24, 1793. 

Baker, Jacob, December 20, 1805. 

Byars, John, April 30, 1808. 

Byars, William March 30, 1810. 

Branch, Peter J., May 30, 1826. 

Bonham. Joseph, September 8. 1829. 

Campbell, Arthur, January 28, 177. 

Campbell. William, January 28, 1777. 

Campbell, John, January 28, 1777. 

Coulter, John, January 28, 1777. 

Christian, Gilbert, November 25, 1777. 

Craig, Robert, November 25, 1777. 

, Caldwell, Thomas, November 25, 1777. / 



^:::^. 



824 Southirest Virginia, 17JfO-17S6. 

Campbell, Robert, July 18, 1780. 

Cowan, William, November 29, 1782. 

Cowan, Andrew, November 29, 1782. 

Campbell, Arthm- Jr., September 9, 1820. 

Conn, William Y., September 9, 1793. 

Cummings, John C, May 27, 1839. 

Clark, David, May 27, 1839. 

Campbell, David, July 25, 1842. 

Cummingis, Robert E., August 10, 1811. 

Cummings, James (died Aug. 1, 1840) ,. .October 19, 1803. 

Carson, David, September 15, 1812. 

Christian, Samuel, May 27, 1837. 

Craig, Robert C, September 23, 1844. 

Catron, Francis K., September 23, 1844. 

Carmack, Cornelius, September 23, 1850. 

aldwell, John S., August 23, 1852. 

Campbell, James L., August 23, 1852. 

Campbell, John C, August 23, 1854. 

Cole, James L., August 23, 1854. 

Crockett, J. M., August 23, 1854. 

Crow, James, August 23, 1854. 

Cummings, Robert E., May 24, 186--. 

Campbell, J. L. F., May 24, 186-. 

Clark, D. B., May 26, 1864. 

Campbell, Chas. C, June 25, 1867. 

Counts, L. h., . . . April 10, 1869. 

Craig, James, September 27, 1796. 

Campbell, David, Jr., July 15, 1811. 

Dysart, James, January 28, 1777. 

DunKin, John, November 25, 1777. 

Davis, Jas. (son of Jno., died Mar. 16, 1844,) . June 19, 1821, 

Davis, James L., May 25, 1840. 

Duff, Samuel C, May 25, 1840. 

Davis, Robert, August 20, 1811. 

Duff, John, December 20, 1814. 

Dryden, Nathaniel, December 20, 1814. 

Davis, William, May 27, 1837. 

Dunn, I. B., September 23, 1850. 

Davenport, Thomas, August 23, 1852. 

Duff, Wm. K., Augiist 23, 1854. 

Davis, Joseph W., August 23, 1856. 

Denton, David C, May 26, 1864. 

Dutton, Peter, August 28, 1865. 

Deck, Joseph, August 28, 1865. 

Davenport, Henry (presiding justice) , April 10, 1869. 

DeBusk, Wm., May 14, 1860. 

Dixon, George, July 15, 1811. 

Davis, John, December 25, 1798. 



Washington County. 1777-1S70. 835 

Edmiston, \\m., January 28, 1777. 

Estill, Benj., July 18, 1780. 

Edmiston, Samuel, , 17 . 

Edmiston, Andrew, May 25, 18.39. 

Pvakin, John (presiding justice), May 2.5, 1839. 

Edmifiton, Robert, March 18, 1806. 

Ellington, Francis, May 27, 1837. 

Edmiston, W. C, August 23, 1852. 

Ellington, J. D., May 27, 186--. 

Edwards, Arthur, September 25, 1865. 

Eastridge, William, August 28, 1865. 

Edmonclson, W. C, March 30, 1810. 

Edmiston, John, December 20, 1805. 

-^ Eulkerson, James, July 18, 1780. 

Fulton, Samuel, December 25, 1798. 

f ulkerson, Thomas, September 19, 1820, 

>leenor, Michael C, June 19, 1821. 

Fulkerson, Abram, January 21, 1812. 

Fullen, Francis, May 27, 1837. 

Fudge, Conrad August 23, 1852. 

Fleenor, iJrury, August 23, 1852. 

Fleenor, Allen, December 25, 1854. 

Fields, James, May 24, 186--. 

Fleenor, John, December 20, 1805. 

(Jillenwaters, Elijah, December 17, 1793. 

(Janaway, Robinson, .September 21, 1820. 

(ribson, Andrew (died Nov. 21. 18.39), June 19, 1821. 

Gibson, John, March 30, 1810. 

(iood.son, John, May 2, 1806. 

Graham, V\ iiliam, September 15, 1827. 

(;oo<lson, Samuel E., September 15, 1827. 

Oillenwaters, John W., September 23, 1844. 

(Gobble, \\m. M., September 23, 1850. 

(Jreenway, James C, May 24, 186--. 

(Jillenwaters, G. L., May 24, 186-. 

(Jollihorn. James A., May 26, 1864. 

Hensely, Samuel, December 27, 1798. 

llou-tton, John, December 27, 1798. 

Henderson, Lilburn L., January 19, 1819. 

Hanby, Peter S., May 27, 1837. 

Humes, John N., May 30, 1826. 

Horn, John, May 30, 1826. 

Home, Isaac, September 23, 1844. 

Hagy, Martin, September 23, 185U. 

Hamilton, John M September 23, 18,50. 

Hendricks, T. P., May 24, 186--. 

Hite. Nicholas, May 26, 1864. 

Houstoi., Samuel, May 26, 1864. 



.826 Soutliivest Virginia^ 17Jf6-1786. 

Home, Joel, May 

Hurt, F. B., May 

Home, John E., May 

Harper, James, April 

Hamilton, Frederick, August 

Hayter, Abraham, Jr., December 

Hawkins, John October 

Houston, Robert, September 

Ingle, Willis, May 

Jamison, Edward H., September 

Jett, Spencer, June 

Johnson, Walter, May 

Jones, John, May 

■•— Jamison, John, March 

Johnston, Peter C, May 

Kinkead, John (died Octo. 22, 1841), . .January 

Keys, James, January 

King, James, June 

King, Jonathan, September 

Keys, James, Ji^ily 

Kincannon, James, October 

King, Sidney, August 

Key, George B., August 

Keys, Robert, August 

Kelly, James, May 

King, James A., May 

Kent, Jacob B., April 

Keller, John, May 

Lewis, Aaron, Jvily 

Latham, John, July 

Lowry, John, May 

Logan, Wm. S. (died July 26, 1843), June 

Latham, Edward, September 

Love, Leonidas, May 

Lynch, Daniel (died March 16, 1845), May 

Lyon, Humberson, September 

Lenahan, JOhn, August 

Linder, J. D., May 

Lowry, John M., May 

Love, J. W., May 

Linder, Abram, May 

Lowry, Robert S., May 

Martin, Joseph, January 

Montgomery, James, January 

Mastin, Thomas, January 

Montgomery, Thomas, July 

Montgomery, Alexander, July 

McCarty, Enoch, August 



26, 


1868. 


26, 


1860. 


24, 


1860. 


30, 


1808. 


20, 


1803. 


25, 


1798. 


24, 


1793. 


8, 


1829. 


24, 


1860. 


19, 


1820. 


21, 


1808. 


24, 


1860. 


24, 


1860. 


18, 


1784. 


27, 


1824. 


28, 


1777. 


17, 


1797. 


19, 


1821. 


8, 


1829. 


15, 


1842. 


20, 


1810. 


23, 


1852. 


23, 


1852. 


23, 


1856. 


26, 


1864. 


26, 


1864. 


10, 


1869. 


3, 


1826. 


18, 


1780. 


18, 


1780. 


29, 


1782. 


21, 


1808. 


18, 


1820. 


27, 


1839. 


22, 


1824. 


23, 


1844. 


23, 


1856. 


24, 


186--. 


26, 


1864. 


26, 


1864. 


26, 


1860. 


21, 


1827. 


28, 


1777. 


28, 


1777. 


28, 


1777. 


18, 


1780. 


18, 


1780. 


24, 


1793. 



Washinrjton County, 1777-JS70. 827 

McChesney, Tliomas, June 15, 1802. 

McCulloch, Tliomas, September 19, 1820. 

Meek, James, December 25, 1805. 

Meek, William, January 19, 1821. 

Mitchr.'l, Jobn, August 20, 1803. 

Mitchel, John D., May 27, 18.39. 

Moffett, Jolin, June 19, 1821. 

Ma.\\vell, John N., May 27, 18.39. 

Meek, James, May 25, 1840. 

McChesney, Hugh A. (.lied Dec, 1845), May 2.5, 1840. 

Mallicote, A. R., July 25, 1842. 

Minnick, Peter, October 19, 1816. 

McCulloch, John, February 18, 1806. 

Meek, James (died Oct., 1805), February 18, 1806. 

McCulloch, Robert, April .30, 1808. 

Moore, Samuel, April 21, 1818. 

McNew, James, May 22, 18.37. 

Merchant, Jacob, May 22, 18.37. 

McConnell, James S., AL-iy 22, 1837. 

Miller, Joseph (died Dec, 1845), March 20, 1810. 

McGhee, William, March 20, 1810. 

Mongle, Abram, September 23, 1844. 

Maxwell, Wallace, September 23, 18.50. 

McHenry, David, Septemlj«r 23, 1850. 

Milner, W. P., August 23, 1852. 

McGinnis, Noble I., August 23, 1852. 

Mann, Henry A., May 27, 1858. 

Maiden, J. M., May 26, 1864. 

McNew, Elisha, August 28, 1865. 

Moore, W. F., May 24, 1860. 

Maxwell, Thoma.s, March 20, 1810. 

McClellan, John, December 25, 1805. 

Newell, Samuel, November 29, 1782. 

Nordyke, Abraham, September 19, 1820. 

Nuchols, Richard, May 24, 1860. 

Orr, A. S., May 24, 1860. 

Outlaw, Alexander, November 24, 1782. 

Orr, James, , May 27, 18.39. 

Ogden, Elias, May 27, 1837. 

Preston, Robert Novernber 1 7, 1783. 

Preston, \\m. C, June 19, 1821. 

Preston, Robert, Jr., January 17, 1804. 

Preston, T. L., July 25. 1842. 

Preston, John, Jr., January 17, 1804. 

Poston, Hatch D., December 25, 1814. 

Preston, Francis, November 22, 1798. 

Preston, John M., May 27, 1837. 

Preston, W. A., May 27, 1837. 



828 Souilnvest Virginia, 17J,6-17S0. 

Paxton, James W., May 27, 1837. 

Patterson, Andrew, May 27, 1837. 

Price, John W., , September 25, 1844. 

Preston,* John F., September 25, 1844. 

Patterson, Thomas E., August 23, 1852. 

Patterson, Sampson, August 23, 1856. 

Price, Daniel E., August 23, 1856. 

Phelps, James, May 24, 1865. 

Patterson, S. C, May 26, 1864. 

Portei-field, J. C, May 26, 1864. 

Pippin, Elisha, April 10, 1869. 

Preston, James T., May 24, 1860. 

Ritchie, Samuel, JSIovember 29, 1782. 

Roddy, Frederick i'., June 19, 1821. 

Robertson, Wyndham, July 25, 1842. 

Rosenbalm, Valentine, May 22, 1837. 

Rhea, W. R., September 23, 1850. 

Reid, Benjamin, August 23, 1852. 

Roberts, Henry, August 23, 1852. 

Rice, W. L., August 23, 1856. 

Rosenbalm, David, May 26, 1864. 

Rose, John D., April 15, 1869. 

Rosenbalm, L. F., April 15, 1869. 

Roberts, John, May 24, 1860. 

Russell, William, October 24, 1793. 

/Shelby, Evan, January 28, 1777. 

^ Smith, Daniel, January 28, 17V7. 

Snoddy, John, January 28, 1777. 

Shelby, Isaac, November 25, 1777. 

Smith, Henry, November 29, 1782. 

Smyth, Tobias, September 19, 1820. 

Stewart, Robert, September 19, 1820. 

Smith, Francis (died July 26, 1844), . .December 25, 1814. 

Smith, Lewis, June 21, 1810. 

Smith, Parker, May 22, 1837. 

Shankland, R. M., September 23, 1844. 

Snodgrass, J. M., August 23, 1862. 

Stratton, James P., August 23, 18.56. 

I Sutton, John F., May 24, 1860. 

W Snodgrass, James, . . May 26, 1864. 

I Sharp, James L., May 24, 1860. 

Scott, Wm., May 22, 1783. 

Scott, Archibald, May 22, 1783. 

Sevier, Jacob, December 20, 1805. 

Smith, Jonathan, April 30, 1808. 

Tate, William, March 18, 1784. 

Taylor, James, October 18, 1803. 

Thompson, Henry B., May 15, 1821. 



Washington County^ 1777-1870. 



829 



Tilson, Tlioinas, March 

Teeter, Jacob, June 

Thomas, Thomas, February 

Tate, Cliarles, February 

Thompson, W. P., June 

Taylor, James, .June 

Trigg, Daniel, May 

Trigg, William K., '. May 

Trigg, Abram F., .September 

Teeter, Josiah, May 

Tate, M. B., May 

Tate, M., March 

Trigg, Jos. V March 

^Va^cl, David, July 

Watson, David, July 

Willoughby, Matthew, September 

'White, James (died Oct. 20, 1839), l-ebruary 

Wills, Samuel H., May 

White, Wm. Y. C, May 

Weathers, Michael W., September 

Worley, John ^^'., September 

Ward, Ota H., July 

Widener, Reuben, August 

W^hite, H. C, August 

Widener, Elias, April 

Widener, James J., April 

Watson, Patrick, May 



17 


1812. 


19 


1821. 


19 


1806. 


19 


1806. 


22 


1808. 


22 


1808. 


22 


1837. 


22 


1837. 


23 


1844. 


24 


1860 


24 


1864 


24 


1810 


27 


1824 


18 


1780 


18 


1780 


27 


1796 


19 


1799 


27 


1839 


27 


1837 


23 


1844 


23 


1850 


23 


1852 


23 


1852 


25 


1865 


10 


1869 


10 


1869 


22 


1783 



SHERIFFS AUGUSTA COUNTY, 1745-1770. 

Patton, James, December 9, 1745. 

Downs, Henrj', June 17, 1746. 

Lewis, John July 16, 1748. 

McClanahan, Robert, August 27, 1749. 

St€wart, David, November 21, 1751. 

Breokenridge, Robert, , . 

Lewis, Andrew, November 18, 1756. 



BoTEToiTRT County, 1770-1773. 

Woods, Richard, February 13, 1770. 

Christian, Israel, November 12, 1771. 



SHERIFFS AND DEPUTY SHERIFFS. 

FiNCASTLE County, 1773-1777. 
Preston. William .January 5, 1773. 



830 Sotiihtrest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Washington County. 

Dysart, James, January 28, 1777. 

Campbell, Arthur, February 16, 1779. 

Edmiston, Wm., August 20, 1782. 

Dysart, James, March 16, 1784. 

Kinkead, John, August 17, 1784. 

Montgomery, James, January 18, 1785. 

Craig, Robert, February 13, 1787. 

Fulkerson, James, January 11, 1789. 

Montgomery, Alexander, January 11, 1791. 

Campbell, Robert, January 15, 1793. 

Preston, Robert, January 20, 1795, 

Campbell, Arthur, January 17, 1797. 

Edmiston, Samuel, January 15, 1799. 

Tate, William, Februaiy 17, 1801. 

McCarty, Enoch, March 15, 1803. 

Conn, William Y., i'ebruary 20, 1805. 

Gillenwaters, Elijah, January 20, 180/. 

Bradley, James, June 20, 1809. 

Willoughby, Matthew, June 18, 1811. 

Keys, James, July 20, 1813. 

Fulton, Samuel, June 20, 1815. 

Hensely, Samuel, March 19, 1817. 

White, James, March 16, 1819. 

Houston, John, March 24, 1821. 

McChesney, Thomas, March 18, 1723. 

Taylor, James, March 15, 1825. 

Cummings, James, March 20, 182V. 

Preston, John, Jr., March 17, 1829. 

Thomas, Thomas, April 19, 1831. 

Meek, James, March 25, 1833. 

Bradley, Reuben, December 23, 1833. 

McCulloch, John, May — , 1836. 

Logan, Wm. S., May 12, 1838. 

Smith, Lewis, May 15, 1840. 

liradley, Abram, May 21, 1842. 

Buchanan, William, May 13, 1844. 

Duff, John, May 22, 1846. 

Minnick, Peter, May 16, 1848. 

Moore, Samuel, May 13, 1850. 

Latham, Edward, March 22, 1852. 

Buchanan, Matthew H., July 1, 1852. 

Skinner, Samuel, July 1, 1857. 

Heiskell, Wm. King, July 1, 1860. 

Hamilton, John M., July 1, 1862. 

Heiskell, Wm. King, July 1, 1864. 

Fields, James, July 3, 1865. 



Washington Count jj, 1777-1870. 



831 



Canipbell, James L. F., January 11, 18G0. 

Heniitze, Jani&s, May 2G, 18G6. 

Ihiiin, William A., March 15, 18G9. 

Fields, James, April 25, 1870. 

Cosby, John D., Uctoher 8, 1870. 

Jones, 1. ¥., July 1, 1879. 

Jlufihes, Robert K., July 1, 1883. 

Hortenstine, Joel W., July 1, 1890. 



DEPUTY SHERIFFS BOTETOURT COUNTY, 1770-1773. 

13, 1770. 



McDowell, James, February 

McGavock, James, February 13 

Mastin, Thomas, February 13 

McCianahan, William, >.ov€mber 12 

Smith, Francis, February 13 

Trigg, Daniel, November 12 

Woods, Arthur, April 15 



1770. 
1770. 
1771. 
1770. 
1777. 
1770. 



FixcASTLE CouxTY, 1770-177G. 

Trigg, Daniel, January 5, 1773. 

Floyd, John, January 5, 1773. 

Moore, Henry, January 5, 1773. 

TTiompson, James, January 5, 1773. 

Sayers, William, September 3, 1776. 



Washington County. 

Acklin, Christopher, April 22 

Ashley, D. L., ■. July 1 

Browning, Josse, , — 

Bruce, N. B., Februaiy 2G 

Black, Joseph, April 29 

Buchanan, M. H., March 26 

Buchanan, James S., July — 

Buchanan, B. K., March 24 

Buchanan, W. R., March 23 

Baltzell, David, March 31 

Barker, W. W. | jailer) , May 26 

Bradley, A. F., March 27 

Baugh, B. F., July 1 

Craig, Robert, , — 

Craig, Jolin, , — 

Craig, Wra., , — 

Carter, Charles, , — 

Colvill, A., , — 

Craig, Hiram, , — 

Carson, William, , — 



1779. 
1899. 
1795. 
1877. 
1777. 
1851. 
1852. 
1845. 
1846. 
1838. 
1864. 
1843. 
1871. 
1786. 
1786. 
1786. 
1786. 
1788. 
1791. 
1792. 



832 Southwest Tirginia, 17Jf6-17SG. 

Craig, David, , — , 1797. 

Clark, Benj., , — , 1803. 

Carmack, D. C, April 24, 1870. 

Craig, James, August 23, 1782. 

Clark, Benj. C. May 22, 1862. 

Campbell, D. A. P May 22, 1862. 

Clark, Job, September 28, 1831. 

Crawford, John, August 18, 1820. 

Campbell, Francis S., June 3, 1838. 

Clark, Jacob (jailer), May 22, 1839. 

Clark, Benj. L., July 1, 1891. 

Clark, J. W. C, July 1, 1891. 

Carmack, Goodson, l^'ebruary 22, 1867. 

Colley, T. W., 1^ ebruary 28, 1871. 

Clark, John J. (jailer), December 6, 1887. 

Clark, P. D., July — , 1896. 

Clark, VV. H., \ — , 1897. 

Countiss, C. C, December 6, 1887. 

Calahan, Walter A August 9, 1870. 

Donaldson, Alexander, June 20, 1780. 

DeBusk, Wm., December 27, 1858. 

Davidson, Andrew (jailer) , May 31, 1857. 

Davis, Matthew, August 9, 1870. 

Dunn, D. C, August 9, 1870. 

Dunn, John L., August 9, 1870. 

Erwin, Robert, May 18, 1781. 

Edmondson, Wm., May 26, 1851. 

Ewing, Urbine, , — , 1786. 

Edmiston, J.. , — , 1779. 

Edmiston, T., " , — , 1799. 

Edmiston, -James , — , 1797. 

Fulcher, James (jailer) October 26, 1843. 

Fleenor, Milton, July 1. . 

Fields, Thos. J., July 27, 1870. 

Fulker.son, Pat , — , 1786. 

Cobble, Thos. M., December 27, 1858. 

Gibbons, H. C, December 27, 1858. 

Gibson, John, September 28, 1831. 

Gibson, Chas. C September 28, 1831. 

Galliher, Campbell, December 27, 1849. 

Gray, James, December 16, 1821. 

Gibson, D. H., December 7, 1840. 

Graham, W. T., .November 26, 1890. 

Hoover, Samuel D., September 28, 1831. 

Houston, Samuel (jailer), ^September 27, 1854. 

Henritze, James (jailer), April 25, 1870. 

Heiskell, Wm. K March 24, 1845. 

Haller, Richard J., :\Iarch 23, 1846. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 

Hortenstine, John August 12 

Hortenstino, Bernard T., , — 

Hortenstine, James W., , — 

Hughes, R. R., July 1 

Hughes, C. \V., July 1 

Henritze, VV m., April 28 

Henritze, R. H., Januarj' 23 

Huston, Wm., , — 

Irvine, Rol^ert, , — 

Johnston, Walter, May 13 

Jones, I. F. (jailer), July 1 

Jones, R., , — 

Kelly, James E., July — 

King, John, March 19 

Keys, RoDeit, May 24 

Keller, S. G., October 4 

Kidd, John J., May 20 

Kidd, John E., April 26 

Keller, J. B., March 31 

Longley, James (jailer) , , — 

Lee, Wm., ( )ctober 18 

Leedy, James (jailer), May 22 

Lynch, Jacob (jailer) , May 13 

Litchfield, Abram T., hily — 

Lowrj-, R. S., July 21 

Legard, S. P., July 21 

Linder, J. D., February 27 

Love, Wm., , — 

Lowry, W. G. G., . December 24 

Maiden. Noah L., May 26 

Mongle, Abram May 12 

Mitchell. John H., March 16 

Morri.-^on. Joe L., ^ July 1 

Miller. G. G. (jailer ) March 31 

Marshall, A., , — 

Maxwell. David, , — 

Xewell. Samuel, May 19 

Nev\-ton, W. I. (jailer ) Inly 2 

Overbay. Thos. W., April 18 

Orr. James , — 

Pippin. W. B., January 11 

Price, Emory 0., March 2/ 

Price, Richard, , — 

Poston, V\ m., , — 

Ryburn. W. S January 11 

Roberts. James, August 26 

Roberts. John May 26 

Riiwan. Hoinv , — 



833 



180.^ 



1879. 
1879. 
1870. 
1866. 
1795. 
1788. 
1855. 
1875. 
1789. 
1852. 
1778. 
1860. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1883. 
1797. 
1871. 
1846. 
1850. 
1854. 
1870. 
1883. 
1807. 
1792. 
1860. 
1864. 
1838. 
1819. 
1891. 
1883. 
1791. 
1792. 
1778. 
1895. 
1820. 
1805. 
1806. 
1 860. 
1792. 
1792. 
1816. 
1777. 
1864. 
1786. 



834 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 

Rhea, Matthew, , — 

ISnodgrass, James, March 16 

Skinner, Samuel (jailer), December 27 

Skinner, Wm. W., January 1 

Smyth, Harold, March IG 

Snodgrass, Samuel M., May 22 

Sharp, Benj., , — 

Saunders, Stephen, , — 

Smyth, Alexander, , — 

Toncray, Lewis (jailer) , March 16 

Tate, John, January 16 

Tate, Charles, , — 

Toncray, James, June 17 

Thompson, B. W., July 1 

Trigg, Lilburn, July 1 

Thompson, R. H., January 25 

Taylor, Wm., , — 

Willoughby, Matthew, June 19 

Webb, Chas., September 27 

Worley, Chas., July 1 

Walkup, A., , — 

Yancy, John, June 19 



1790. 
1783. 
1858. 
1857. 
1819. 
1839. 
1786. 
1788. 
1791. 
1819. 
1821. 
1791. 
1819. 
1891. 
1883. 
1871. 
1788. 
1781. 
1857. 
1887. 
1791. 
1781. 



Attorneys and Date of Qualification. 



ArcusTA County, 1744-1770. 



Chew, Thomas, 1774. 

Henry, Patrick, 1766. 

Harvie, John, 1747. 

Hogg, Peter, 1766. 

Jones, Gabriel (K. C), 1746. 

Madison, Thomas, 1766. 

Marr, Gideon, 1746. 

Meriot, Obadiah, 1746. 



Quin, John, 1746. 

Nicholas, John (decl' K. C.),..1745. 

Newport, John, 1745. 

Russell, William, 1740. 

Sherman, John, 1748. 

Pendleton, Benj., 1745. 

Porter, James, 1740. 

Wythe, George, 1747. 



Wright, William, 1745. 



BoTETOi'KT County, 1770-1773. 



Aylett, John, 1770. 

Bo\vyer, Luke (K. C), 1770. 

Dunlop, Ephraim, 1770. 

Jones, Harry, 1773. 



Jones, John Gabriel, 1773. 

Madison, Thomas, 1770. 

Todd, John, 1771. 

Winston, Edmund, 1770. 



Washington County, 1117-1870. 



835 



Aylett, John (dep. atty.), 1774. 

BnH'kenridfro, John, 177o. 

Bowyer, Luke, 177"^. 

Dunlop, Ephraim, 177.'^. 

Inncs, Harry, 1773. 



FiNCASTLE County, 1773-1776. 

Jones, Gabriel, 1773. 



Lawson, Benj., 1773. 

May, John, 1773. 

Madison, Tliomas(Dep. K. C), 1774. 
Sims, Charles, 1773. 



Todd, John, 1774. 



Wasiiix 



^^■, 



Anderson, Wni. Preston, 

Arnold, James 

Aston, Wm. B., ... 
Ayers, Rufus A., . . . 

Avers, W. A., 

Brown, John, 

Bradley, Robert E., 
I'.oyd, Tliomas J., . . 
Bekeni. Chas. S., ... 
Buc'kinf^ham, P. S., . 

Black, J. M., 

Baxter, Sidney S., • • 

Barker, Albert, 

Bhukley, M. L., .... 
Broekenbrough, John 

Bailey, D. F., 

Burson, John E., ... 
Buchanan, John A., 

Brown. John M 

P.laiuhard, A. H., . . 

Uowyer, Luke, 

J?askerville, Clias., . 

Wayv. V. T., 

J5eavers, Ale.x., .... 

Barr, Paul E., 

J{u(lian;iii. R. E., . . . 

Byars, J. C., 

Campbell, David, . • . 
Cani])l)eli, Edward, . 
Cumniings, Chas. J., 
Clajip, .Fcremiah W ., 
Campbell, -lohn A., . 
Cummings, A. C, . . 
Cooke, Wm. H., . . . 
Campbell, Jos. T., . . 

( rank, W. S., 

(larkson, Wm. N., . 
Cole, A. P., 



(.TON COU 

1798. 
,1830. 

18r..i. 
,1874. 
,1874. 
,1783. . 

18.3-i. 
, 1837. 
,1837. 
.1840. 
.18.")!l. 



I8(i."). 
18(il. 
18(i(i. 



18(U!. 
,180!). 

1872. 

1872. 
,1874. 

187.i. 

1777. 
,1877. 
,1877. 
,1881. 
,1882. 
,1883. 
,1890. 
,1780. 
,1818. 
,1837. 
, 18:w. 

,1840. 
.1840. 
,1848. 
, 1849. 
.1864. 
.1865. 
.1867. 



NTY, 1777-1900. 

Caldwell, Jos. W., 1871. 

Campbell, Daniel T., 1883. 

Campbell, Edward K., 1883. 

Campbell, J. (4., 188.5. 

Co.sby, L. T., 1888. 

Campbell, Preston W., 189G. 

Dixon, Henry St. John, 1819. 

Dixon, Henry, 1820. 

Draper, Joseph, 1833. 

Davis, Archimedas, 1853. 

Davis, A. M., 1855. 

Day, Lexington M., 1865. 

Dickenson, A. M., 1872. 

Dinwiddle, S. S., 1883. 

Davenport, P. J., 1888. 

Dishner, J. H., 1892. 

Estill, Benj., . 

Evans, Walter, 1848. 

Earnest, John Henry, 1851. 

Edmondson, Reese B., 1861. 

Egbert, George T., 1872. 

Early, Jubal A., 1876. 

English, Arthur, 1885. 

Fulton, John H., 1821. 

Fulton, Andrew S., 1832. 

Floyd, John B., 1834. 

Floyd, \\m. P., 1834. 

Floyd, Benj. Rush, 1843. 

Fulkerson, S. V., 1846. 

Fulkerson, Abram, 1866. 

Findlay, Frank S., 1860. 

Flournoy, H. W., 1881. 

Fulkerson, S. V., Jr., 1887. 

Gregory, Francis R., 1832. 

Gibbons, H. C, 1848. 

Gilmore, James H., 1851. 

Griffith, J. F., 1889. 

Green, C. R., 1889. 



836 



Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 



Harrison, Chas. E., 1827. 

Hall, John, 1832. 

Humes, Jas. W., 1855. 

Hughes, R. W., 1859. 

Hounshell, David S., 1861. 

Hopkinis, Henry L., 1867. 

Holdway, H. W., 1867. 

Humes, Francis A., 1870. 

Hopkins, Geo. W., 1834. 

Hawthorn, Hugh C, 1874. 

Honaker, M. H., 1870. 

Hutton, F. B., 1880. 

Hamilton, W. S., 1883. 

Humes, C. F., 1884. 

Hamilton, H. H., 1886. 

Hudgens, W. P., 1887. 

Hamilton, Thomas S., 1889. 

Hoge, Lacy, 1889. 

Hurt, J. I., 1889. 

Innes, Harry, 1779. 

Johnston, Peter C, 1831. 

Johnston, Charles C, 1831. 

Jones, Geo. W., 1836. 

Johnston, Beverly R., 1839.' 

Johnston, John W., 1839. 

Jones, H. C, 1872. 

Jones, James Alfred, 1873. 

Jones, S. D., 1879. 

Jenkins, Geo. G., 1886. 

Johnston, Walter A., 1896. 

Kane, Henry S., 1832. 

Kent, Robert L., 1853. 

King, Wm. Rutledge, 1894. 

Leftwicli, Isaac J., 1833. 

Logan, Samuel, 1837. 

Lampkin, John W., 1838. 

Latham, Robert, 1841 . 

Little, David Z., 1848. 

Logan, T. M., 1855. 

Logan, Samuel T., 1855. 

Logan, John B. J., 1861. 

Langhorne, Wm. W., 1867. 

Longley, Seldon, 1870. 

Lindsay, S. F., 1890. 

Madison, Rowland, 1779. 

Mayo, Peter, 1831. 

McComas, David, 1832. 

Mayo, W. H., 1835. 



Miller, David, 1856. 

Mosby, John S., 1858. 

McCormick, Samuel, 1855. 

Miller, Samuel A., 1863. 

McGinnis, Ira J., 1866. 

McDougall, Chas., 1869. 

Massie, N. H., 1870. 

McCrosky, W. D., 1877. 

Miller, D. C, 1878. 

Miles, A. F., 1882. 

Naflf, Geo. E., 1850. 

Neal, John W., 1897. 

Preston, John, 1833. 

Preston, Walter, 1843. 

Preston, Wm. B., 1846. 

Preston, James T., 1847. 

Pendleton, Stephen J., 1856. 

Pendleton, A. G., 1856. 

Palmer, Joseph H., 1861. 

Pendleton, Jas. H., 1864. 

Preston, Henry S., 1867. 

Page, R. M., 1868. 

Page, L. R., 1873. 

Penn, Geo. E., 1875. 

Preston, Walter E., 1875. 

Porterfield, G. C, 1882. 

Page, Wm., 1885. 

Price, John W., 1893. 

Quarrier, F. M., 1864. 

Richmond, Jonathan, 1861. 

Ramsay, John C, 1864. 

Richardson, Robert 1866. 

Royal, W. L., 1871. 

Robertson, Walter H., 1874. 

Robinson, A. L., 1878. 

Rhea, W. F., 18—. 

Sheffey, James W., 1833. 

Smyth, Harold, 1833. 

Sharp, John D., 1836. 

Stevens, John W., 1840. 

Shaver, Leonidas, 1844. 

Sawyers, Thos. L. W., 1848. 

Strother, James A., 1857. 

Speed, John W., 1860. 

Sheffey, John P., 1856. 

Stafford, John W., 1866. 

Summers, John Calhoun, .... 1866. 
Smyth, Francis, 1880. 



J 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



837 



Smythe, W. F., 1881. 

Stuart, John J., 1883. 

Sutherland, H. W., 1890. 

Summers, Lewis Preston, ....1895. 

Shackleford, J. B., 1892. 

Summers, Robert J., 189G. 

Trigg Connally F., 1833. 

Trigg, L. H., 1836. 

Teetor, Josiah, 18oS. 

Talliferro, Wm. M., 1866. 

Taylor, Henry H., 1866. 

Trigg, Daniel, 1860. 

Trigg, C. F., 1869. 



Lawykrs Practising in the Superior Court of Chajstcery for Washing- 
ton County in the Years 1812-1831, Wythevllle, Va. 



Tilson, Thomas J., 


1874 


Vance, C. R., 


....1862 


Wilson, John, 


1831 


White, Francis S., 


1838 


Watson, Ed. S., 


....1856 


White, James L., 


1867 


Ward, George W., 


1874 


Wiley, Edward, 


....1890 


Watson, John W. C, 


....1837 


White, John P., 


....1853 


Wysor, Benj. F., 


.... 1860 


Wood, Harvey J., 


1868 


White, Milton, 


....1883 



Chapman, John. 
Sheffey, Daniel. 
Estill, Benj. 
Di.xon, Henry St. John. 
Chapman, Henry. 
Smyth, Alex. 
Campbell, Edward. 
McComas, David. 
Johnston, Chas. C. 
Mayo, Peter. 
Craig, Robert. 
Draper, Joseph. 
Fulton, John H. 
Smith, Wm. 
McFarland, Jos. T. 
Logan, Samuel. 
Vanstavern, Nicholas. 
Foster, John. 
Stuart, Archibald. 
Sisson, Baldwin L. 
McCamart, Samuel. 



Harrison, Chas. E. 
Leftwich, Isaac J. 
Carter, Dale. 
Fulton, Andrew S. 
Preston, Wm. B. 
Pendleton, Albert G. 
Johnston, B. R. 
Bekem, Chas. S. 
Boyd, Thomas J. 
Tliompson, James. 
Williamson, John. 
McHenry, Andrew. 
Henderson, Granville. 
Forbes, John. 
Henderson, Arthur. 
Michie, Thomas J. 
Linton, John. 
Preston, W. C. 
Field, Silas. 
Gray, Jolin G. 
Smith, William. 
Haden, Samuel. 



Deputy Clerks of Washington County Court. 



Branch, Peter J., 
Blackwell, A. R., 
Baugh, Leonidas, 

Cosby, L. T., 

Cummings, R. P., 
Campbell, Robert, 
Campbell, John, . 



. 1847. Cummings, D. C, Jr., 1882. 

. 1884. Campbell, E. K., 1876. 

. 1869. Cummings, D. C, Sr., 1871. 

. 1875. Evans, W. F., 1882. 

. 1889. Henritze, B. J., 1868. 

.1777. Kreger, John G., 1848. 

.1778. Trigg, Thos. K., 1865. 



838 



Soutlmest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



Lynch, Jacob, 1858. Page, R. M., 1866. 

Lynch, Richard, 1838. Page, Wm., 1870. 

Preston, S. R., 1897. Webb, Wra., 1784. 

Deputy Clerks Circuit Court. 

Branch, Peter J., 1842. Kreger, John G., 1858. 

Campbell, Jas. C, 18G6. Lynch, Jacob, 1831. 

Campbell, David, 1835. Lynch, Richard, 1839-1869. 

Ciimmings, David C, Sr., 1869. Lowry, Wm. G. G., 1865. 

Dixon, Richard T., 1833. Moore, Albert B., 1838. 



Treasurers of Washington County. 

Barr, George R., 1870. Bradley, John 0., 

Gray, John C, 1881. Clark, Benj. C, . . 

Withers, Salmon M., 1887. 



....1899. 
....1875. 



Superintendents of Alms House. 

Miller, Jacob, August 24, 1843. Colley, Thomas W., 1878. 

Ryan, James, 1865. Porter, W. J 1887. 

Stanfield, John C, 1871 . Caldwell, R. J., 1891. 

Thompson, James H., 1875. Casteel, John R., 1899. 



Deputy Treasurers of 



Betts, W. H., . . . . 




. .1875. 


Blackwell, A. R., 

Carmack, D. C, 




. .1890. 

. .1878. 


DuflF, D. A , 




. .1878. 


Findlay, F. S., 

Geisler J J 




..1870. 
. 1883. 


James, N. S., 

Mumpower, R. B., . . . . 
McChesney, Sam'l J., . . 

Ritchie, J. L., 

Withers S. M., 




..1890. 
..1875. 

..1883. 
..1875. 
. .1878. 


Sisk, J. C, 




..1899. 



Washington County. 

Barr, John W., 1873. 

Clark. W. W., 1875. 

Cay wood, W. W., 1879. 

Dunn, Geo. R., 1870. 

Geisler, J. M., 1883. 

Hilliard, R. A., 1895. 

Jones, I. F., 1875. 

McNeal, W. B., 1875. 

Nimley, C. A., 1887. 

Ryburn, Wm. S., 1871. 

Williams, James, 1875. 

Kendrick, Cas, 1899. 



Commissioners of the Revenue of Washington County. 



Duffy, James, 1798. 

Snodgrass, Wm., 1807. 

Snodgrass, Wm., 1819. 

King, Jonathan, 1837-1843. 

Ropp, John M., 1848. 

Mongle, Abram, 1850. 

Lowry, James K., 1851. 

Edmondson, John L. G., 18.50. 

Campbell, D. A. P., 1860. 

Miller, Wm., 1862. 



Campbell, D. A. P., 1864. 

Terry, John F., 1805. 

Miller, Jacob, 1869. 

Clark, Benj. C, 1870. 

Blackwell, Jolin D., 1875. 

Blackwell, John D., 1883. 

Ritchie, James L., 1887. 

Duff, D. A., 1891. 

Duff-, D. A., 1895. 

Maiden, John W., 1899. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



839 



Hamilton, Frederick 1802. 

Fulkerson, Thomas, 1819. 

Smitli, Parker, 1837-1843. 

Trigg, A. B., 1843-1844. 

King. Jonathan, 1844-1850. 

Edmoiulson, Andrew ISoI. 

Henderson, Robert, 1852-185G. 

Campbell, Jas. L. F., ...1852-1860. 

Davis, John G. R., 1860. 

Duff, W. K., 1862. 



Miller, Wm., 

Caiiipboll, D. A. P., 
Barker, William, . 
Campbell, D. A. P., 
Hendrieks, Thos. P.^ 

K.'ller, C. F., 

Keller, C. F., 

Keller, C. F., 

Roberts, John, . . . . 
Roberts, John, . . ■ . 



.1864. 
.1865. 
.1809. 
.1870. 
.1875. 
. 1883. 
.1887. 
.1891. 
.1895. 
.1899. 



SURVEYOKS OF AUGUSTA CoUNTY, 1745-1770. 

Lewis, Thos. 
Deputy Surveyors. 
Buchanan, John. Walker, Thomas, 1752. 

Botetourt County, 1770-1773. 
Preston, William, 1773. 

Deputy Surveyors. 

Trimble, James, 1770. May, Robert, 

Smith, Francis, 1771. Lewis, Samuel, 



,1771. 
.1772. 



FiNCASTLE County, 1773-1776. 

Preston, William, 1773. 

Deputy Surveyors. 

Floyd, John 1774. Russell, Wm., . 

Preston, Robert, 1774. 

Washington County. 

Surveyors. 



,1774. 



Preston, Robert, 1779. 

Black, James C, 1852. 

Bradley, John L., 1883. 

Buchanan, R. G., 1887. 

Buchanan, R. G., 1896. 



Latham, Edward, 

McQuown, Isaac A., . . 
McQuown, Isaac A., . . . 

Gobble, E. L., 

Cumbow, Anderson H., 



Coroners. 



Craig, Robert, 1780. 

Orr. James, 1845. 

Buchanan, Benj. K., 1844. 

Maxwell, Alex. C, 1865. 

Jones. A. M., 1889. 



Lewis, Aaron, . . . 

Gibson, C. C, 

Graham, William, 
Barr, John W., . . 



.1831. 
.1862. 
. 1883. 
.1895. 
.1899. 

.1780. 
,1842. 
,1852. 
1875. 



Washington County Supervisors, 1870-1904. 
Supervisors Abingdon District. 



Grecnway. .Jas. C, 1870-1873. 

Campbell, Jas. C, 1873-1875. 

Kregcr, John G., 1875-1879. 

Preston, Robert A., 1879-1S91. 

Fugate, Henley, 1891-1893. 



Gray, Robert H., 1893 

Rush, Robert W., 1897 

Hope, Thomas A., 1899- 

Hayter, James C, 1901- 



1897. 
1899. 
1901. 
1904. 



840 



Southwest Virgima, 171^6-1786. 



Supervisors North Fork District. 



Litton, L. R., 

Davenport, R. H., 

Henderson, W. F. (died), 
Litton, L. R. (appointed), 



Mallicote, Jasper N., 1870-1873. 

Dickenson, Mongle, 1873-1874. 

Mallicote, Jasper N., 1874-1875. 

Roberts, John, 1875-1879. 

Price, James T., 1879-1883. 

Stanfield, John C, 1883-1887. 

Supervisors Glade Spring District. 
Porterfield, James C, ...1870-1873. Buchanan, James S., 

Crow, James, 1873-1877. Porterfield, J. C, . • . 

Porterfield, James C, 1877-1887. Stuart, George, 

Allison, Robert C, 1887-1889. Williams, Joseph D., 

Supervisors Saltville District. 

Kelly, Jonas S., 1870-1883. Talbert, Andrew J., 

Kelly, James, 1883-1885 

Kelly, Jonas S., 1885-1887 

Davenport, Solomon R., . .1887-1889 
Kelly, Jonas S., 1889-1891 

Supervisors Goodson Distri<;t. 

Davis, John M., 1870-1872. Rader, W. A., 

Preston, Francis, 1872-1874. 

Johnson, Walter, 1874-1879. 

Rader, W. A., 1879-1881. 

Preston, James B., 1881-1885. 

King, James A., 1885-1887. 

Supervisors Kinderhook District. 

Holly, Henry C, 1870-1871. Johnson, Jacob H., 

Vance, Emmet B., 1871-1872. 

Barker, Joseph H., 1872 . 

Pettyjohn, G. W. (ap't'd), 1872-1875. 

Price, Daniel E., 1875-1879. 

Cook, L. C, 1879-1881. 

Withers, S. M., 1881-1883. 

Barb, Lacy J., 1883-1885. 

Price, Daniel E., 1885-1887. 



Counts, L. H., 1887-1889, 

Counts, James M., 1889-1891. 

Price, James T., 1891-1895. 

Butt, James H., 1895-1897. 

Stanfield, John C, 1897-1904. 



.1889-1891. 
.1891-1895. 
.1895-1901. 
.1901-1904. 

.1891-1895. 
.1895-1899. 
.1899-1901. 

1901-1902. 

1902-1904. 

,1887-1891. 
.1891-1895. 
,1895-1897. 
.1897-1899. 
.1899-1901. 
.1901-1904. 

,1887-1889. 
.1889-1891. 
.1891-1893. 
,1893-1895. 
.1895-1897. 
.1897-1899. 
.1899-1901. 
.1901-1904. 



Berry, David L., . . . 
Rhea, Edward R., . 
Berry, David L., . • . 
Campbell, John W., 
Susong, J. O., 



Billiard, R. A., . . 
Sharrett, Wm. R., 
Snodgrass, L. H., 
Barker, A. F., ... 
Fleenor, W. M., . . 
Dye, Creed F., .. 
Ellington, J. E., . 



Supervisors Holston District. 



Crow, James, 1877-1883. 

Rosenbalm, Joel, 1883-1885. 

Smith, John B., 1885-1887. 

Widener, Wm. M., 1887-1891. 



Hawthorne, B. D., 1891-1895. 

Preston, R. B., 1895-1897. 

Widener, Wm. M., 1897-1899. 

Preston, R. B., 1899-1904. 

Constables on Holston. 
1755. G«orge Stalnaker appointed Constable on Holston river. 

Botetourt County, 1770-1773. 
Stem, Frederick. Davis, Robert. 

Prewitt, William. Lester, John. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



841 



FtNCASTLE COITNTY, 1773-1776. 

David Beattie, from Kincannon's to Biyan's Fort. 

James Bryan, from his fort to Black's Fort. 

Andrew Colvill, from Black's Fort to ford of Beaver Creek. 

John Carmack, from Beaver Creek to Bledsoe's Fort. 

David Steel, from Bledsoe's Fort to Meeting House. 

John Adair, from Meeting House to Amos Eaton's. 

Samuel Simpson, on Holston. 

Samuel Wilson. 

John Upton. 

1773. John Crow, on upper part of Holston. 

1773. Tliomas Byrd, on upper part Holston. 

1773. Samuel Simpson, from Eleven-Mile Creek to Spring Creek and across 

the Holston waters. 
1773. Samuel Wilson, from Spring Creek to Steel's Creek and across the 

Holston waters. 
1773. From Steel's Creek to county line and across the Holston waters. 
1773. Robert Williams, on Holston in place Samuel Wilson. 

1773. Jacob Stems, on Holston in place of Thomas Byrd. 

1774. Samuel White, in place of Jacob Stems. 

1775. Rich Humphreys, in Capt. Wm. Campbell's company. 



Washington Coitnty, 1777-1784. 



Able, Jeremiah. 
Alley, James. 
Aoklin, Christopher. 
Anderson, William. 
Allen, Christopher. 
Brown, Robert. 
Brooks, Castleton. 
Berry, George. 
Berrv, John. 
Bailey, Stephen. 
Breding, John. 
Chambers, Mark. 
Craig, John. 
Cole, Sampson. 
Crunk, Wm. 
Duncan, Rawley. 
Davidson, Joseph. 
Doran, Alexander. 
Dorton, Wm. 
Duncan, John. 
Edmiston, Thomas. 
Ellis, Wm. 



Constables. 
Evans, Joseph. 
Evans, Samuel. 
Funkhouser, John. 
Fain, John. 
Fullen, James. 
Graham, John. 
Gibson, Samuel. 
Hicks, William. 
Hazel, Daniel. 
Holt, Sebastian. 
Hall, Jesse. 
Higganbothan, Moses, 
Keewood, John. V 
Laughlin, James. 
Jjean, William. 
Lindsay, Isaac. 
Laird, James. 
Loveless, John. 
McClung, Francis. 
Moore, Richard. 
McCulloch, Robert. 
McCauley, James. 



Maxwell, John. 
Musick, Jonathan. 
Oney, Richard. 
Osbome, John. 
Owen, John. 
Patterson, Wm. 
Price, Richard. 
Robinson, Wm. 
Rogers, John. 
Rowan, Isaac. 
Steel, James. 
Sharp, John. 
Snodgrass, Joseph. 
Scott, Wm. 
Teeter, John. 
Vanhook, Samuel. 
Vance, John. 
W'harton, James. 
Williams, Robert. 
Whisinhunt, John. 
Woolsey, Richard. 



843 Soiithwest Virginia, 17J,6-1786. 

ROADS. 

Overseers and Surveyors Augusta County, 1853. 

Mar. 23, John Lowry, Appointed surveyors to open a road from 

Henry Holston. John's Creek over the mountain the nearest 

and best way. 

Botetourt County, 1770-1773. 
June 12, 1770. Arthur Campbell, from State line to Eoyal Oak. 
June 12, 1770. James Davis, from Royal Oak to his home. 
June 12, 1770. Ricliard Higginson. 

Mar. 13, 1770. Francis Kincannon, from Stalnaker's to Eleven-Mile Creek. 
Mar. 13, 1770. Thomas Ramsey, from Eleven-Mile Creek to Beaver Creek. 
Mar. 13, 1770. David Looney, from Beaver Creek to Fall Creek. 
Jan. G, 1773. Andrew Colvill, from Eighteen-Mile Creek to Beaver Creek. 
Jan. 6, 1773. Stephen Jordan, from Beaver Creek to Steel's Creek. 
Jan. 6, 1773. David Steel, from Steel'is Creek to Muddy Creek. 
Jan. 6, 1773. Moses Looney, from Muddy Creek to county line. 
Mar. 2, 1774. Michael Cregor, from S. F. Reed Creek to crossing below 

Jacob Catherine's. 
Sept. 7, 1773. Roger Topp, on Holston in place of Stephen Jordan's. 

FiNCASTLE County, 1773-1777. 

Jan. 5, 1773. Arthur Bowen, from Seven-Mile Ford to lower end Roy.il 

Oak. 

Jan. 5, 1773. John Hay, from lower end of Royal Oak to Alex. Wiley's. 

Jan. 5, 1773. Alex. Wiley, from his home to Wm. Davis'. 

Jan. 5, 1773. \\ m. Davis, from his house to South Fork Reedy Creek. 

Jan. 5, 1773. James, I'inley, from Wm. Davis' to McCall's place. 

July 6, 1773. James Smith, from Castlewoods to Elk Garden. 

July 6, 1773. David Cowan, from Castlewoods to Elk Garden. 

July 6, 1773. Wm. Crabtree, from Town House to Big Lick. 

July 6, 1773. Peter Lee, from Big Lick to Clinch Mountain. 

July 6, 1773. William Campbell, from Seven-Mile Ford to Big Spring. 

July 6, 1773. Wm. Edmiston, from Big Spring to James Kincannon's. 

July 6, 1773. Jas. Bryan, from Kincannon's to Eighteen-Mile Creek. 

July 6, 1773. Jas. Montgomery, from Eleven-Mile Creek to his home. 

July 6, 1773. James Young, from thence to Isaac Riddle's. 

July 6, 1773. Isaac Riddle's, from thence to ford of Holston. 

Sept. 7, 1773. John Reed, from Eighteen-Mile Creek to John McKinley's. 

Aug. 3, 1774. John Shelby, from Watauga road in room of Isaac Riddle. 

Sept. 3, 1776. Wm. Calhoun, from Wylie's Ford to Mill Creek, at Royal 

Oak. 

Sept. 3, 1776. Andrew Bowen, from Royal Oak to Seven-Mile Ford. 

Sept. 3, 1776. William Story, from Seven-Mile Ford to Grayson Springs. 

Sept. 3, 1776. Geo. Adams, from Grayson Springs to James Kincannon's. 

Sept. 3, 1776. David Beattie, from Kincannon's to Bryan's Fort. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



843 



Sept. .3, 177G. James Bryan, from Bryan's Fort to Black's Fort. 

Sept. 3, 1776. Andrew Colvill, from Black's Fort to Beaver Creek. 

Sept. 3, 1776. John Carmack, from Beaver Creek to Major Bledsoe's. 

Sept. 3, 1776. David Steel, from Bledsoe's to the Meeting House. 

Sept. 3, 1776. John Adair, from Meeting House to Amos Eaton's. 



Washington County. 1777-1784. 



Anderson, Jacob. 
Allison, Charles. 
Ayliott, James. 
Anderson. Benjamin. 
Bryan. James. 
Berry, Thomas. 
Berry, James. 
Beattie, Wm. 
Bates, Joseph. 
Beattie, John. 
Bowen, Wm. 
Baylor. John. 
Barnett, Alexander. 
Buchanan. George. 
Bates, Wm. 
Bowen, Chas. 
Brecken ridge, Alex. 
Bowles. John. 
Buchanan, Samuel, 
licrry, John. 
Bradley. John. 
Colvill, Andrew. 
Cox, John. 
Craig, Robert. 
Craig, David. 
Carmack, Cornelius. 
Cole, Hugh. 
Clark, Ceorge. 
Carter, Thomas. 
Campbell, Robert. 
Cunningham, Jonath. 
Caldwell, Thomas. 
Doolan, James. 
Dorton, Wm. 
Davis, Andrew. 
Davis, John. 



Doran, James. 
Eaton, Amos. 
Edmiston, RobeH. 
Edmiston, John. 
Elliott, Wm. 
Evans, Andrew. 
Fowler, James. 
Fulton, Thomas. 
Funkhouser, John. 
Fowler, John. 
Finley, George. 
Farris, Isaac. 
Gray, Benj. 
Gray, Joseph. 
Gamble, Josiah. 
Galbrath, Arthur. 
Gamble, James. 
Gilmore, Wm. 
Griever, Philip. 
Halbard, Wni. 
Hay, John. 
Halfacre, Michael. 
Helter, Abraham. 
Holland, Wm. 
Heard, Joseph. 
Hobbs, Thomas. 
Hope, Adam. 
Johnston, Curtis. 
Kincannon, Andrew. 
Kinkead, John. 
Keewood, John. 
Keewood, Stephen. 
I^wis, Aaron. 
I^aughlin, Alexander 
Linder, Anthony. 
Montgomery, Wm. 



Mahon, David. 
McElwee, James. 
McMillian, Wm. 
Markland, Wm. 
Oglesby, Elisha. 
Outlaw, Alexander. 
Piper, James. 
Robinson, Wm. 
Rice, Henry. 
Rosebrough, Wm. 
Ramey, Daniel. 
Steel, David. 
Sharp, John. 
Snoddy, John. 
Scott, Wm. 
Sproles, James. 
Smith, Wm. 
Smith, Thomas. 
Scott, Archibald. 
Smith, John. 
Topp, Roger. 
Tewell, Obadiah. 
Teat, Robert. 
Tate, Wm. 
Tate, Thomas. 
Vance, Alexander. 
Vanhook, Aaron. 
Wylie, Alexander. 
Wiiitney, Francis. 
White, Solomon. 
Willoughby, Andrew. 
Walker, Wm. 
Wheeler, James. 
Wood, Jonathan. _ 
Young, Daniel. 



846 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jt.G-1786. 



Missionary Baptist Ministers. 

Edmondson, Elijah, 1850. Maiden, Henry A., 1871. 

Little, L. H., 1884. Little, Branson, 1888. 

Church of Christ Ministers. 

Gentry, E. B., 1895. Chapman, J. W., 1895. 

Campbell, J. A., 1895. 

Lutheran Ministers. 
Hancher, Wm., 1839. Brown, Abel J., 1852. 

Univebsalist Ministers. 
Chambers, Wm. R., 1848. 

Reformer Ministers. 
Snyder, Jacob, regular, 1783. 

Catholic Ministers. 

Silvian, Wm., 1871. Murray, John, 1882. 

Oliver, Emile, 1890. Toner, George H., 1895. 

Burke, P. F., 1897. 

The following is a complete table of the candidates for President of the 
United States from the formation of our government to date, with the name 
of the party to which they were attached: 



Party. Year. 

No party 1789 . . 

Federalist 1792.. 

Federalist 1796.. 

Republican 1796.. 

Republican 1800. . 

Federalist 1800. . 

Republican 1804 . . 

Federalist 1804. . 

Republican 1808. . 

Federalist 1808 . . 

Republican . 1808. . 

Republican 1812 . . 

Federalist 1812.. 

Republican . 1816 . . 

Feueralist 1816 . . 

Republican 1820 . . 

Opposition •. . . 1820 . . 

Republican 1824 . . 

Coalition 1824. . 

Republican 1824 . . 

Republican 1824 . . 



Candidates. 
.George Washington. . .No opposition. 

• George Washington ... No opposition. 

. John Adams Elected. 

. Thomas Jefferson Defeated. 

- Thomas Jefferson Elected. 

• John Adams Defeated. 

. Thomats Jefferson Elected. 

• Charles C. Pinckney Defeated. 

. James Madison Elected. 

.Charles C. Pinckney Defeated. 

. George Clinton Defeated. 

• James Madison Elected. 

.DeWitt Clinton Defeated. 

• James Monroe Elected. 

. Ruf us King Defeated. 

.James Monroe Elected. 

• John Q. Adams Defeated. 

. Andrew Jackson No election. 

.John Q. Adams No election. 

.William H. Crawford ...No election. 

• Henry Clay No election. 



Washington County, 1777-1 S70. 



847 



Tlie popular election not resulting in any candidate having a majority 
of the electoral vote, the election devolved upon the House of Representa- 
tives. Adams was elected on the first ballot, receiving the votes of thirteen 
States; Jackson, seven, and Crawford, four States. 
Party. Year. Candidates. 

Democratic 1828 .... Andrew Jackson Elected. 

National Republican 1828. . . .John Q. Adams Defeated. 

This is the first election at wnieh the party name Democrat was used. 
Previous to that date the party was called Republican and the opposition 
Federalists. 



Party. Year. 

Democratic 1832 . . 

Republican 1832 . . 

1832 . . 

Anti-Ma.sonie 1832.. 

Democratic 1836 . . 

Wliig 183(5.. 

Wliig 1836. . 

Wliig 1836.. 

Whig 1836.. 

Whig 1840.. 

Deiiiopratic 1840. . 

Lilicrty 1840. . 

Democratic 1844. . 

Whig 1844. . 

i.il)erty 1844. . 

Whig' 1848.. 

Democratic 1848 . . 

Free Soil 1848.. 

Democratic 18.52 . . 

Whig 1852.. 

Free I>emocratic 1852 . . 

Democratic 18.56. . 

Itt'imhlican 185(). . 

-Vmciican 1856.. 



Candidates. 

. .Andrew Jackson Elected. 

. Henry Clay Defeated. 

. .John Floyd Defeated. 

. .William Wirt Defeated. 

. .Martin Van Buren . Elected. 

• William Henry Harrison .. Defeated. 

. .Hugh L. Willie Defeated. 

. Daniel Webster Defeated. 

. . W. R. Margerum Defeated. 

. . W. H. Harrison Elected. 

. .Martin Van Buren Defeated. 

. James G. Birney Defeated. 

. .James K. Polk Elected. 

. . Henry Clay Defeated. 

. .James G. Birney Defeated. 

. . Zachary Taylor Elected. 

. .Lewis Cass Defeated. 

. Martin Van Buren Defeated. 

. . Franklin Pierce ICleoted. 

. .Winfiold Scott Defeated. 

. ..lohn P. Hale Defeated. 

• .James Buchanan Elected. 

. John C. Fremont Defeated. 

. ..Millanl Filniore Defeated. 



This was the first appearance of the present Republican party in the field 
of national politics. Their National Convention was held in Philadelpliia. 



Party. Y'ear. 

Kepui)lican I860.. 

Democratic 1860 . . 

Constitutional Union I860.. 

Iiuh'iiendent Democratic ... I860.. 

Kepiildican 1864. . 

Democratic 1864. . 

Kepuldican 1868. . 

Democratic 1808.. 



Candidates. 

Abraham Lincoln Elected. 

.J. C. Breckenridge Defeated. 

• John Bell Defeated. 

. Stephen A. Douglas Defeated. 

Abraham J^incoln Elected. 

George B. ^McClellan Defeated. 

.U. S. Grant Elected. 

H. Seymour Defeated. 



848 



Southwest Virginia,, 17J/.6-1786. 



Party. Year. 

Republican 1872 . . 

Democratic and Liberty .. 1872.. 

Democratic 1872 . . 

Opposition Democratic 1872 . . 

Temperance 1872 . . 

Opposition Democratic .... 1872 . . 
Opposition Democratic .... 1872. . 
Opposition Democratic .... 1872. . 

Republican 1876 . . 

Democratic 1876 . . 

Greenback 1876 . . 

Prohibition 1876 . . 

Republican 1880 . . 

Democratic 1880 . . 

Greenback 1880 . . 

Prohibition 1880 . . 

American 1880 . . 

Democratic 1884 . . 

Republican 1884 . . 

Prohibition 1884 . . 

Greenback 1884 . . 

Republican 1888 . . 

Democratic 1888 . . 

Prohibition 1888 . . 

Union Labor 1888 . . 

American 1888 . . 

Union Labor 1888 . . 

Equal Rights 1888 . . 

Industrial Reform 1888 . . 

Democratic 1892 . . 

Republican 1892 . . 

People's 1892. . 

Prohibition 1892. . 

Socialist Labor 1892 . . 

Republican 1896 . . 

Democratic 1896 . . 

Prohibition 1896. . 

People's 1896 . . 

Socialist Labor 1896. . 

National 1896.. 

National Democrat 1896 . . 



Candidates. 

. . U. S. Grant Elected. 

. . H. Greeley Defeated. 

. . Chas. O'Connor Defeated. 

. . rhos. A. Hendricks Defeated. 

. . James Black Defeated. 

• • B. Gratz Brown Defeated. 

. . C. J. Jenkins Defeated. 

. David Davis Defeated. 

■ ■ R. B. Hayes Elected. 

. . S. J. Tilden Defeated. 

• • Peter Cooper Defeated. 

. . G. Clay Smith Defeated. 

. . James A. Garfield Elected. 

• ■ W. S. Hancock Defeated. 

• J. B. Weaver Defeated. 

. . Neal Dow Defeated. 

. .John W. Phelps Defeated. 

. -Grover Cleveland Elected. 

. . d ames G. Blaine Defeated. 

. . J. P. St. John Defeated. 

. . B. F. Butler Defeated. 

. . Benjamin Harrison Elected. 

. • Grover Clevel nd Defeated. 

. .C. B. Fisk Defeated. 

. . A. J. Streeter Defeated. 

. . J. L. Curtis Defeated. 

. . R. H. Cowdrey Defeated. 

. . Belva Lockwood Defeated. 

. . A. E. Redstone Defeated. 

• • Grover Cleveland Elected. 

. . Benjamin Harrison Defeated. 

. . J. B. Weaver Defeated. 

. . J. Bidwell Defeated. 

. • Simon Wing Defeated. 

. . William McKinley Elected. 

. . ^^'illiam J. Bryan Defeated. 

. • J. Levering Defeated. 

. . W. J. Bryan Defeated. 

. . C. B. Matchett Defeated. 

. . C. E. Bentley Defeated. 

. . J. M. Palmer Defeated. 



The Vice-President has succeeded the President on five occasions, by reason 
of the President's death in each case. Tyler succeeded Harrison in 1841; 
Filmore, Taylor in 1850; Johnson, Lincoln in 1865; Arthur, Garfield in 
1881, and Roosevelt, McKinley in 1901. 



John Adams Mass Federalist June 3 

John Adams Mass Federalist Dec. 2 

Tliomas Jefferson Va Dem. -Republican .... March 4 

Aaron Burr N. Y Dem. -Republican .... March 4 

George Clinton N. Y Dem.-Republican ... March 4 

George Clinton N. Y Dem.-Republican .... March 4 

Elbridge Gerry Mass Dem.-Republican .... March 4 

Daniel D. Tompkins N. Y Dem.-Republican .... March 4 

Daniel D. Tompkins N. Y Dem.-Republican .... March 5 

John C. Calhoun S. C Dem.-Republican .... March 4 

John C. Calhoun S. C Dem.-Republican .... March 4 

Martin Van Buren N. Y Democratic March 4 

Richard M. Johnson Ken Democratic March 4 

John Tyler Va Elected by Whigs . . March 4 

George M. Dallas, Penn Democratic March 4 

Millard Filmore N. Y Whig March 4 

\\ ni. R. King Ala Democratic March 4 

John C. Breckeuridge Ky Democratic March 4 

Hannibal Hamlin ....... Maine. . . . Republican March 4 

Andrew Johnson Tenn Republican March 4 

Schuyler Colfax Ind Republican March 4 

Henry Wilson Mass Republican March 4 

Wm. A. Wheeler N. Y Republican March 5 

Chester A. Arthur N. Y Republican March 4 

Thomas A. Hendricks Ind Democratic March 4 

Levi P. Morton N. Y Republican March 4 

Adlai E. Stevenson Ill Democratic March 4 

Garrett A. Hobart N. J Republican March 4 



SUPREME COURT, CHIEF JUSTICES AND ASSOCIATE JUSTICES. 

Chief Justices. Associate Justices. State. Term of Service. 
John Jay N. Y 1789 to 1795. 

John Rutledge S. C 1789. Declined. 

William Gushing Mass 1789 to 1810. 

Robert H. Harrison -Maryland 1789 to 1790. 

James Wilson Pa 1789 to 1798. 

John Blair Va 1789 to 1796. 

James Iredell N. C 1790 to 1799. 

Thomas Johnson Maryland 1791 to 1793. 

William Paterson N. J 1793 to 1806. 

John Rutledge. . . (Not confirmed.) S. C 1795 to 1795. 

William Gushing Mass 1796. Declined. 

Samuel Chase Maryland 1796 to 1811. 

Oliver ElsworUi Conn 1796 to 1800. 

Bushrod Washington . . Va 1798 to 1829. 

Alfreu Moore N. C 1799 to 1804. 



850 Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

Chief Justices. Associate Justices. State. Term of Service. 

John Jay N. Y 1800. Declined. 

John Marshall Va 1801 to 1835. 

William Johnson S. C 1804 to 1834. 

Brockholst Livingston, N. Y 1807 to 1823. 

Thomas Todd Ky 1807 to 1826. 

Levi Lincoln Mass 1811. Declined. 

John Quincy Adams .Mass 1811. Declined. 

Joseph Stoiy Mass 1811 to 1845. 

. Gabriel Duvall . Maryland 1811 to 1835. 

Smith Thompson N. Y 1823 to 1843. 

Robert Trimble Ky 1826 to 1828. 

John McLean Ohio 1829 to 1861. 

Henry Baldwin Pa 1830 to 1844. 

James M. Wayne Ga 1835 to 1867. 

Roger B. Taney Maryland 1836 to 1864. 

Philip P. Barbour Va 1836 to 1841. 

William Smith Ala 1837. Declined. 

John Catron Tenn 1837 to 1865. 

John McKinley Ala 1837 to 1852. 

Peter V. Daniel Va 1841 to 1860. 

Samuel Nelson xN. Y 1845 to 1872. 

Levi Woodbury N. K 1845 to 1851. 

Robert C. Grier Pa 1846 to 1870. 

Benjamin R. Curtis . .Mass 1851 to 1857. 

John A. Campbell Ala 1853 to 1861. 

Nathan Clifford Maine 1858 to 1881. 

Noah H. Swayne Ohio 1862 to 1881. 

Samuel F. Miller Iowa 1862 to 1890. 

David Davis Ill 1862 to 1877. 

Stephen J. Field ..... Cal 1863 to 1897. 

Salmon P. Chase Ohio 1864 to 1873. 

■^Edwin M. Stanton . . Pa 1869. 

William Strong Pa : . . . 1870 to 1880. 

Joseph P. Bradley . . . N. J 1870 to 1892. 

Ward Hunt N. Y . 1872 to 1886. 

Morrison R. Waite Ohio 1874 to 1887. 

John M. Harlan Ky 1877 to . 

William B. Woods . . .Ga 1880 to 1887. 

Stanley Matthews Ohio 1881 to 1889. 

Horace Gray Mass 1881 to 1902. 

Samuel Blatchford ...1>J. Y 1882 to 1893. 

Lucius Q. C. Lamar . .Miss 1888 to 1893. 

Melville W. Fuller Ill 1888 to . 

David J. Brewer . . . Kan 1889 to . 

Henry B. Brown Mich. . 1891 to . 

George Shiras, Jr. . . . Pa 1892 to . 

Howell E. Jackson . . .Tenn 1893 to 1895. 

Edward D. White La 1894 to . 

Joseph McKenna . . • -.Cal. 1898 to . 



* Died before his commission took eflect. 



Wa.sJiington Count i/, 1777-1S70. 851 

CENSUS OF VIRGINIA— 1900. 

Total populatioii uf Virj;iiiia classified hy color, age and literacy, 1900: 

White Popilatiox. 

Total white l,192.So.) 

White males over twenty-one years 301,379 

White males nnder twenty-one years 300,017 

White females over twenty-one years 297,292 

White females under twenty-one years 293,507 

Total wime literate 1,094.695 

White illiterate 98,1(50 

T(jtal white population over twenty-one years, 598,071 

Total white under twenty-one years 594,18-4 

COLOHEI) Pol'LLATIOX. 

Total colored 000,722 

Colored males over twenty-one years 140,122 

Colored males under twenty-one years 177,337 

Colored females over twenty-one years 155,300 

Colored females under twenty-one years .... 181,957 

Colored literate 440,880 

Colored illiterate 213,830 

Total colored over twenty-one years 301,428 

Total colored under twentv-one years 309,294 



CENSUS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY— 1790-1900. 

1 7'."l 5,025 1800 9,530 

1810 12,150 1820 12,444 

1830 15,614 1840 13,001 

1850 14,012 I860 10,892 

1870 10,810 1880 25,203 

18!MI 20,118 1900 28,995 

I'.v DisTHUTs— 1890-1900. 1900. 1890. 

AOiii^don district, inchidini: Ahinjidon town 5,509 5,500 

Aliin-rdon town . 1-300 1,07-1 

Glade Sprin<r district, including- Glade S]>rinj,' town 3,490 3,316 

(.lade Sprinj: town •'^04 500 

(ioodson district -4.840 7,456 

Holston district •■^.•"'03 2,485 

Kinderhook district 4.4.38 3,931 

North Fork district •■^••{49 3,214 

Saltville district. inchidin<r part of Saltville town 3,710 3,109 

SaKville town, part rf 173 • 



852 Southwest Virginia, 174-6-1786. 

Population of Towns and Cities of Washington County — 1900. 

AMngdon. 

1870 715 

1880 1,064 

1890 1,674 

1900 1,306 

Mendota. 
1880 112 

Glade Sjiring. 

1880 262 

1890 500 

1900 304 

Bristol, Virginia. 

1880 1,562 

1890 2,902 

1900 4,579 

Wallaces SwitcJi. 

1880 137 

1890 407 

Mendota, Wallaces Switch and Meadow View are all unincorporated, con- 
sequently the population of these places was not returned separately in 
1900. Meadow View does not appear in any of the census reports. 

Population of Several Towns and Counties in Southwest, Va. — 1900. 

Gladeville (or Wise) 511 Clinchport 183 

NTorton 654 Duffield 98 

Tacoma, 247 Abingdon 1,306 

Bond 295 Glade Spring 304 

Coeburn 295 Lebanon 335 

Big Stone Gap 1,617 Honaker 295 

East Stone Gap ■ 349 Saltville 1,051 

Gate City 521 Marion 2,045 

We give in connection with the above the population of some of our South- 
western counties: 

Wise 19,653 Dickenson 7,747 

Lee 19,853 Russell 18,031 

Scott 22,694 Washington 28,995 

Buchanan 9,692 Tazewell 24,384 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 

FINCASTLE COUNTY. 

Militia Officers, 1770-1777. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — \\m. Christian. 
Lieutenant of Militia — ^^"m. Inglis, John Byrd. 
Lieutenant-Colonel — James Robertson, Wm. Christian. 
Major — Walter Crockett. 



853 



Daniel Trigg, 
Thomas Madison, 



Samuel Campbell, 



Captains. 

Joseph Cloyd, 
John Taylor. 

Lieutenants. 

William Inglis. 



WASHINGTOX COUNTY. 

Militia Oeficers, 1777-1780. 

1777. County Lieutenant — Arthur Campbell. 

TColonel — Evan Shelby. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Wm. Campbell. 

Major — Daniel Smith. 
17S0. Colonel — Wm. Campbell. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Daniel Smith. 

Major — ^^'m. Edmiston. 

1781. 1st Battalion: Colonel— Wm. Campbell. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Wm. Edmiston. 
Major — Aaron Lewis. 
2d Battalion: Colonel — Daniel Smith. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Joseph Martin. 
Major — Thomas Mastin. 

1782. 1st Battalion: Colonel — Wm. Edmiston. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Aaron Lewis. 
Major — James Dysart. 



Adams, George. 
Anderson, John. 
Buchanan, Robert, Sr. 
Bowen, Wm. 
Bowen, Arthur. 
Beattie, David. 
Barnes, Alexander. 



Cajitains. 
Black, Joseph. 
Barnett, Alexander. 
Buchanan, Samuel. 
Bowen, Robert. 
Campbell, John (R. 0.) 
Christian, Gilbert. 
Campbell, John. 



Craig, Robert. 
Colvill, Andrew. 
Caldwell, Thos. 
Cock, Charles. 
Cole, Joseph. 
Crabtree, James. 
Cowan, Andrew. 



854 



Southwest Virginia. 1746-1786. 



Cowan, William. 
Dunkin, John. 
Dysart, James. 
Davis, John. 
Deniston, Robert. 
Davis, Robert. 
Edmiston, Wm. 
Fulkerison, James. 
Frazier, John. 
Fulkerson, Richard. 
Head, Wm. 



-Jamison, John. 
Kincannon, Andrew. 
Kinkead, John. 
Keys, James. 
Lewis, Aaron. 
Lowry, John. 
Lyon, Humberson. 
Martin, Joseph, 
ilontgomery, .James. 
Maistin, Thomas. 
Maxwell, George. 



Xeal, Wm. 
Newell, Samuel. 
Robertson, James. 
Ritchie, Alexander. 
Russell, William. 
Snoddy, John, y 
Shelby, John, Sr. 
Shelby, James. 
Smith, Henry. 
Trimble, Robert. 
Willoughby, Wm. 



Anderson, John. 
Allison, Chas. 
Buchanan, John. 
Beattie, David. 
Blackburn, Wm. 
Berry, John. 
Black, Joseph. 
Bishop, Levi. 
Buckner, Joshua. 
Blackmore, Wm. 
Boran, Bazil. 
Buchanan, Robert. 
Bartlett, Wm. 
Coulter, John. 
Campbell, Chas. 
Cowan, Wm. 
Crawford, Hugh. 
Campbell, Patrick. 
Campbell, Robert. 
Cole, Thomas. 
Cowan, Andrew. 
Davis, John. 



Bickley, Chas. 
Berry, Thomas. 
Buchanan, Samuel. 
Beattie, John. 
Barnett, Alexander. 
Bowen, Arthur. 
Bowen, Rees. 
Blackmore, Wm. 
Campbell, Robert. 
Carpenter, John. 
C^aidpbell, Hugh. 



Lieutenants. 

Davidson, Wm. 
Dickenson, Henry. 
Elliott, James. 
Edmiiston, Robert. 
Freeland, George. 
Fulkerson, James. 
Frazer, John. 
Finley, George. 
Frazer, Daniel. 
Farris, Thomas. 
Hays, Samuel. 
Huston, James. 
Houston, John. 
Jamison, John. 
Kincannon, Andrew. 
Keys, James. 
Leeper, James. 
Looney, Moses. 
Lyon, Humberson. 
Lyon, William. 
McCulloch, Thomas. 
Maxwell, James. 

Ensigns. 
Crabtree, James. 
Casey, Wm. 
Campbell, Patrick. 
Crockett, Wm. 
Davidson, Daniel. 
Dryden, Nathaniel. 
Dorton, Wm. 
Doran, Alexander. 
Davis, Robert. 
Daviis, John. 
Davidson, Wm. 



Maxwell, George. 
^Montgomery, Alexander. 
Newell, Samuel. 
Neil, Wm. 
Price, ThomaiS. 
Pitman, Wm. 
Patterson, Wm. 
Perrin, Joseph. 
Rosebrough, Wm. 
Robinson, John. 
Rueker, Joshua. 
Roberts, James. 
Renen, James. 
Snoddy, John. 
Scott, William. 
Scott, Archibald. 
Scott, Joseph. 
Tojjp, Roger. 
Thompson, Wm. 
Ward, David. 
Wylie, Alexander. 
Willoughliy, Wm. 



Dickenson, Henry. 
Edmiston, Robert. 
Elliott, James. 
Got}', Andrew. 
Greer, Wm. 
Gibson, George. 
Henegar, Jacob. 
Houston, James. 
Henegar, John. 
Kennedy, John. 
Kincannon, Matthew. 



Wdsliiiigton L'luniiy, 1-777-1S70. 



855 



Lowry, John. 
Leeper, James. 
Lewis. John. 
Loonev, John. 
Litton, Solomon. 
McCutcheon, John. 
MeC'iitchcon, Win. 
McC'utclioon. Sanuu'l. 
McClelland. Alualiaiii. 
MeFeirin, .lolm. 



JMcFarland, Robert. 
Main, Tobias. 
Neil, Win. 
Xewland. Isaac. 
Roberts. James. 
Kusscll. iJobert. 
lUiea. .l.iM'idi. 
Kos(>br(iu;^li, \\ in. 
Ititrhie, Alexander. 



Ramsey, Josiah. 
Shaw, John. 
Steele, John. 
Smith, Henry. 
Teeter, George. 
V;.\iihook, Sainnel. 
Vance, James. 
Whitten. Thomas. 
Yountr, Win. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Revolutionaky Soldiers, 1770-1783. 

* 

Allen. Closes. 

Alexander. \\ illiam. King's ^Nlonntain. 
Alexander, Jeremiah, King'.s ^Mountain. 
Alexander. Oliver. King's Mountain. 
Anderson, William, King's ilounti'in. 
Anderson, Jacob, King's Jlonntain. 
Anderson, .John. Kind's ^lountain. 



Bnckner, ^Villiam, Virginia Line. 

Burke, John, First ^Maryland Jtegiiiiciit and Ninth ^'irginia Regiment. 
Barker. Edmund, King's Mountain, ^'irginia Continental. 
Barker, Enoch, King's Mountain. 
Barker, Charles, King's Mountain. 
Barker, Joel, King's Mountain. 
..^Barker, Edward, King's Mountain. 
Baiker, Heniy, King's ^Mountain. 
Blackburn, Arthur, King's MouiUain. 
Blackburn, John, King's ^lonntain. 
Blackburn, Jo.seph, King's ^fountain. 
Blackmore, .John, King's ^Mountain. 

Blackbuni. William, King's Mountain. Killed. Lieutenant. 
Bowen, .fohn. King's ilountain. Son of Rees Bowen. 
Bowen, William, King's ^fountain. Captain. 
Bowen, Itobert, King's Mountain. 
Bowen. Henry, King's Mountain. 
Bowen, Charles, King's Mountain. 

Bowen, Rees. King's Mountain. Killed. Lieutenant. Commanded a com 
pany. 

liowen, Arthur. King's Mountain. Cai)tain. 
Browning. Enas, King's !M<nintain. 
Brown, Michael, King's Mountain. 
B(uan. liazil. King's Mountain. 



856 Southwest Virginia, 174-6-1786. 

Brush, Enoch. 

Bishop, Levi, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Brown, Low. 

Boiling, Jarrett. 

Brooks, William. 

Beard, Richard, First Virginia Eegiment. Captain Campbell's Company. 

Berry, James, King's ^Mountain. 

Berry, Thomas. \Younded by Indians September 4th, 1776. 

Berry, Bradley. Died in service. Fourth Virginia Regiment. Yellow 
Spring, Pa. 

Blackmore, William, King's Movmtain. Ensign. 

Bumey, William, King's Mountain. 

Beattie, John, King's Mountain. Ensign. Killed. 

Beattie, David, King's jNIountain. Captain. 

Beattie, Francis, King's Mountain. 

Beattie, William, King's Mountain. 

Bickley, Charles, King's Mountain. 

Benning, Benoni, King's Mountain. Wounded three times. 

Bullen, William, King's Mountain. 

Beane, Robert, King's Mountain. ' 

Buchanan, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Buchanan, Robert, King's Moiuitain. 

Breckenridge, Alex., King's Mountain. Captain Continental Line, Rus- 
sell's Regiment. 

Breckenridge, George, King's Mountain. Twelve years old. 

Breckenridge, John, King's Mountain. 

Black, Joseph, King's Mountain. 

Barnes, Alexander, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Bartlett, William, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Barnett, Alexander, King's Mountain. Captain. 
^ Buchanan, John. Captain Continental Line. Killed 1777. 

Bowman, Esaius, King's Mountain. 

Craig, Robert, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Craig, Robert, Jr., King's Mountain. 

Carson, David, King's Mountain. 

Craig, James, King's Mountain. 

Clark, George, King's Mountain. 

Corry, James, King's Mountain. Killed. 

Colley, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Campbell, David, King's Mountain. 

Cock, James, King's Mountain. 

Cock, Charles, King's Mountain. 

Campbell, William, Jr., King's Mountain. 

Campbell, William, King's Mountain. Colonel. 

Crow, James, King's Mountain. 

Carpenter, John, King's Mountain. 



Washington Conniij, 1777-1870. 857 

Craig, John, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Craig, David, King's Mountain. 

Cusick, John, King's Mountain. Wounded Whitsill's Mill. 

Colvill, Andrew, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Colvill, Samuel, King's Mountain. Wounded. Died November 20, 1780. 

Campbell, Robert, King's 3Iountain. Wounded Long Island. Ensign. 

Campbell, Hugh, King's [Mountain. 

Campbell, Patrick, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Cowan, Andrew, King's Mountain. 

Cowan, William, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Curry, James, King's Mountain. 

Cook, Heniy, Second Virginia Regiment. ^ 

Conn, W. Y., North Carolina Militia. 

Cline. Andrew, Virginia Militia. 

Crunk, William, King's Mountain. 

Cole, Hugh. Died in Continental service. 

Crawford, John R. 

Carmack, William. 

Cock, William. Captain battle Long Island Flats. 

Carson, John. 

Colvitt, Joseph (S. C). 

Carswell. Andrew, King's Mountain. 

Cole, William. 

Cole, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Cole, Joseph, Kings's Mountain. 

Cunningham, William. ^y 

Cunningham, Jonathan. % 

Cuddy, John. 

*' * 

Cuddy, James. 

Campbell, John. Commander of Indian Spick, 1790-1704. 
Campbell, John, King's Mountain. Captain. 
Crabtree, James, King's Mountain. Captain. 
Crabtree, Jacob. 

Cope. John, King's Mountain. Continental Army. Substitute for Mathia^ 
Harinan. 

(aldwcll. Thomas, King's ^lountain. Lieutenant. 

Casey, William. 

Crockett, William. 

(rock, William. Ensign. King's Mountain. 

Davison. Daniel, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Davison, William. King's ^[ountain. Lieutenant. 

Davenport. Claiborne, Seventh and Fifth Virginia Regiments. 

Doran. Alexander, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Doran, Terance, Ninth and First Virginia Regiments. 

Doran, James, King's Mountain. 

Dunkin, John. Prisoner in Canada. 



858 Southwest Yirginia. 1740-17S6. 

Dryden, Xathauiel, King's INIountain. Killed. Ensign. 

Duff, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Diyden, William, King's Mountain. 

Dryden, James, King's Mountain. 

Dolberry, Lytton. 

Dj'sart, James, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Dickerson, Henry, King's Mountain. Private Captain Colvill's Company. 

Dennison, Eobert, King's ]\Iountain. 

Dorton, William, Jr., King's Mountain. 

Davis, John, King's Mountain. Cajitain. 

Davis, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Dorton, Moses, King's Mountain. Horse killed Whitsill's Mill. 

Douglas, Jonathan, King's Mountain. Wounded accidentally. 

Darnel, David, King's ]\Iountain. Wounded. 

Duck, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Davis, Nathaniel, King's Mountain. 

Davis, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Douglas, James, King's Mountain. 

Dunn, Samuel, Continental Line at Yorktown. 

Edmiston, ^\ illiam. King's Mountain. Killed. Captain. 

*Edniiston, Robert, Jr., King's Mountain. Killed. Lieutenant. 

Edmiston, Andrew, King's Moimtain. Killed. Captain. 

Estill, Benjamin, King's Mountain. 

Eakin, William. 

Evans, David, Virginia Line, April If). 1780. 

Evans, Evan, King's Mountain, Guilford Ctiurthouse. 

Ely, William, King's Mountain. 

Evans, Andrew, King's Mountain. 

Evans, Samuel, King's Mountain. 
, Edmiston, Samuel, King's ]Moiintain. 

Edmiston, John, King's Mountain. 

England, John, Virginia Continental. 

Elder, Robert. 
^ Edmiston, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Edmiston, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Edmiston, William, King's Mountain. JNIajor. 

Elliott, James. Captain. Killed in service, 1780. 

Finley, John. Wounded Long Island Flats. 
Fleenor, Michael, Virginia Militia. 
Eleenor, Joel, King's Mountain. 
Fleenor, Charles, King's Mountain. 
_ Fulkprson, James, King's Mountain. Captain. 
Fulkerson, Richard, King's Mountain. 
Fisher, Frederick, King's Mountain. Wounded. 

*8hot by British guard before tlie action began. 



Was/iitujloii Coinili/. 1777-1870. 859 

Fowler, William, King'.s Mountain. Killoil. 

Fowler, Jam&s, King's Mountain. Noted .scout Continental siovice nndjr 
Colonel William I'ussel, Foil Blair. 
Fiel(N. \\ illinm, Virginia Militia. 
Frazer, ])aniel. King's ^lountain. 
Frazer. John, King's Mountain. 
Faris. Thomas, King's Mountain. 
Franeis. Thoma.s. King's ^lountain. 
Freeman, William, \'irginia Line. 
Fletcher, Tlioma-s, King's Mount a in. 
Finley, George, King's Mountain. Liculcnant. 
Fork. William, King's ^louniaiii. ~" 

Gei-vis, James, Ninth Virginia Regiment. 

Gi.st, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Gilbert, Samuel. 

Gray, Alexander. 

Galliher. Joel, King's Mountain, llor-e killed in fight. 

Gillespie, llionias. King's Mountain. 

Gist, Nathaniel, King's Mountain. Killed. 

Given, James, King's Mountain. 

Gist, Richard, King's Mountain. 

Gibson, John, King's ^Mountain. 

Gibson, George, King's jNIountain. 

Gibson, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Graham, James, King's Mountain. 

(irimcs, James, King's ^lountain. 

Gobble, Christian. Maryland Militia. 

Gilliland, James, Virginia Militia, King's ^[ountain. 

Greer, W illiam. King's Mountain. 

Grier, John, King's Mountain. 

Gotr, William, King's Mountain. 

Goti, .\ndre\v. King's ^lountain. I'ji.^ign. 

Harrell, lleuben. King's ^lountain. 

Henegar. Henry, King's ^Mountain. Kille<l. 

Henegar, Jacob, King's Mountain. I'nsign. 

Henegar. John, King's ilountain. 

Hyce, Leonard, King's Mountain. Wounded. 

Hayter. Israel, King's Mountain. Wounded. 

Ilobbs, Thomas, King's ^Lountain and Cherokee Expedition. Wounded. 

ILimilton, lloljcrt. King's Mountain. 

Ilcmjdiill, Charles, King's Mountain. 

lligganbottoni, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Hall, Jes,>e. King's Mountain. 

Howard, William. King's Mountain. 

Himls, William. Second Regiment Artillery. 



860 Southwest Virginia, 1746-17S6. 

Hiinsucker, Abraham, North Carolina Militia. 

Humphreys, Robert, Virginia State Line. 

Henderson, John, King's Mountain. 

Heliot, Solomon, Second Virginia Regiment. 

Houston, William, King's Mountain. 

Houston, John, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Henry, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Hortenstine, Abraham, King's Mountain. 

Hunt, Zacariah. 

Harris, Nathaniel. 

Hilliard, James. 

Hughes, Peter. 

Hillan, James, North Carolina Line, King's Mountain. 

Hobbs, Ezekiel. 

Hamilton, Alexander. 

Hughes. Samuel. 

Hamilton, John, Virginia Continental. 

Hampton, John. 

Hundley, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Hughes, John. 

Hamonds, Abraham. 

Hensley, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Harkleroad, Henry, King's Mountain. 

Hays, Samuel. King's Mountain. 

Houston, James, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Johnston, Samuel, King's Mountain. Virginia State troops. 
''^ Jamison, John, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 
Jenkins, Thomas, King's Mountain. 
Jenkins, William, King's Mountain. 
Johnston, Peter, Lee's Legion. 

Keeps, James, Sergeant, King's Mountain. 

Kilgore, Charles, King's Mountain. 

Keys. James, King's Mountain. \'irginia Militia. Lieutenant. 

Kinoannon, Andrew, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Kincannon, James, King's ]\Iountain. 

Kinoannon, Matthew, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Kendrick, Solomon, Kings Mountain. _ 

Kelly, John. 

Kennedy, Moses, Virginia Line, April 19, 1780. 

Kennedy, Robert. Officer Troop of Horse. 

Kennedy, John, King's Mountain. 

Kerr, Adam, King's Mountain. 

Kinkead, John, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Leonard, Robert, Second Virginia Regiment. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 861 

Leonard, Henry, Second Virginia Regiment. 

Lewis, Aaron, King's Mountain. 

Lu«k, William, King's Mountain. 

Low, Henry, Fifth Marj-land Regiment, 177G and war 18r2-'14. 

Litton, Solomon. Prisoner in Canada. Second Lieutenant. 

Litton, Jolin, King's ^lountain. 

Leckie, William, Virginia Militia. 

Logan, James, King's Mountain. 

Laird, John, King's Mountain. Color Sergeant. Killed. 

Laird, James, King's Mountain. Killed. 

Laird, David, King's Mountain. 

Leonard, George, King's Mountain. 

Lynn. Adam. King's Mountain. 

Lindsay, John. 

Lyon, Humberson, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. Killed. 

Leonard, Frederick, King's Mountain. 

Lawson, William, King's Mountain. 

Lewis, John, King's Mountain. 

Loyd, John. King's Mountain and Virginia Militia. 

Lowiy, William, King's Moinitain. 

Long, W illiam, King's Mountain. 

Lowry, John, King's jNIountain. Second Lieutenant. 

Latham, John, King's Mountain. 

Leeper, James, King's Mountain. Second Lieutenant. 

Looney, Moses, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Looney. .John, King's Mountain. 

Lyon, William, King's Mountain. 

Looney, Robert. King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Livingston, David, King's Mountain. 

Moore, Arthur. 

Main, Tobias, King's ^fountain. Ensign. 
Maxwell. Nathaniel, Pennsylvania Militia. 
Moss, Matthew. 
MrKinU'v. .John. 

^leCullocli, Thomas, King's Mountain. Killed. Lieutenant. Commanded 
part of a company. 

McCulloch, Robert, King's Mountain. Wounded. 

Montgomery, Richard, King's Mountain. \'irginia Militia. 

Montgomery. Robert, King's Mountain. 

MeLiiin. Thomas. 

Morgan. Robert. 

Murdock, .John, Virginia Line. 

MiCauley, John, Virginia Line. 

McGhee, Thomas. 

Mills, Francis, Virginia Line. 

Marion. Samuel. 



862 Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 

Morgan, Thomas. Disabled in service, May 20, 177G. 
McNutt, Alexander, King's Mountain. 
Musiser, John. 
McGochlin, John. 
Mobley, Francis. 
Miller. John. 

McCulloch, John, King's Mountain, ^"irginia INIilitia. 
McConnell, Abram, King's Mountain. 
McGlochlin, Charles. 

Moore, William, King's Mountain. Lost right leg; wounded left arm. 
Maxwell, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

McCroskey, John, King's Mountain. Private Captain William Beatie's 
Company. 

Martin, William, King's Mountain. 

McMillen, Alexander, King's Mountain, Whitsell's Mill. 

McClelland, Abraham, King's ^Mountain. 

McFerrin, John, King's JSlountain. Ensign. 

Montgomery, Alexander, King's Mountain. Saddle lost in fight. 

McDonald, Magnus, King's Mountain. North Carolina Militia. 

McMillen, William, King's Mountain. 

McHenry, John, King's Mountain. 

McCutcheon, William, King's Mountain. 

McFarland, Robert, King-'s Mountain. 

Maxwell, George, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Maxwell, James, King's Mountain. 

McCutcheon, John, King's Mountain. 

McCutcheon, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Neely, Robert. 

Newell, Samuel, Sr., King's JNIountain. 

Newell, Samuel, King's Mountain. Second Lieutenant. 

Neil, William, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Newlaud, Isaac. Ensign. 

Oney, Josejih. 

Outlaw, Alexander, King's Mountain. 

Owens, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Pirtle, George, King's Mountain. Ensign. 
Pitman, William, King's Mountain. 
Perrin, Joseph, King's Mountain. 
^ Preston, Robert. Excused by Colonel Campbell at Watauga.* 
Phillips, James, King's Mountain. Killed. Ensign. 
Preston, Walter, King's Mountain. 
Purviance, William, King's Mountain. 
Piper, James, King's Mountain. 



• But three days married at the time, and he was excused by Colonel Campbell, 
without Preston s knowledge. 



Wash'uujton Coiniiij, 1777-hS70. 863 

I'ippiii. Robeit, Kind's Mountain. \'iryiuia Militia. 
I'l'iry, Solomon. King's Mountain. 
Pitts, Lewis, King's Mountain. 
I'lice, Janios, King's Mountain. 
I'lice, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Phillips, Samuel, King's Mountain. Carried message from Ferguson to 
Shelby. 

Patterson, William, King's ^loimtain. 
Poston, Eieiiard, King's ilountain. 
Pepper, Elisha, King's Mountain. Killed. 

Rust, John, Virginia Militia. 

]foss, Valentine. Captain Henry lliil's \"irginia Infantry. 

Kiley, Daniel, Virginia Line, Colonel Rus.sell's Kegimcnt. 

Huberts, David. 

Hoy, Benjamin. 

Ramsey, .losiah. 

Reamy, Daniel, King's ^lountain. 

l\ose, James. 

Russtdl, \\ illiaiu. King's .Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Ritehie, Alexander, King's ^lountain. Ensign. 

Ritehie, Samuel, King's ilountain. 

Riiea, Joseph, King's Mountain. 

Kussell, RoI)ert, King'iS Mountain. 

lloberts, .Tames, King's Mountain. 

Riley, David, Continental Line, Colonel William Russell's Regiment. 

Reazer, Peter, King's Mountain. 

Robfrson, William, King's Mountain. 

Robinson. John, King's Mountain. Second Lieutenant. 

Rosebrough, ^^'illiam, King's ^lonntaiii. Captain. 

Seott, John. ( 'ai)tain Rowland Madison's Company. Died in -erviee. 

Stein, Leonard. Died in service, 1778. 

Statzer, Martin. Died in service. 

Scott, Joseph, Sr., King's ^Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Scott, Joseph, King's Mountain. 

Siiaver, .Michael. Killed Camden, S. C. 

Spiars, .John. 

Smitli. Francis, Virginia Continental Line. Lieutenant. 

Siiarp, Richard K., King's Mountain. 

Sharp, Thomas, King's Mountain, Ensign. 

Shart'er, John. 

Smith, Edward. 

Stewart, William, King's Mountain. 

Smith. John. 

Smith, James, King's Mountain. 

Sloan, William. 



864 Southwest Virginia, 17Jf6-17S6. 

Smith, Daniel. Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Sawyens, John. Ensign. 

Sword, Michael. 

Sykes, John, Virginia Continental. 

Skaggs, John, King's Mountain. Wounded. 

Stovall, Bartholomew, King's Mountain. 

Scott, Alexander, King's Mountain. 

Scott, William, King's Mountain. 

Snodgrass, William, King's Mountain. 

Smith, Henry, King's Mountain. 

Stevenson, John, King's Mountain. 

Self, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Scott, Walter, King's Mountain. 

Scott, Thomas, King's Mountain. 

Sharp, Benjamin, King's Mountain, Guilford Courthouse. 

Sharp, William, King'is Movmtain. 

Snodgrass, James, King's Movuitain. 

Smith, William, King's Mountain. 

Scott, Samuel, King's Mountain. 

Scott, Archibald, King's Mountain./- 

Scott, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Smith, Jonas, Virginia Militia. 

Stuart, John. Wounded Point Pleasant. 

Snoddy, John, King's Movmtain. 

Shaw, John. 

Steele, John, King's Mountain. Ensign. 

Shote, Thomas, King's jNIountain. Ensign. 

Tate, John, King's Mountain. 

Thomas, David. 

Thacker, Reuben. 

Talbert, Charles, King's Mountain. 

Thompson, William, King's Mountain. 

Thompson, James, King's Mountain. Captain. 

Trimble, Robert, King's Mountain. 

Treadway, William, Cherokee Expedition, 1780. 

Topp, Roger, King's Mountain. 

Teeter, George, King's Mountain. 

Vance, James, King's Moimtain. Emsign. 
Vance, Samuel, King's Mountain. 
Vance, John, King's Mountain. 
„ Vanhook, Samuel, King's Mountain. Ensign. 
Vermillion, Jesse. 
Vineyard, George. At Yorktown. 

Woodward, Jacob, Virginia Line. 
Walker, Wm. 
Wilson, John. 



Washington Connty, 1777-1S70. 865 

iWidener, Michael, Virginia Militia, Continental Line. 

Witten, Thomas, Sr. 

Welsh, Robert, Colonel Richard Parker's Regiment. 

Watson, David, King's Mountain. 

Woolscy, Thomas, King's ^lountaiu. 

Ward, David, King's Mountain. 

Whitt, Benjamin, King's Mountain. 

Wynn, William, King's Mountain. 

Willoughby, William, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. Killed. 

^Villougllby, jMatthew, King's Mountain. 

Whitten, Solomon, King's Mountain. 

Wiley, Alexander, King's Mountain. Lieutenant. 

Yontz, George, King's Mountain. 
Y'eary, Henry, King's Mountain. 
Young, William, King's Mountain. 
Y'^oung, James, King's Mountain. 



NUMBER OF TROOPS FURXLSHED BY THE STATES DURING THE 
REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

Continental Armies. Militia. Total. 

New Hampshire 12.497. 4,000. 16,497. 

Massachusetts 67.907. 20,000. 87,907. 

Rhode Island 5,908. 4,000. 9,908. 

Connecticut .31,939. 9.000. 40,939. 

New York 17,781. 10,000. 27,781, 

New Jersey 10,726. 7,000. 17,726. 

Pennsylvania 25,678. 10,000. 35,678. 

Delaware 2.386. 1,000. 3,386. 

Maryland 13,912. 9,000. 22,912. 

\'irginia 26.678. 30,000. 56,678. 

North Carolina 7.263. 13,000. 20,263. 

South Carolina 6,417. 20,000. 26,417. 

Georgia 2,679, 8.000. 10,679. 



231,771. 145,000. 376,771. 



WASHINGTON COUNT Y. 
Officers in the Militia, 1812-1815. 
Colonel lOoth Regiment. 
Preston. John. 
Captains. 
Miller, Joseph. Fulkerson, Abram. Dryden, Nathaniel, 

Gray, William. Gibson, John. Hickman, Micl)6el. 

Scott, James. Bradley, Reuben. Ireson, Williaiu. 

Smith, William. 



8(i(i 



Southivcst Virginia, 17Ji.6-17SG. 



Scott, James. 
Fulkerson, John. 
Davault, John. 
McGinnis, Samuel. 
Gray, John. 
Talbott, James. 
Beattie, James. 
Patterson, Andrew. 



Robinson, Alex., Jr. 
Halkett, John. 
Hickman, George. 
Shaver, Thomas. 
Henderson, John. 
Beattie, Armstrong. 
Hill, Moses. 
Crabtree, James. 



Lieutenants. 
Fleenor, Adam. 
Mayo, Peter. 
Crawford, Jno. 
Shell, Lewis. 
Wolf, Jonas. 
Trigg, Jos. C. 
Scott, Charles. 
Clark, Job. 
Campbell, David. 

Ensigns. 
Allen, James. 
Edniond, Henry. 
MeConnell, Thomas. 
Smith, John. 
Bradshaw, Josej^h. 
Edmiston, Jos., Jr. 
Halfaere, Michael. 
Langford, Jonathan. 



MeConnell, Thomas. 
Parrott, Henry. 
Shoer, Jacob. 
Jordan, Moses. 
Goodson, Samuel E. 
Laughlin, Nath. W. 
INIcConnell, Wm. 
McQuowu, Thos. 



Currin, Waddy T. 
Laughlin, N. M. 
Campbell, Jame* '' 
Buchanan, ■ 
Carmack, J. 
Craig, Rober 
Xordvke. Abr 



Cornets. 
Clark, Jolui. Willoughby, Andrew. 

Colonels lOili Regiment. 
Francis Preston (promoted Brigadier-General) , "Tate, Chas. 

Major. 
Byars, Wm. 



Ganaway, Robert. 
Harley, James. 



Bowen, Arthur, Jr. 
Ganaway, Edmond. 
Edmiston. Wm. 
Main, Timothy. 
Henderson, Andrew. 



Thomas, Jos. 
Rylic, Chas. 
Hathorn, Robert. 



Beattie, David. 



Captains. 
Trigg, Jos. C. 
Orr, James. 
Apperson, Wm. 

Lieutenants. 
INieek, James, Jr. 
Ireson, Wm. 
MeConnell, ^Vm. 
McClellan, Samuel. 
Loehr, Jacob. 

Ensigns. 

Rouse, Rufus. 
Talbert, Chas. 
Beattie, Samuel. 
Edmiston, Samuel. 

Cornets. 
McQuown, Thomais. 



Beattie, Robert. 
Houston, William. 



Crabtree, James. 
Beattie, James. 
Clark, John. 
Tate, Wm. C. 
Apperson, John. 



Trigg, Joseph. 
McCarty, Benj. 
McCulloch, Thos. 



Smith, Tobias. 




Thus. \V. Ciillcy, ( (iiitcMlcratc Soldier. (\)iifeiU>rato Haltle Fla-. 
Conf'('(lt>rate I'liifoiiii. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 867 

WASHINGTON COUNTY CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS, 1861-1865. 
WASHINGTON MOUNTED RIFLES. 

('<»M1'AXY "L," AfTKKWARD.S COMPANY "D," FiRST REGIMENT, 

Virginia Vounteer Cavalry. 



Officers. 



Williiirii K. Jones, captain (afterwards brigadier-general). 

V\ . W . Blackford, first lunitonant (afterwards captain). 

Rees B. Edmondson, second lieutenant. 

G. V. Litclificld, Jr., third lieutenant. 

James King, orderly sergeant. 

C. T. Litciifield, first s<'rgeant. 

Thomas B. Edmondson, second sergeant. 

James M. Byars, third sergeant. 

James K. Rambo, first corporal. 

John A. P. Baker, second corporal. 

Jacob L. Fields, second corporal. Appointed Juno, 1861. 

Gilbert C. Greenway, third corporal. 

W. M. Hopkins, color sergeant (colonel 25th Virginia Cavalry). 



Officers at Reorganization, 1862. 
C. T. Litchfield, captain. 
Rees B. Ednionasou, first lieutenant. 
G. V. Litchfield, second lieutenant. 
T. B. Edmondson, third lieutenant. 
P. C. Landrum. orderlj' sergeant. 
M. M. S. Iroson, first sergeant. 
M. M. Pendleton, second sergeant. 
P. C. Miles, third sergeant. Killed 1863. 

C. H. Dulaney, fourth sergeant. Killed. 

D. A. Fields, first corporal. 

Thomas W. CoUey, second cor{)oral. Appointed May 23, 1864. 

C. M. Waldron, third corporal. 

B. Ciildersleeve. ordinance sergeant for 1st Regiment Virginia Cavalry. 

S. J. McCliesnoy. ordinance sergeant for 1st Regiment Virginia Cavalry. 



I'nratcs. 

Byars, James M. i^.ailey, Thomas W. Buclianan, Randolph. 

Beatie, R. F. Bailey, Oscar S. Barker, W. D. (trans- 

Betitie. Fountain (trans- Bailey, J. A., Jr. f erred to 63d Va. Inf.; 

ferred lo Mosby's Com Baker, Joe H. made ordinance ser- 

mand). Baker, J. A. P. geant). 

Beiittie, Walter D. Butt, J. W. Barr, David. 



868 



Southwest Virginia, 17 Jf 6-17 86. 



Buskell, Alexander. 

Buskell, Richard ( trans- 
ferred Stuart's Horse 
Artillery ) . 

Catron, A. P. R. 

Clark, M. R. 

Clark, W. F. P. 

Cole, Thomas V. 

Cole, D. C. 

Cassell, Rufus R. 

Colley, Thomas W. 

Colley, L. T. 

Crawford, Ben C. 

Crawford, Thomas C. 

Cook, Frank J. 

Cato, J. L. 

Davis, John G. R. 

Dunn, Wm. L. Doctor. 

Dulaney, Charles H. 

Deyerle, J. B. 

Edmondson, M. V. 

Euk, Frank J. ( Frenchman 
Capt. Jones brought 
him from France with 
other French and Ger- 
mans to work vine- 
yards. ) 

Edmondson, T. B. 

Findlay, Frank S. 

Fields, C. R. 

j-'ields, J. L. 

Findlay, T. K. 

Fulkerson, Frank R., Rog- 
ersville, Tenn. 

Gildersleeve, B., Jr. 

•Gray, F. T., captain 21st 
Cavalry, 1863. 



Gray, R. E. 

Gray, D. C. 

Gollihon, J. A. 

Gammon, Melvin. 

Hoekett, John. 

Hockett, William. 

Hubble, Thos., Smyth Co. 

Ireson, M. M. S. 

Jones, Jajsper (transferred 
to Mosby's Command). 

Jones, Henry S. 

Johnson. W. M. 

Kelly, S. F. 

Larimore, John. 

Lynch, D. C. 

Loggin, John. 

Litchfield, C. T. 

Logging, J. H. 

Meek, S. D. 

Montgomeiy, Wm. F. 

Morrell, William W. 

Morrell, David H. 

Morrell, Charles. 

McNew, Leander. 

McNew, Tobias. 

McReynolds, J. M. 

McReynolds, Wm. (trans- 
ferred from 4th Texas 
1861). 

McChesney, S. J. 

MaHaffey, Wm. A. (trans- 
ferred to Horse Artil- 
lery 1861). 

Mosby, John S. (after- 
wards colonel Independ- 
ent Rangers ) . 

Moore, David. 

Miles, P. C. (killed at 



Spotsylvania C. H. ) . 

Ornduff, John. 

Orr, M. C. ( discharged for 
deafness ) . 

Page, R. M. 

Pendleton, M. M. 

Price, Wm. H. (doctor). 

Roberts, John M. 

Rambo, James K. 

Rambo, A. F. 

Riddle, James W. 

Rush, Jerry C. 

Russell, John, Rogersville, 
Tenn. 

Robertson, Frank S. (af- 
terwards Lieut. 48th Va. 
Inf.). 

Rodefer, J. Alex, (trans- 
ferred to 45th Va. Regi- 
ment ) . 

Sanders, Robert J. (dis- 
charged 1863). 

Sanders, J. W. S. (trans- 
ferred to Mosby's Com- 
mand ) . 

Sandoe, David P. 

Scott, William E. 

Smith, William Buck. 

Smith, Thomas (trans- 
ferred to 45th Va. Regi- 
ment ) . 

Smith, William. 

Snodgrasis, William L. 

Shepherd, Thomas J. 

Vaughan, William W. 

White, William B. 

Williams, Rufus C. 



Members who volunteered in the Washington Mounted Rifles, and toho 
did not go out with the company — joined other commands. 

Dickerson, J. W. P. Skinner, Daniel. Hunt, Stephen. 

MaHaffey, F. C. Bittle, Robert L. Clark, Thomas W. (dis- 

Grant, J. T. Johnson, William M. ability). Sleepy Tom. 

Cato, J. L. Dorsey, Elias. Wright, T. D. 

Bowser, J. B. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



869 



Recruits Which Came to the Company from 1862 to 1865. 



Arnett, James A. 
Asberrj', Mansfield. 
Asberry, William. 
Asberry, L. D. 
Allison, Abram. 
Bearden, William. 
Bailey, Walter. 
Bailey, William. 
Butt, Henry C. 
Buchanan. William. 
Bradley, James H. 
Black, William D. (dis- 
charged 18G2). 
Black, Samuel D. 
Byans. A. H. (Old Dad). 
Br>'ant, John W. 
Campbell. John. 
Carmack, D. C. 
Catron, Frank M. 
Clark, James H. 
Clark, William D. 
Clark. I. L. 
Clapp, T. M. 
Crockett, A. M., Lee Co. 
Co«by, L. T., 1862. 
Colley. William L. 
Cosby. John D. 
Cubino, William. 
Davis. .John M. 
Davidson. Thomas. 
DeBusk, David. 
DoBusk, Samuel. 
Dutl'. T. B. 
Duff, J. M. 
Edmondson. John B. 
Edmondson. Strong. 
French. J. L. M. 
Greenway, W. T. 
Gray. Cliarles P. 
Gray. James. 
Grant. Robert. 
Hall, William A. 
Hall. John D. 



Harris, A. Findlay. 

Hockett, Samuel. 

Hickman, R. M. 

Hewlett, Geo., Amherst 
county. 

Horn, Basal. 

Jones, Robert M. 

Jones, David (transferred 
to Mosby's Command 
and captured by Union 
men and hung with six 
comrades by order Gen. 
Custer, near Fr't Roy'l, 
in 18G4.) 

Keesling, it. G., Wythe 
county. 

Keesling, Emory, Wythe 
county. 

Keesling, John, Wythe 
county. 

Keller, Robert J. 

King. H. G., Wythe Co. 

Latham, M. H. 

Latham, L. W. 

Ligon, Ben. D. 

Lowiy, David (color-bearer 
at Appomattox; remov- 
ed flag from staff, con- 
cealed and brought it 
home with him). 

Lewark. D. K. H. 

Littloford. John. 

Littleford, Willis. 

Meek, Jameis R. 

Montgomery, Lilburn. 

Morrison, J. L. 

McNew, George. 

McChesney, Wallace. 

Meadows, M. T. 

McConnell, Tliomas. 

Mundaj', M. J., Madison 
county. 

Murray, J. H. 



McCall, Samuel, Wythe 
county. 

Mead, Wm. (From near 
Georgetown, D. C. Ran 
off from his mother and 
joined our company. 
Capt. Jones became very 
much attached to him. 
He was only 13 years 
old. Gen. Jones took 
him to the Valley of Va. 
with him. He was killed 
in 1863.) 

Page, J. H. 

Page, John W. 

Page, Robert. 

Painter, William. 

Pendleton, H. G.. Wythe 
county. 

Preston, R. B. 

Pendleton, Joseph. 

Preston, Thomas. 

Roe, Edward. 

Roe, S. E. 

Ritchie, James L. 

Rosenbalm, A. D. 

Roe, William. 

Rybum, David. 

Roe, Newton. 

Richards, John B. 

Saunders, S. D. 

Swartz, J. J. 

Smith, John L. 

Strother, W. Trigg. 

Trigg, C. F. 

Trigg, Thomas K. 

White. Dr. William. 

White, John G. 

Webb, A. H. 

Wright, F. D. 

Waldron, C. M. 

Wampler, E. W., Wythe 
county.* 



•Furnished by Thomas W. Colley. 



870 



Southioest Virginia. 17Jf6-1786. 
GooDSON Rifle Guards. 



Officers. 



John F. Terry, captain. 
John T. Megginson, first lieutenant. 
Alexander Lazenby, second lieutenant. 
William L. Rice, third lieutenant. 
William G. Lindsey, first sergeant. 
E. S. Johnston, second sergeant. 
Charles W. Taylor, third sergeant. 
Henry Guggenheimer, fourth sergeant. 
John C. Garner, first corporal. 
John M. C. Eakin, second corporal. 
John M. Buchanan, third corporal. 
George A. Feathers, fourth corporal. 



l^rivates. 



Appling, James A. 
Alvis, Samuel W. 
Bailey, D. F. 
Butler, M. M. 
Blancett, Harden L. 
Brown, William H. 
Bibb, Samuel F. 
Burlingame, Miles. 
Betterton, Robert F. 
Betterton, James T. 
Buck, Charles C. 
Beasley, Robert. 
Barker, John H. 
Carson, Thomas J. 
Campbell, Andrew J. 
Crabtree, James B. 
Coleman, Lewis L. 
Crumley, Stephenson M. 
Cooley, George A. 
Foalden. James A. 
Foster, Ben. 
Ferguson, William R. 
Foster, Shadrach. 



Grubb, Henry. 
Green, Benjamin H. 
Girtman, William. 
German, John A. 
Hughes, John W. 
Hamilton, James M. 
Johnson, Lucian A. 
Jones, Elbert S. 
Jamison, John L. 
Kerin, Joseph R. 
Kelly, Joseph W. 
^Lancaster, W^illiam H. 
Luttrell, Bryan. 
Lester, Noah L. 
McCrosky, John J. 
Maxey, Cor land P. 
Morgan, James W. 
Nickels, Isaac A. 
Owen, Joseph W. 
Pile, George C. 
Pepper, George P. 
Preston, William S. 
Preston, Samuel F. 



Pafi", John C. 
Quails, William R. 
Ruti", Benjamin, H. 
Rhea, Joseph A. 
Rhea, Robert. 
Rhea, Edwin R. 
Rosenheim, Segman. 
Short, A. D. L. 
Sharrett, John R. 
Stokes, John R. 
Speiss, Philip G. 
Salsburg. Samuel S. 
Slade, Charles. 
Taylor, Adam. 
Tl'iomas, James P. 
Thomas, James M. 
Thomas, Charles F. 
Tyler, William C. 
Tranbarger, David. 
Wilson, Thomas H. 
Wliite, Preston A. 
Waldron, William R. 
Weddle, Asa L. 



♦Roster at the date of organization of company in 1861. 



Washington County, 1771-1870. 



871 



"MOUNTAIN BOYS." 
Company "B," Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment. 



Officers at Organization. 

Dr. William White, captain. 
F. A. Humes, first lieutenant. 

B. P. Morrison, second lieutenant. 
J. N. Humes, third lieutenant. 
David King, color sergeant. 

C. M. Knott, first orderly sergeant. 

Ed. Hortenstine, second orderly sergeant. 



Officers at Reorganization, 1862. 



B. P. Morrison, captain. 

h. Hortenstine, fii^-st lieutenant. 

C. M. Knott, second lieutenant. 
J. N. Humes, third lieutenant. 
William H. Suit, first sergeant. 
J. R. Crawford, second sergeant. 
John N. Hilliard, third sergeant. 
Joseph E. Earls, fourth sergeant. 
Samuel B. Bowers, fifth sergeant. 
John 0. Duff, first corporal. 
Ebenezer Dinsmore, second corporal. 
Isum H. Williams, third corporal. 
.John T. Bott. fourth corporal. 



Alfreds. James C. 
Barker, William F. 
Bowers, John L. 
Bowman. Peter. 
Bowman. Tyre. 
Bridgeman, John. 
Bridgcman, Joshua. 
Campbell. William H. 
Chick, Meriwether L. 
Chapman, George W. 
Clark, Alpheus. 
Church, Dewey C. 
Church. Nathaniel. 
Clark, Georsre W. 



Privates. 

Clark, James C. 
Clark, Samuel. 
Coalter, James C. 
Chick, William. 
Chick, Lewis. 
Cox, Alison. 
Cox, James. 
Cuddy, James G. 
Dinsmore, James. 
Dinsmore, Samuel. 
Dinsmore, William. 
Dooly, Frank W. 
Drake, EJdward. 
Duff, John S. B. 



Dye, Richard. 
Davis, Wm. (Drummer.) 
Dinsmore, George L. 
Estep, James F. 
Estep, James. 
Estep, George. 
Ewing, James A. 
Fern, John H. 
Fern, Nathan B. 
Franklin, Miles H. T. 
Glenn, William. 
Gentry, , killed at Mc- 
Dowell. 
Gilliland, Mike. 



873 



Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



Goff, Hugh L. 
Goff, William H. 
Gilliland, David. 
Gobble, Lilburn H. 
Goff, Jacob. 
Green, Joshua. 
Greer, Buck. 
Hilliard, James. 
Harless, Alfred P. 
Harless, William A. 
Henritze, Samuel. 
Holley, William. 
Holt, Isaac. 
Holt, James H. 
Hilliard, Samuel L. 
Hilliard, Robert A. 
Hickok, Charles H. 
Johnston, Daniel. 
Johnston, William D. 
Keller, John. 
King, Cyrus. 
King, Edward. 
King, J. Stanton. 
Linticum, Thomas. 
Leggins, Alexander. 
Leggins, John. 
Moore, James. 
McVey, Samuel. 



McVey, James. 
McDaniel, Alfred. 
Moorefield, Stephen C. 
Mitchell, John. 
Mise, Russell. 
Mise, Jesse S. 
Maissey, Gus. 
Owens, William. 
Oney, Robert (killed). 
Perry, Wm. " ■ — 
Pippin, Robert. 
Privitt, Eli. 
Privott, Chester. 
Pippin, Tom. 
Phillips, Jasper. 
Roe, Elisha. 
Roberts, William E. 
Rock, Thomas. 
Scott, Joseph. 
Scott, Andy J. 
Skinner, William (Fifer). 
Shelton, Jacob M.{M.D.). 
Shelton, Jacob. 
Shelton, William L. 
Shelton, James. 
Shelton, James J. 
Stone, Samuel L. 
Shepherd, Henry P. 



Shortt, Daniel. 

Skinner, Daniel T. 

Scott, Campbell. 

Sullins, Elisha. 

Saul, William. 

Sullins, Russell. 

Sullins, Joseph T. 

Sullins, John. 

Shaver, David. 

Shaver, Joshua. 

Tate, Austin B. 

Thomas, William R. 

Taylor, Joe. 

Vaughan, Edward. 

Vaughan, Joseph. 

Wallace, William L. 
■Webb, Charles 0. 
* Weaver, William. 

Williams, William. 

Woodward, George W. 

Woodward, Robert S. 

Wilson, James. 

Williams, Isom. 

Wirrum, John. 

Worley, Wid. 

Williams, John. 

Whicker, Ewell. 



"WASHINGTON INDEPENDENTS," AFTERWARDS COMPANY K, 
THIRTY- SEVENTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY. 

Officers at Organization. 

Dr. James L. White, captain. 
Joseph T. Campbell, first lieutenant. 
Wm. B. Clark, second lieutenant. 
Benj. C. Clark, third lieutenant. 
Charles F. Keller, first sergeant. 
Abram B. Keller, second sergeant. 
Robert S. Bowie, third sergeant. 
Wm. Clark, fourth sergeant. 
W. j\. Aven, first corporal. 
Samuel Houston, second corporal. 
Daniel T. Stone, third corporal. 
Thomas J. Warren, fourth corporal. 
W. S. Preston, color-bearer. 



Wasliington County, 1777-1870. 



873 



Officers at Reorganization. 

John A. Preston, captain. 
L. Irby Forrest, first lieutenant. 
Kobert S. Bowie, second lieutenant. 
Walter S. Preston, third lieutenant. 
Andrew \\'. McConnell, first sergeant. 
Thomas J. \\arren, second sergeant. 
John K. Deadmore, third sergeant. 
Wm. Clark, fourth sergeant. 
Adam F. Thompson, fifth sergeant. 
Lilbum Fern, first corporal. 
Wm. J. Crabtree, second corporal. 
Joseph H. McNew, third corporal. 
Joseph B. McDaniel, fourth corporal. 
James Vance elected captain 1861 to fill vacancy occasioned by resigna- 
tion of Captain James L. White. 

Privates. 



Aven, W. A., wounded March 20, 
1862^, died since war. 

Aven, M. G., killed at Cedar Pvun 
August 9, 1862. 

Berry, E. A., died since war. 

Berry, Smith, discharged. 

Berry, J. D. 

Branch, W. S. 

Brannon, J. C. 

Barger, J. T., discharged. 

Brooks, J. F., died during war. 

Brown, James. 

Brown, T. E., died since war. 

Bowie, R. S., wounded; died since 
war. 

Cronan, Tliomas. 

Clark, W. B.. died during war. 

Clark, W., died since war. 

Clark, B. C, died since war. 

Clark, I. G. 

Clark, Thomas, died since war. 

Clark, J. A. W., wounded at Mc- 
Dowell. 

Clark, Andrew, died since war. 

Cole, F. P., wounded; died since war. 

Cole. B. G. 

Campbell, J. G., died since war. 

Campbell. J. H., died during war. 



Cavenah, J. 

Cosby, J. D., discharged, afterwards 

joining Company D, First Virginia 

Cavalry. 
Crabtree, W^ J. 
Daniel, J. B., wounded; died May 3, 

1863. 
Carmack, D. C, died since war. 
Daniel, J. D. 
Davis, L. D. 
Davis, John. 

Davis, J. E., died since war. 
Duff, S. G. 
Deadmore, J. K., wounded ; died since 

war. 
Driskell, James. 

Denton, J. R., killed August 9, 1862. 
Denton, J., died during war at Fort 

Delaware. 
Denton, E., died during war at Fort 

Delaware. 
Dunn, Theophilus, wounded May 25, 

18G2. 
Donagough, J., killed. 
Estep, George, killed May 3, 1863. 
Estep, James, killed May 3, 1863. 
Fleenor, M. V. 
Forran, Lilburn, wounded. 



874 



South west Virginia. 17. If 6-17 86. 



Fields, J. T. 

Forrest, L. I., killed Spotsylvania 
Courthouse 1864. 

Forrest, J. T., wounded. 

Farnsworth, J. S., discharged; died 
.since war. 

Gorman, J. 

Gray, M. L., died during war, 1861. 

Grimm, S. D., wounded Petersburg 
March 25, 1865. 

Hayter, F. H., killed August 9, 1862. 

Hayter, W. D., died since war; 
wounded at Winchester. 

Hicks, R., wounded; discharged. 

Hobbs, J. L., killed August 9, 1862. 

Hobbs, J. W. 

Hobbs, Elkanah. 

Houston, Samuel, died since war. 

Hill, Felix, wounded; died since 
war. 

Ireson, H. H., died during war, 1861. 

Johnston, Joseph W., wounded. 

Kane, Edward, wounded. 

King, James, killed March 23, 1862. 

Keller, C. F. 

Keller, S. G., wounded March 23, 
1862. 

Keller, A. B., wounded. 

Kenney, David. 

Kiser, A. E., wounded. 

Keys, A., died during war. 

Keller, John. 

Lowry, David. 

Middleton, J. H., wounded August 
9, 1862. 

Mallicote, A. L., died since war; dis- 
charged. 

Maxwell, A. 

Maxwell, J. V., died since war. 

Mays, J. R., died since war. 

McConnell, A. W., wounded; died 
since the war. 

McConnell, J. J., killed May 3, 1863. 

McHenry, W. A., wounded at Mc- 
Dowell. 

McNew, Joseph, killed August 9, 
1862. 



Mitchell, J. D. 

Malone, D. 

ilinnick, Ben. 

Minnick, W. S., wounded. 

Milliard, E., wounded May 3, 1863. 

Milliard, S. L., killed McDowell, 

1862. 
McCarty, C. P., discharged. 
Morefield, D. 
McCauley. F. S., wounded May 3, 

1863. 
O'Brien. Martin. 
Osborne, E., wounded Chaneellors- 

ville. 
Osborne, W., killed at Spotsylvania 

Courthouse. 
Pemberton, S. H., discharged. 
Preston, W. S., wounded. 
Preston, R. J. 
Preston, J. A., wounded Avigust 9, 

1862, Cedar Run and Amelia 

Courthouse. 
Preston, R. A. 

Potler, A., wounded; died in service. 
Ropp, Wm. H., died since war. 
Ropp, H. P., killed at Winchester, 

1864. 
Reedy, Fred., killed August 9, 1862. 
Roadman, Wm., killed 1864. 
Rigle, J. W., wounded Sharpsburg. 

Shaver, . 

Scott, A. J. 

Sherman, L. S., wounded May 3, 

1863. 
Stewart, W., wounded; died since 

the war. 
Stewart, B. 

Sullivan, J., died during war. 
Stone, T. P., discharged; died since 

war. 
Stevens, D. C, discharged. 
Smith, James A., died during war. 
Stone, D. T., discharged. 
Talbert, W. 
Thompson, W. M., wounded August 

9, 1862. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



875 



Thompson, A. F., wounded May 2, Vance, James, wounded March 23, 



1863, and second Manassas. 
Trigg, A. B., wounded August 0, 

1862; died since war. 
Trigg, T. K., wounded August 9, 

1862. 



1862 ; died since war. 
Warren, T. J., wounded. 
*White, James L. 
*Whiekor, Thomas. 



GLADE SPRING RIFLES. 
Company F, Thirty-Seventh Virginia Regiment Infantry. 
Officers. 

Robert P. Carson, captain. 
George Graham, first lieutenant. 
James L. Cole, second lieutenant. 
Benj. Snodgrass, third lieutenant. 
P. S. Hagy, first sergeant. 
William M. Allison, second sergeant. 
Andrew Kelly, third sergeant. 
Wm. H. Miller, fourth sergeant. 
Michael H. Duff, first corporal. 
John B. Allison, second corporal. 
Benjamin Reed, third corporal. 
Samuel P. Edmondson, fourth corporal. 



Alderson, Davis. 
Authenreith, Louis. 
Asberry, Wm. L. 
Adkins, Wm. 
Allison. Wm. W. 
Allison, John B. 
Anderson, Jos. J. 
Buchanan, A. E. 
Buchanan, Davis A. 
Buchanan, Wm. R. 
Buchanan, Wm. W. 
Buchanan, David H. 
Buchanan, A. R. 
Buchanan, Moses S. 
Blackwell, Wm. B. 
Barbary, W. H. 
Bullen, David. 
Carson, R. P. 
Cole, Jas. L. 
Clark, W. D. 



Privates. 

Clark, Wm. A. 
Clark, John B. 
Clark, Jas. A., Jr. 
Clark, Jas. A. 
Carpenter, John C. 
Duff, M. J. H. 
DeBusk, Wm. 
DeBusk, David J. 
DcBusk, Andrew J. 
Doss, Elias. 

Edmondson, Andrew B. 
Edmondson, Samuel P. 
Edmondson, Samuel N. 
Edmondson, David. 
Edmondson, James. 
Edmondson, John W. 
Edmondson, Robert. 
Fariis, Jacob M. 
Faris. Samuel. 
Frv. Thomas. 



Graham, George. 
Garrett, Henry. 
Graham, Samuel. 
Gentry, Elijah. 
Glenn, John. 
Glenn, vSamuel. 
Glenn, William. 
Hutton, Samuel J. 
Hutton, Robert S. C. 
Horn, Eassel L. 
Houston, W. C. 
Haden, Nathaniel. 
Hawthorn, Wm. 
Hawthorn, Robert. 
Hawthorn, M. B. 
Hawthorn, A. F. 
Hawthorn, David T. 
Hawthorn, B. D. 
Hawthorn, H. C. 
HoUoway, A. J. 



♦Furnishod by Walter Preston, 1'. Iv Trigs and C. F. Keller. 



876 



Southwest Virginia, nJt6-1786. 



Hagy, Wm. Mc. 
Hagy, Wm. 
Hagy, P. S. 
Home, John E. 
Heath, William. 
Kelly, Andrew. 
Kelly, Wm. B. 
Kelly, George. 
Kelly, Wm. 
Kelly, Wm. R. 
Kelly, Samuel. 
Keys, Andrew. 
Lowry, Wm. G. G. 
Lowry, Robert S. 
Love, Jos. R. 
Lefler, Sam. H. 
Loggins, John M. 
Loggins, Wm. A. 
Lilly, Wm. W. 
Larimer, Robert E. 
Larimer, Robert J. 
Louis, Philip. 
MeCall, John. 
McCall, John M. 
McCall, Wm. 
Mock, E. H. 
Mock, Peter G. 
Moore, James. 
McVey, James. 
McVey, William. 
MeVey, Anderson. 
McNew, Arthur. 
McNew, John. 



Mindler, F. T. 
McCrackin, Madison. 
Miller, Wm. H. 
McCall, Robert L. 
Moore, Wm. 
Moore, Andrew F. 
Nye, James H. 
Neff, Andrew M. 
Nichols, Edmond. 
Owens, Alexander. 
Owens, William. 
Orr, James. 
Preston, John. 
Powers, Samuel H. 
Powers, James M. 
Poore, Jerry. 
Poole, John R. 
Poole, C. S. 
Pafford, M. W. 
Painter, Tliomas R. 
Reed, Benj. 
Reed, Thomas. 
Reed, Arthur. 
Reedy, Elijah H. 
Reedy, Wm. M. 
Ryburn, Wm. B. 
Rambo, Samuel K. 
Reedy, David. 
Rotenberry, James. 
Robinson. Samuel. 
Rosenbalm, J. D. 
Rosenbalm, R. R. 
Rosenbalm, James. 
Roe, Andrew J. 



Snodgrass, Benj. 
Snodgrass, Wm. M. 
Snodgrass, Wm. 
Snodgrass, James. 
Stewart, Thomas H. 
Sheffield, Thos. P. 
Straus, Jos. 
Smith, Henry. 
Stringer, Winston. 
Stringer, Thos. H. 
Stringer, Jeff. A. 
Thurman, P. B. 
Thomas, Charles. 
Thomas, Edward H. 
Thomas, Moses E. 
Thomas, Andrew. 
Thomas, Samuel. 
Thomas, Geo. 
Tilson, Stephen J. 
Tomlinson, Jabez. 
Trent, John. 
Trent, Isaac. 
Troxwell, John. 
Vanderpool, James. 
Wright, John. 
Wright, H. F. 
Wright, Henry. 
Widener, Wm. M. 
Widener, Nelson. 
Widener, James. 
White, James. 
White, Thomas J. B. 
*Widener, John J. 



TW^ENTY-SECOND REGIMENT VIRGINIA CAVALRY, COMPANY C. 

Officers. 

Henry Bowen, colonel. 

John T. Radford, lieutenant-colonel. 

Henry J^'. Kendrick, major. 

John C. Stanfield, captain Company C, Twenty-second. 

John B. Hamilton, first lieutenant. 

Theophilus Dunn, second lieutenant. 

Robert Horton, third lieutenant. 

Robert Bittle, adjutant. 



♦Furnished by Benj. Reed and Andrew Kelly. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



877 



Albridge, Newton. 
Belcher, Jos. 
Barker, Martin. 
Bailey, John. 
Brummit, Wm. 
Bare, Larkin. 
Bagley, Tobias (Ky.). 
Clark, Job. 
Cowan, Isaac. 
Cuddy, Henry. 
Cuddy, L. B. 
Cuddy, John. 
Dunn, John F. 
Dunn, R. H. 
Dishman, Albert. 
Dowell, James. 
Francher, Chas.* 
Fields, John. 
Fleming, Wm. 
Graham, W. L. (S. C). 
Norton, Nathan (Scott). 
Hamilton, Thomas. 



Privates. 

Hamilton, Robert. 
Hamilton, Brandon. 
Hartsock, Thomas. 
Hartsock, Charles. 
Harmon, Godfrey. 
Hewitt, Malachi. 
Ingle, John W. 
Jenkins, John. 
Kenady, M. J. 
Leonard, Robert. 
Leonard, Jordan. 
Lane, Thomas. 
Mitchell, Wm. 
Mitchell, Levi. 
Massingill, Henry. 
Musiek, W. Y. C. 
Musick, Thomas. 
McHenry, Wm. 
McCotwick, John. 
Miles, John. 
Nunly, James. 
Nunly, Ashbom. 



Piper, Brown. 

Piper, . 

Paugh, A. J. 
Philips, Robert. 
Price, Robert. 
Ruple, Joseph. 
Roberts, James. 
Scott, George.. 
Stutfle, Jordan. 
Smith, Chesterfield. 
Smith, Wm. 
Slaughter, John.f 
Sproles, Jos. 
Stone, Chas. (S. C), 
Thompson, Albert. 
Vermillion, Wm. 
Walker, Robert. 
Williams, James. 
Woods, John. 
Worley, Nathan. 
Worley, (4. B. 
Worley, Joseph.J 



Remarks. 
This regiment belonged to General John McCausland's Brigade and Ran- 
som's Division. Made the raid to Washington, D. C, with Early; then to 
Chambersburg, Pa. 



TWENTY-FIRST VIRGINIA CAVALRY, COMPANY F. 

Officers. 
William E. Peters, colonel. 
David Edmondson, lieutenant-colonel. 
John Halley, major. 

Starks, adjutant. 

F. T. Gray, captain. 

J. G. R. Davis, first lieutenant. 

B. D. Hawthorn, second lieutenant. 

James Gray, third lieutenant. 

Mike Gilliland, first sergeant. 

T. B. Berry, second sergeant. 

W. F. Allison, third sergeant. 



*This m.TH belonored to United SUites army. His brother was shot for sleeping on 
post, and he caino South for revonsje. 

tBolonged to A. C. Cummlng's Company, Mexican war. 
t Furnished by Captain J. C. Stanfleld. 



878 



Southwest Virginia, 17Jf.6-1786. 



Aven, Wiley. 
Brown, Alex. 
Bowers, Abe. 
Berry, D. F. 
Boiling, Gam. 
Boiling, James. 
Cowan, Rutledge. 
Clark, Peter J. 
Campbell, David. 
Campbell, John. 
Campbell, David, Jr. 
Cox, Mike. 
Clark, Andrew. 



Privates, 

Caldwell, Wm. K. 
Cross, James. 
Gray, John C. 
Gray, W. M. 
Garrett, Abe. 
Keys, Robert. 
Keller, Jacob. 
King, Leander. 
King, Samuel. 
Loggins, Wm. 
Loggins, James. 
Larimer, Andrew. 
Longley, Seldon. 



MeQuown, Alex. 
McCall, James. 
McDaniel, Joseph. 
Pemberton, B. F. 
Pemberton, Richard. 
Quisenberry, Lewis. 
Roe, Edward. 
Talley, Wm. 
Widener, Nelson. 
Widener, Lilburn. 
Wright, Robert W. 
Wiley, Wm. W.* 



COMPANY I, FORTY-EIGHTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT. 
Officers. 

J. C. Campbell, captain. Wounded McDowell. 

F. S. Robertson, first lieutenant. 

J. Carmack, second lieutenant. Bristol. 

E. Rodefer, third lieutenant. Greendale. 

J. A. Vance, first sergeant. Died Lewisburg, W. Va. 

William Fields, second sergeant. Wounded at Richmond. 

W. H. Hamilton, third sergeant. 

S. G. Ingham, fourth sergeant. 

M. R. Latham, fifth sergeant. 

T. M. Gobble, first corporal, 

T. N. Hamilton, second corporal. 

F. C. Collings, third corporal. 
M. L. Bocock, fourth corporal. 



Privates. 



Alfreds, L. S. 
Bowser, J. R. 
Berry, Hugh. 
Buckles, H. G. 
Branson, W. J. 
Booher, George. 
Booher, John S, 
Booher, W, D. 
Branson, A. 
Bowers, John R. 



Cunningham, A. J., wounded second 
Manassas. 

Campbell, 0. H., wounded at Gettys- 
burg. 

Choice, P. P., wounded at Winches- 
ter. 

Carr, Alfred, died in camp at Big 
Spring. 

Chapman, D. G. 

Crowell, Wm. S. 



♦Partial list furnished by Thomas B. Berry. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



879 



Crowell. Robert N. 

Cuddy, John R., died in prison. 

Dixon, C. B. 

Dickenson, C. O., killed at Chancel- 

lorsville. 
Dickenson, W. H. 
Dickenson, John P., died in prison. 
Davis, Wm. M. 
Dickenson, James. 
Dickenson, R. C. 
Fleenor. Isaac G., killed at Gettys- 

V)ur<x. 
Fleenor, Robert H., killed at Gettys- 
burg. 
; Fleenor, James. 

Fleenor. Harvey G., died a prisoner. 
Fleenor. Tlios. ('., killed at Winches- 
ter. 
Fleenor. Samuel E. 
Fleenor, W. W., wounded at Sliarps- 
I Imrg. 

'Fleenor. M. G.. wounded at Chan- 
"" cellorsville. 
Giiess. John. 
Guess. Jas. W. P., wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville. 
Guess, N. C. 
Gobble, J. B. 
Gnibb, Jacob H. 
Hajry. J. Harrison. 
Henderson, John L.. killed at Cedar 

Mountain. 
Haniillon, John B. 
Harris, Samuel L. 
Hagy. David C. 
Humphreys, John. 
Humphreys, Daniel, wounded at 

Chanceilorsville. 
Heatherly, Geodfry. 
Hui.di6s, James E. 
Huf:hes. O. F. 
Hutton. .). II. 
Hayton, (Jeorfie. 

Harlcy. .Tohn M., died in prison. 
Hajr}-. \N. K- 
Hamilton, W . H. 
Ingham, Moses. 

Ireson, W. L., wounded Gettysburg 
and Petersburg. 



Ingle, A. H., wounded Chanceilors- 
ville. 

Ingle, Joseph. 

Ireson, J. L. 

Jones, T. F. 

Johnston, John F. 

Jones, Russell, wovmded Hatcher's 
Run. 

Kestner, J. H., died near Harrison- 
burg, Va. ( supposed ) . 

Kegly, Wm. H., wounded Mine Run. 

Kingsolver, A. F., died in prison. 

Kingsolver, David. 

Kennedy, John W., died Valley 
Mountain. 

Kennedy, A. J., died Elmira, N. Y. 

Kestner, J. A., wounded second 
Manassas. 

Lewis, George W. 

Lyon, Churchill, died in hospital. 

Lyon, David, died in hospital. 

Lyon, Josiah. 

Lyon, R. F. 

Mumpower, M. M., wounded at 
Gettysburg. 

Morgan, W. J. 

McPhatridge, N. B. 

Murray, Drewry. 

Minnick, Thomas J. 

^linnick, John P. 

;Meade. John E., wounded at Bath. 

:\[aHaffey, Samuel C. 

Moore, Jos. E. 

Moore, R. S., killed at Richmond. 

McGee, C. J. 

Mobley, W. W. 

!Meayle, Abram F. 

Mitchell, J. W. 

Musick, A. G., wounded at Wilder- 
ness. 

Musick. T. W. 

Price, Daniel E. 

Price, Wm. F. 

Price, Emory O., wounded at -Gettys- 
burg. 

Perdue, Wiley H., died in hospital. 

Painter, Arthur R., died in hospital. 



Southivest Virginia, 1746-1786. 



Pitzer, James M. 
Parrott, Henry. 
Ramsey, Wm. H. 

Rush, Robert W. 

Roberts, David C, killed at Gettys- 
burg. 

Roberts, Henrj\ 

Ramsey, H. 

Roberts, James. 

Roberts, W. W. 

Roberts, John, wounded Chancellors- 
ville. 

Shaver, Martin, wounded at the 
Wilderness. 

Shoemaker, R. R., died in camp. 

Smith, John A. 

Scyphers, W. G. 

Stout, Samuel. 

Stout, Wm., killed at Gettysburg. 

Stout, J. H. 



Stout, W. W. 

Thompson, A. G., wounded Gettys- 
burg. 

Townsend, George F. 

Trammell, Nath. A. 

Vaiighan, E. 

Wilson, James P. 

Wilson, W. J. 

Wilson, John A., wounded at Rich- 
mond. 

Wilson, J. H. 

Wilson, A. S. 

Wilson, Samuel. 

Wilson, J. H. 

Webb, G. T. 

Webb, David J. • 

Warren, W. 

White, J. M. 

*White, John H. 



COMPANY H, THIRTY-SEVENTH VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS. 
Officers. 

R. E. Grant, captain. 

Robert Wright, first lieutenant. 

I. C. Rambo, second lieutenant. 

W. B. Edmondson, third lieutenant. 



Arnold, Thomas. 
Arnold, M. S. 
Buck, Wm. 
Barlow, James. 
Beattie, John. 
Berry, James. 
Barberry, James. 
Black, Samuel. 
Bailey, Wm. 
Brown, Abe. 
Buchanan, Moses. 
Carson, Wm. 
Clark, P. D. 
Caldwell, S. T. 



Privates. 

Caldwell, T. Jeff. 
Carrington, W. C. 
Cole, Andrew. 
Duff, Felix. 
Duff, E. 
Davis, Edward. 
DeBusk, Thomas. 
DeBusk, David. 
Dungan, Thomas. 
Elrod, Henry. 
Elrod, Wiley. 
Edmondson, M. R. 
Fulcher, James. 
Grant, J. Tol. 



Harris, Jacob. 
Hellenstruttet, Wm. 
Keller, Joseph. 
Lowry, Robert. 
McClure, N. ,B. 
McGhee, John. 
Moser, James. 
McGinnis, Samuel. 
McKee, Matt. 
McKee, Joseph. 
Morrison, David. 
McCrackin, Fulk. 
McCrackin, Frank. 
McCrackin, Hugh. 



♦Furnished by John Roberts and John B. Hamilton. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 



881 



McCrackin, Joseph. 
McCrackin, James. 
McCrackin, Green. 
Neely, Joe. 
Rhea, John. 
Rhea, Joseph. 
Roe, T. J. 
Roe, N. 

Rosenbalm, Tice. 
l\(»onbalm, James. 
Rosenbalm, Eli. 
Rosenbalm, Dave. 



Speer, Joe. 
Speer, .John. 
Smith, Tobe. 
South, Clabe. 
South, Columbus. 
South, C. A. 
South, Frank. 
Thomas, Isaac. 
Thoma.s, J. D. 
Thomas, J. Matt. 
Thomas, Con. 
Thomas, Henry. 
Vestal, L. 



Vestal, Henry. 
V'estal, John. 
Vestal, Robert. 
Wright, Wm. 
Wright, Frank. 
Wright, James. 
Wright, Tliomas. 
Wright, John. 
Widener, John. 
Widener, Wm. 
Widener, James. 
Widener, Lige.* 



COMPANY C, TWENTY-FIRST VIRGINIA CAVALRY' (AT CLOSE 

OF WAR). 

Officers. 
Robert J. Preston, captain. 
Thomas Sutherland, first lieutenant. 
William ^leriweather, second lieutenant. 
James McChain, ord<>rly sergeant. 
John Prather, second sergeant. 
Marsh Baker, third sergeant. 



Byars, D. 0. 
Burkes, Wm. 
Dickson, Thos. 



Privates. 
Lane, Geo. 
Mooney, Richard. 
Osborne, Elbert. 
Osborne, Thos. 



Sutherland, Tuck. 
Wix, John. 
Wright, Dick. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, 1898. 

(Citizens of Washington County Participating Therein.) 

Company K, Forty-thibd United States Infantry. 

John Hortenstine, corporal. Died in service. 
Frank Woolwine, R. Ed. Booher, 

Charles C. Sandoe, Hugh Stephenson, 

William Maiden. 
James E. Clark. Died in service in Philippine Islands. 
James McCall and Andrew Taylor. Rejected for physical 
disability at Fort Ethan Allen, Vt. 



Company H, Third Regiment of Volunteer Infantry U. S. A. 
R. J. Summers, corporal, promoted to sergeant. 



•Partial list furniBhed by Isaac C. Ramho. 



882 



Southwest Virgbiia, 17J^6-1786. 



Burch, G. V. 
Booher, E. E. 
Clark, Jas. E. 
Comett, Wm. H. 
Flannagan, Matthew. 
Flannagan, Chas. 
Greer, Wm. 
Gregory, Tuck. 
Hudson, E. L. 
Hagy, R. Preston. 



Kestner, J. R. Shell, Henry. 
Maloy, F. L. Sandoe, Ray B. 
Williams, Jas. W. Sandoe, Chas. C. 
Widener, A. J. Scott, J. W. Died in ser- 
Maiden, Frank. vice. 
Nicholas, C. H. Snodgrass, A. O. 
Rosenbalm, J. R. Williamson, Andrew. 
Rambo, H. J. Brownlow, Frank. After- 
Roberts, John. wards Corporal 2d 
Stultz, W. D. Tenn. Regiment. 

This company was organized at Danville, Va., and was mustered into 
U.nited States service at Camp Lee, Richmond, Va., May 24, 1898, and was 
commanded by Captain R. E. Freeman, of Danville, Va. 

Fourth Virginia Regiment. 

J. C. Watson, major. 
Privates. 
Thomas R. Hines, John Rodefer, B. D. Sniythe. 

J. Nathan Boardwine, Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Wounded at San Juan 
Hill. 



TRUSTEES OF THE ABI^JGDON ACADEMY, WITH DATE OF 
APPOINTMENT. 



1803. John Campbell Died 1825. 

Robert Craig, Sr Resigned 1824. 

Richard White Died 1826. 

Robert Campbell Removed from county 1825. 

James Bradley Removed from county 1824. 

Gerrard T. Conn Died about 1823. 

William King Died in 1808. 

Francis Preston Died May, 1835; president of Board 

1822-1826. 
James White Died October, 1838; president of Board 

1831-1838. 

Claiborne Watkins Died 1804. 

Andrew Russell Treasurer 1825-1841. 

William Tate Resigned 1822. 

Henry Dixon Resigned. 

Frederick Hamilton Died 1808. 

David Campbell Resigned; secretary of Board 1803-1837. 

1804. James King Removed 1805. 

1805. Edward Campbell Died February, 1833. 

1807. John Preston Resigned. 

Stephen Bovell • Removed from county 1836. 



Washington County, 1777-1870. 883 



1807 



Earl B. Clapp Died September, 1854; treasurer 1823- 

1825. 

John McClellan Removed from county 1819. 

Francis Smith Resigned 1843. 

James Harper Died 1815. 

William Trigg Died 1813. 

Jonathan Smith Removed from county 1810. 

Thomas McChesney Died 1836. 

Michael Deckard Removed from county 1811. 

William Snodgrass Resigned 1822. 

William Y. Conn Died 1837. 

James Cummings Died August, 1840. 

Robert Craig, Jr Removed from county 1817. 

Connally Findlay Died 1817. 

1822. Peter Johnston Died 1831 ; president of Board 1826- 

1831. 

Benjamin Estill Resigned 1837. 

Wm. C. Preston Removed from county 1824. 

Robert E. Cummings Removed from county 1834. 

Joseph C. Trigg Died September, 1831. 

Ricliard White, Jr Died 1827. 

William Byars Resigned. 

James Taylor Lived Smyth county. 

John M. Preston Resigned; president of Board 1838- 

1849. 
John Gibson Resigned 1826. 

1826. John N. Humes Died July, 1871; president of Board 

1849-1871. 
Peter J. Branch Secretary 1837-1861, treasurer 1841- 

1861. 

John H. Fulton Dietl January, 1836. 

James King Resigned. 

Chas. C. Johnston Died 1832. 

James W. Preston Removed from county 1838. 

Peter C. Johnston Removed to Smyth county. 

Edward Latliam Resigned 1843. 

James L. White Died December. 1838. 

1827. William Ewing Removed from county. 

1832. Daniel 'I'rigg Died February, 1853. 

Robert R. Preston Resigned 1837. 

Jacob Lynch Died March, 1862. 

Samuel Logan Died July, 1855. 

1840. Connally F. Trigg Removed from county 1856. 

Willinm Y. C. White Resigned 1871. 

1841. John W. C. Watson Removed from county. 

Jeremiah Bronough Removed from county 1843. 

1843. Wvndham Robertson. 



884 Southwest Virginia, 17 J, 6-17 SG. 

1843. Chas. G. Gibson Died June, 1844. 

1844. Thomas L. Preston Removed to Smyth county. 

1849. James D. McCabe .Removed from county. 

1852. James K. Gibson Died March, 1879. 

Beverly R. Johnston ....... .Resigned 1862. 

John A. Campbell Died. 

1854. Walter Preston Died November, 1867. 

1856. George W. Hopkins Died March, 1861. 

Edward M. Campbell Died June, 1878; president of Board 

1871-1878. 

James McChain . Died March, 1869. 

Charles S. Bekem Died August, 1875. 

1859. Alexander R. Preston Died. 

George V. Litchfield Died February 5, 1875. 

Samuel V. Fulkerson Died July, 1862. 

Arthur C. Cummings Resigned. 

1862. John G. Kreger Secretary and treasurer 1861-189--. 

Thomas G. McConnell. 

Newton K. White. ^ 
1864. Cbarles J. Cummings. 
1869. David G. Thomas. 

James Fields. 
1871. James L. White. 

Samuel N. Honaker Died Januaiy 22, 1903. 

1875. Robert A. Preston. 

Daniel Trigg President of Board 1878-1904. 

James C. Green way. 
1878. John F. Sutton. 
1880. Thomas W. White. 
1886. George E. Penn Secretary 189 - to 1904. 

G. V. Litchfield, Jr. 

Frank B. Hutton. 

F. S. Robertson. 

Wm. G. G. Lowry. 

Henley Fugate. 



I N D E X /^ 



America, 0; visited by Columbus, 20-24, 25,27, 42, 132, 133, 138, 142; Colo- 
nists, 160-161; Republic liberty, 160i:3, 199, 201, 208. 273, 277, 286, 
340, 352, 354, 355, 356, 357, 359, 360. 

Atlantic Ocean, 10. 

Anglo-Saxon race, 12, 20, 24, 25, 34, 40, 50, 78. 199. 

Argall, Captain, 15. 

Africans. 15. 

Appalaches, 21, 36, 38, 366. ; 

Abb's Valley, 22, 114, 116, 146, 382, 38*. 

Alleghanies, 24, 31, 37; divide, 46, 47, ll, 52, 61, 286. 

Abingdon, 27, 29, 132, 133, 138, 142, l/'>7, 219, 229, 235, 242, 255, 269, 279, 
280^ 291, 303, 350, 366, 373, 387, 390. 392; postoffice established 1793, 
437; turnpike, contract to build, 447; tolls, new courthouse built, 451; 
calls to arais, 453, 458; oHicers commissioned, 464, 465; turnpike com- 
pany incorporated 1830, 469, 47iM83; academy, 486-493; railroad meet- 
ing, 496-497; Virginia and Teiiuessee completed 1856, 505; turnpike, 
506; railroad collision near, September 1st, 1861, 517; act authorizing 
issue of notes, 1862, with cuds, 519; church bells made into cannon, 
companies reorganized, 521, 530, 532; burning, account of, 541-543; 
Frcedmeu's Hureau established, 548-554; Law Library Association 
1869, 550; academy, 558; fenmle academy, principals, 564; comer-stone 
laid, 565; its history, 616, (121; prison bounds, 623-624; named 1798, 
626-627 ; freeholders voting, 632-633 ; new courthouse, 634 ; account ')f 
lire, 635; by-laws and ordnances, street improvements, new charter, 
639-640; mayor and counci' elected, description of town 1835, 641, 642, 
643; bank cistablished, 644; street repairs, 645, 647; officers elected 
1861, 648-649; threatened invasion by Federal troops, 650-651; small- 
pox, town burned by Wyitt, 652, 653; situation — first meeting town 
council 1865-1866. procce<lings, 653; contract awarded for new court- 
house, same completed, 6 J4 ; description 1875, 654, 656; United States 
court, 656; orders and rKjacsts town council, 656, 658; officers' list of, 
with years served, 659, (564; lots sold by Christopher Acklin, 665-667; 
almshou.se superintendent, 838; west Main street, 27, 630, 638; Valley 
street, 481, 630, 654; opened, 656; Court street, 481, 630, 638; Water 
street, 631; Brewer street, 631. 

Arademy, Abingdon, truste(;s, 882-884. 

A.lair. Indian trader, 30, 32, 33, 259. 

ApponuUto.v river, 34, 35, 36; town, 36; Indians, 36. 

Austin, Walker, 34; Austm & Co., 281. 



•Tills Index does not purport to give names of persons mentioned in the appendix, 
nor names of persons niontlcned in the text matter of the History. 



886 Index. 

Augusta county, 38, 42, 4H, 44, 55 ; record from, 80, 82, 106, 118, 149, 152, 
251, 252, 268, 354. 

Arkansas, 40. 

Amelia county, 40. 

Alexandria, Va., 56. 

Alexanders, 40. 

Anderson, John, 42; William Anderson, 93, 258. 

Alexander, Archibald, 61. 

Attakullakulla, 73, 74, 75. 

Aylett, John, 108, 132. 

Arbuckle, Matthew, 109, 152. 

Adams, George, 110, 132; Samuel, 506; John, 212. 

Aldridge, James, 114. 

Alamance, battle of, 115, 159; creek, 350, 355. 

Allison, Robert, 134; Charles, 134, li6. 

Acklin, Christopher, 135, 290, 303, 37>, 626, 631, 665, 667. 

Ashby, John, Captain, 148. 

Allen, Hugh, 153. 

Armstrong, 156; James, 630, 632, 633. 

Affidavit, Jarret Williams, 221-222. 

Avery, Waightstill, 247. 

Aspinvale, 360. 

Articles of Association, 399. 

Artillery, regiment of, 452. 

Appendix, 463. 

Almshouse, sale of, 486. 

Agricultural Society organized 1850, 494. 

Abolition, 510. 

Alderson, C. Vv ., 787. 

Attorneys practicing in courts, 834-837. 

Assembly, General, 158, 209, 228, 243, 244; petition to, 246, 247, 248, 250, 
251, 254, 256, 257, 258, 263, 264, 266, 277, 279, 280, 281, 287, 295, 298, 
299; resolutions 1781, 339, 340, 357, 370, 373, 388, 391, 392; address of, 
394, 397, 423, 424; first representatives elected, 426, 447-452; 1814, rais- 
ing of troops, 462, 464, 466; spring session 1819, officers elected, 467; 
voting precincts established, commissioners appointed 1823, 468-469 ; 
Lynchburg and New River railroad incorporated, 470; effort a fail- 
ure, 473; representatives 1836, Lynchburg and Bristol Railroad Com- 
missioners, 480-; Tennessee- Virginia railroad meeting, resolutions 1849 
495-496; members elected 1859, 511; convem.ion dissolving connection 
of States, 512; commissioners of revenue, 530, 547; acts of 1867, 550; 
1869, 555, 556, 621; petition 1777, 624, 625; 1803, 633; charter amende.'. 
648; new council elected, 649; act establishing county seat, 667, 66 
incorporating Goodson, 681 ; Bristol Coal and Iron Narrow-Gauge rn 
road, begim 1877, 682. 



Index. 887 



B. 

Brutus, 172. 

Bristow, J. L., 8. 

Bahama Islands, 10. 

Hergess, Aunie, 13. 

|{urgesses, House of, 15, 18, 34, 35, 36, 51, 106, 130, 148, 158, 160, 1G3; peti- 
tion, 164-169, 170, 176, 178, 179, 181; resolution, 186, 187, 204, 209, 
217, 285. 

Bennett, Richard, 16. 

lierkley. Sir William, 16, 17, 23, 36, 38. 

Bacon, Nathaniel, 17, 161. 

Blue Ridge, IV, 23, 34, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 49, 130, 466. 

Byars' farm, 22, 28, 29, 104, 138. 

Batte, Captain Henry, 23, 36. 

Bickley's Historj- of Tazewell, 28, 76; Charles, 367, 368. 

British Indians assist, 33; government, 148; Parliament, 159, 161, 180, 187, 
199, 201, 219; standard, 277, 286; agents, 294, 299, 302, 341, 348, 351, 
354, 355, 356, 359, 366, 374; vessels, 459. 

Baptist ministers, 845. 

Baptist missionary ministers, 846. 

Battes, Thomas, journal of trip of exploration, 36, 38; Governor, 220, 273. 

Bedford county, 41, 79, 152, 252. 

Buckingham Road, 41. 

Botetourt county, act establishing, 41, 43, 106, 108, 109, 118, 130, 150, 152, 
153, 232, 233, 251, 252, 297, 337, 349, 364, 370; Lord Botetourt, 97, 109. 

Buffalo Gap, 41; Buffalo Lick, 45, 146; Buffalo Bottom, 45. 

lieverly, William, 42; manor of, 41, 42. 

Buchanan, John, 42, 43, 44, 45, 53, 58, 67, 84, 136, 137, 250, 669, 671. 

Buchanan, Robert, 134, 271; Archibald, 135, 136; James, 287. 

Buchanan, President James, 513; Buchanan county first settlers, 43, 254, 
366, 103. 

l'.urke, James, 45, 46, 53, 54, 58:' Burke's Garden, 45, 46, 54, 58, 361, 362. 

Burke, Richard, 155. 

15luostone river, 48, 61, 362, 363, 368, 386, 426; Bluestone creek, 146. 

Byrd, Colonel William, 49, 66; Roster ranging party, 67, 69, 70, 75, 92, 146; 
Thomas, 134; John, 131, 132; Byrd's boundary lines, 46, 116; dispute 
between Washington and Russell, 469; Washington and Montgomery, 
372: Smyth and Washington, commissioner's report, 474; Grayson, 506; 
Washington county and State of Tennessee, 693 ; committee report, sur- 
veyor's report, issues tried, 726, 746. 

BlaoLsburg. 49. 

Battle of Colloden, 50. 

Back Creek, 53. 

I Braddock, General, his defeat, 56. 
Carrier, Casper, 57, 59. 

Barger, Philip, 57. 



888 Index. 

Bingeman, John, Mrs., Adam, Mrs., Jr., 58-59. 

Bridgman, 59. 

Baker, Mary, 58; David, 110; Isaac, 671, 672, 673. 

Breckenridge, General James, 467; Robert, 61, 108; John C, 511; Alexan- 
der, 158. 

Butt, J. M., 788. 

Boone, Daniel, 76; tree, 105, 142, 156, 157, 617; James, 142; Boone's 
Creek, 76, 93, 228 ; Boonsborough, 278. 

Bledsoe, Anthony, 103, 109, 110, 116, 130, 135, 136, 137, 221, 223, 242, 243- 
263, 264, 270, 279, 287, 292, 349, 625; Isaac, 436; sketches, 748. 

Bean, William, 92; Mrs. Bean, 228; Russell Bean, 92. 

Bo^vyer, John, 108; Luke, 108, 132, 260; Thomas, 146. 

Blevins, 76. 

Boquet, Captain, 81. 

Butler, 84. 

Benhams, 105: Benham, 428. 

Beaver Creek, HO, 136, 137. 

Bowen, John, 109; Rees, 116, 156, 271; Arthur Bowen, 133, 452; William, 
135, 271; Moses, 156. 

Baptists, 118; Baptist Valley, 380, 426. 

Beattie, John, 132; Francis, 371. 

Bradshaw, John, 115. 

Bryan, James, 133, 135; William, 142. 

Black, Joseph, 135, 136, 157, 229, 257, 268, 269, 270, 271, 290, 291, 292, 300, 

619, 621, 622; Black Lick, 293; Black Wolf, 361; Black Mountain, 423. 
Blackburn, William, 135; George, 135, 256, 258, 271, 274; Arthur, 230, 231, 

620, 156. 

Briggs, Samuel, 135, 158, 268, 269, 621, 622. 

Bear Grass (Jreek, 146. 

Boue Lick, 146. 

Ballard, William, 148. 

Batson, Mordecai, 148. 

Belfast, 151. 

Ball, John, 148. 

Buford, 152, 153, 293. 

Bracken, 153. 

Brooks, George, 155; Bi-ooks, Castleton, 268; Rev. Ebenezer, 371. 

Bradley, John, 156; Reuben, 455; Robert E., 491. 

Bogard, Abram, 156. 

Berry, Francis, 156; Thomas, 271, 245; George, 245; Hugh, 269; John, 135. 

Boston ^T^rbor, 160, 172, 181, 182, 199, 207, 208, 209. 

Bar re, Cv lonel, 170. 

Bernard, Governor, 173, 177. 

Board of Admiralty, 177; Board of Trade, 177; Board of Officers, 363, 364. 

Bland, Richard, 181, 188, 207. 

Breed's Hill, battle of, 206. 

Bill ol Rights, 210, 212; bills of credit, 292. 



Index. 889 

oyd's Creek, 218; Boyd, 218; Mary, 232; Alexander, 232; Boyd's 

Mill, 351. 

rown's settlement, 219; Cornelius Brown, 281; Low Brown, 287; G.Brown, 
287 ; John Brown, 349, 373, 375. 

uft' City, 235. 

ig Island, 241. 

lankenship, John, 243. 
iunch, James, 246. 
Jraxton, Carter, 251. 
Bullitt, 252. 
Bond, Edward, 260. 
Bannister, Mr., 264. 
Bow'iian, Captain John, 279. 
Blaokamore, John, 292. 
Big Creek, 93, 294, 360. 
Blue Spring, 136; Blue Lick. 368. 
Barnett. Alexander, 301. 

Battle of King's Mountain, 303, 304, 337, 338, 340. 
Bennington, 340. 
Bickorstaff, 341, 350. 
Butler's line, 354; brigade, 355. 
Bailey, D. F., 780. 
Bufhanan, B. F., sketch, 781. 
Bekem, Charles S., sketch, 791. 
Bull Town. 360. 

Bush. James, 367. 

Bowlin, Wm., 367. 
Bergess, FJev. Timothy, 371. 
Bru^ihj- Mountain, 372. 
Broomfield children, 380. 

Breeding, , 423. 

Benge. Indian chief, 433, 443. 

iiig Moccasin Cap, 437. 

Barhour, Governor James, 461. 

Barr, Rev. George R., 506. 

Bekem, C. S., 506, 516. 

Hell. James, 42, 60; John, 511. 

Buckner, General, 532. 

Barrack, Solomon G.. 580; Institute, 580. 

Bircli, Rev. Thomas Erskine, 561. 

|{alf(.ur. Sallie C. and Elizabeth, 567. 

Bagncll. Wm. and Mrs., 628. 

Branch, Peter J., 645. 

Bowen, Rees T., sketch, 761. 

Bowen, Henry, sketch, 762. 

Buchanan, John A., sketch, 763. 

Byars. Colonel w illiam. .sketch, 774. 

Kvar>i. J. Clovd. sketch, 782. 



890 Index. \ 

Bristol, 235, 259, 294; Virginia-Tennessee railroad erected, 556-669, 673; 
boundaries, 676; 1855 — ^business houses, 678-679; Thirty-seventh Vir- 
ginia Regiment organized, 680; newspaper, schools, 681; King CollegeJ 
682 ; Colonel Cutt's observation, solar eclipse, 683 ; charter amended,j 
683; first officers, rules and regulations adopted, 684; lots sold, Janiesi 
Bank incorporated, 685 ; city incorporated, officers, corporation court 
established, 686; census Virginia-Tennessee, officers, 687, 689. 

C. i 

Confederate troops roster, 867-881. 

Caesar, 172. ! 

Congressional Library, 8. 

Columbus, Christopher, 10, 20. 

Cabot, John, 10, 79; Sebastian, 10. 

Clinch Mountain, 10, 82, 115, 132, 134, 135, 136, 156, 157, 272, 369, 370, 388, 
420. 

Croatan, 12. 

Chesapeake Bay, 12, 14. 

Cape Henry, Cape Charles, 12. 

Colony, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 34, 43, 47, 143, 148, 286, 295. 

Canada, 76, 147, 182, 199; British Canada, 40, 51; French expelled from, 
acquired by, 380. 

County court system organized, 16, 256, 263, 275, 280, 285, 289, 299, 446. 

Counties — Smyth county, officers, lawyers, 472, 473 ; Scott county, 465 ; 
July, 1819, negro tried, 467; minute books destroyed, 468; Washington 
court members, description of, 1832, 476, 480; new jail erected 1837, 
481; new buildings 1850, 489; members elected by vote, 493; 1852, slave 
convicted, 514; railroad directors appointed, proceedings regarding 
slaves, money voted for army supplies, police protection, home defence, 
field officers, more money appropriated, officers appointed 1861, 515- 
519; April term 1864, money levied to buy grain, 533, 546, 547; Freed- 
men's Court established, 548-549; officers elected, 555; last term old 
County Court, April, 1870, 555; 1776, 621; order entered, 622; pro- 
ceedings, 624; prison plan 1779, 633; 1838, 643, 644; elected, 645; reso- 
lutions of court, 647; Augusta organized, 42. 

Charles I, 16, 161, 172; Charles II, 16, 37, 123. 

Cromwell, 16, 117, 161. 

Chelsea, 17. 

Counties established west of mountains, 18; Scott 1814, 464; officers of, 
465, 466; Smyth county, 472. 

Crow, James, sketch, 787. 

Campbell, Thomas J., sketch, 789. 

Church of Christ ministers, 846. 
\ Christian winisiers, 845. 

Columbia, S. C, 21. 

Cafitachieque, 21. 

Castle Woods, 22, 134, 142, 235, 272, 363, 365, 367, 386, 388, 426. 

Crockett, Mr., 22; Samuel, 46, 130, 131, 133; Joseph and Esther, 45-54. 



Index. 891 

Cherokee Indians. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27; battle Chickasaw Old Fields, 32, 40, 
53, 60, 61. 67, 70, 72, 75, 93, 106, 142, 143, 157, 217; town, 220, 232, 234, 
235, 236, 237, 240, 241, 243, 245, 246, 248, 250, 262, 263, 268, 278, 304, 
341, 349, 364, 366, 379, 385, 420; Creek nation, 24, 27, 30; passion for 
revenge, 31; principal town, 31, 217, 263, 349, 379, 380, 386, 420; 
Cherokee river, 24, 44, 102, 156. 

Cootcla river, 24. 

Clinch, 24, 28, 32, 35, 44, 50, 109, 114, 142, 143, 145, 146, 147, 148, 14!), 150, 
209, 219, 222, 229, 246, 248, 254, 271, 286, 288, 294, 295, 361, 363, 364, 
367, 368, 387, 388, 420, 426; valley, 28; visited by Shawnese, 33, 48, 76, 
84, 287. 

Cumberland river, 25, 50, 147, 250, 254, 263, 264, 266, 268, 278; mountains, 
48, 50, 104, 143, 278, 279, 280, 480; Gap, 27, 33, 46, 50, 76, 280, 349, 
364, 366, 379, 420, 431 ; Cumberland county, 69, 358. 

Clear Fork creek, 28. 

Catawba river, 31, 81; Indians, 60; road, 130, 

Choto, 31, 74, 244; Chote, 246, 294, 348, 360, 361, 365, 366, 386, 420. 

Carolinas, 32, 234, 241, 292, 294, 299, 340, 388. 

Campbell, Arthur, 32; captured by Indians, 67, 84, 109, 130, 131, 132, 133, 
135, 146, 149, 201, 204, 209, 218, 242, 250, 252, 255, 256, 262-274, 285, 
287, 289, 292, 299, 342, 348, 349, 350, 364, 376, 391, 392; charges against, 
302, 403; communications relative to charges, 404, 419; memorial, 418- 
419; talk to Indians 1787, 421, 424, 431, 432, 435, 436; militia report, 
443 ; death, epitaph, 463, 464, 625, 707 ; sketch, 748. 

Clerks, deputies, 837-838. 

Commissioners of revenue, 838-839. 

Constables on Holston, 840-841. 

Campbell, Preston W., sketch, 776. 

Campbell, Robert, 42, 134, 155, 271; Major Charles, 43, 45; Michael, 48; 
Campbell, John, 156, 157, 254, 271, 275, 290, 306, 373; sketch, 791; 
Margaret, 84; Robert, 84, 156, 301, 372; James, 84; Patrick, 84; David 
and daughters, 84, 256, 270, 290; Isaac, 293; Governor David, 118, 142, 
201, 452, 459, 461; sketch, 766; Joseph T., 513; sketch, 775; General 
William, 133, 156, 233, 269, 272. 274, 275, 286, 289, 292, 339, 341, 350, 
355. 356, 357, 358, 359, 366, 369, 370; sketch, 749; Colonel James, 463; 
William, 201, 203, 207, 2.56, 302, 626; Edward, 452; sketch, 774; Camp- 
beirs Station, 290; David, 298; General John B., 463; sketch. 792; 
Charles, 370; Campbell's choice, 45; E. M. Campbell, 647: Campbell's 
X-Roads, 462. 

Campbell, John A., 771. 

Christian, John, 42; Colonel William, 53, 79, 130, 131, 148, 149, 157, 187, 
233, 255, 236, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 247, 250, 255, 26; Christiansbmg, 
58; railroad convention, 495, 505; Gilbert Christian. 93. 262, 268. 271, 
290; Israel, 108, 109; William, 109, 130, 131. 

Cripple Creek, 54. 
Crown Point, 56. 



892 Index. 

Cocke, Captain William, 56, 103, 137, 227, 228, 245, 283, 264, 270, 275, 299, 
625; sketch, 748. 

Cull, James, 59. 

Counie, Mathias, 58. 

Cook, John, 59. 

Cole, 60. 

Chiswell, Colonel John, discovers lead mines, 69, 71, 90, 513. 

Cox, 76, 367; Mrs. 387. 

Carter's Valley, 76, 115, 116, 219, 222, 259, 262, 266, 267, 299. 

Carter, Thomas, 43; John, 219, 420; Landon Carter, 398. 

Creek, Boone's, 76. 

Creek, John's, 79, 80. 

Cloyd, Mrs., 46, 79; David, 79, 80; Major Joseph, 352, 363. 

Carr, 84, 85; William, 114; t)abney, 181. i ^. . 

-Colvill, Andrew, 110, 135, 141, 157, 274, 287, 2&0, 301. ^- 

Crabtree, William, 114; Abraham, 271. 

Crab Apple Orchard, 45. 

Crab Orchard, 115, 117, 279. 

Cameron, Alexander, 116, 218-219, 222-235, 241, 248; John A., 493, 513. 

Clyce, C. L., 103, 137, 235, 275. 

Chickasaw Indians, 32, 60, 61, 106, 217; Old Fields, battle of, 32, 106. 

Chiles, Walter, 34. 

Clayborne, Colonel William, 35. 

Castle Creek, 45, 157, 257. 

Cedar Creek, 45; Cedar Run, 45. 

Crawfords, 42; Rev. Edward, 576. 

Crisman, Isaac, 219. 
-Creswell, William, 231, 233, 620. 

College, Martha Washington, 232. 

College, William and Mary, 267. 

Choctaws, 217. 

Cove Creek, 234, 235. 

Chickamauga, 248, 263, 294, 295, 360, 365, 366, 386, 387. 

Cbickamauga Creek, 360. 

Calvatt, James, 263. 

Coulter, John, 268, 269, 270, 275, 285. 

Cooper, Francis, 272. 

Calloway, Richard, 279, 280. 

Clark, George Rogers, 285, 286, 295, 298, 368. 

Clark, William B. (incident of flag), 513. 

Clark, David B., sketch, 783. 

Carson, David, 291, 292, 301, 370, 624. 

b^mwallis, 292, 301, 302, 341, 350, 351, 352, 3-55, 356, 357, 358, 359. 

Chiton, 300. 

Concoid, 340. 

Charlottasville, 357. 

Coosa river, 360, 361. 



Index. 893 

Clements, 360. 

Cuttawa, 365. 

Cookrell, Simon, 371; Moses, 433. 

Culpepcr county, 53. — - 

Cunningliam, Robert, 42. 

Creek Peak, 49. 

Cullodon, battle of, 53. 

Cumniings, Kev. Charles, 119; call to Sinking and Ebbing Spring, character 

of congregation, 119, 139, 141, 201, 204, 229, 230, 231, 232, 371, 619, 

620; sketch, 747. 
Cummings, Colonel A. C, 531, 619, 643, 644; sketch, 784. 
Cummings, Judge David C, 774. 
Church and State separation, 119-123. 
Culberson Creek, 130; Culberson Bottom, 362. 
Catherines, James, 134-135. 
Craven, Joseph, 135. 

Craig, Robert, 137, 259, 269, 274, 285, 290, 301, 625, 626, 633, 640. 
Craig, James, 375. 
Craig county, 143. 

Craighead, Rev. Thomas Brown, 371. 
Cochran, 143. 
Cresap, Captain, 145. 
Clay, Mitchell, 146; Henry, 486, 632. 
Corlin, John, 146. 
Connally, John, 146. 
Cabin, 146, 148. 
Cowan, James, 150. 
Camp Union, 150. 
Cantifi", Ensign, 153. 
Carmack, John, 155. 

Casey, William, 155, 230, 231, 272; Nancy, 230-231. 
Crow, John, 157. 
Crow, James, sketch, 787. 
Cary, Archibald, 181. 
Charleston, 182. 
Charlco City, 462. 
Chatliam, Lord, 183, 201. 
Cambridge, 207. 
Commonwealth, 212, 241, 247, 249, 256, 260, 263, 266, 267, 27/, 289, 291, 

294, 370, 373, 851. 
Census of Virginia, 851; Washington county, 851. 
Coale, Charles B., 379, 626 (description of Abingdon, 1875), 654-656, 658; 

sketch, . 

Caw-a-tie, 386. ^q 

Conn, Gerrard T., 437, 634. 
• Caldwell, James, 443. 
Cel.'bratioii 4th July, 1812— toasts, 453-457. 



894 Index. 

Chippawa, battle of, 463. 

Cass, General Lewis, 489. 

Catlett, Eev. Thomas, 529. 

Callahan, Edward and Succy, 629-630. ' 

Cosby, Rev. Lewis F., 643; sketch, 795. 

Carnahan, S. W., 647. 

Cutts, Colonel Richard, 683 ; letter Superintendent United States Coast Sur- 
vey, 721, 725. 

Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery, 486. 

Courthouse bell, Wytheville (inscription on), 461. 

Court of Russell county, members, 388-389. 

Court orders 1780, 303,' 304. 

County levy, 284, 290, 291. 

Commissioners, 258, 259, 260, 285, 289. 

Committee on Privileges and Elections, report, resolutions, 264, 266, 475. 

Continental army, 256, 367, 373. 

Colonial Convention, 207. 

Constitutional Convention, 242, 256; division of State, 425, 466; suffrage 
votes, 470, 471; qualification of voters, 492; State and county ofiicers 
elected by the people, 492-493; ordinance to appeal, 514, 549; ratified 
by the people, 553; objectionable clauses, 554, 555; members of, 820. 
, Constitution and charter, 15, 119, 182, 241, 242, 249, 256, 263, 424. 

Congress, 187, 160, 173, 191, 199, 201, 203, 206, 210, 212, 256, 349, 373, 374, 
391, 392; memorial, 392, 394, 398; representative election 1793, 431, 
474; seats contested, 547, 551; remove civil oflBcers, appointments, 554; 
bills passed, 555. 

Congress, members oi, 755-764, 816. 

County Court, members of, 820-829. 

D. 

Dunnington, C. A., 8. 

Davidson, T. D., 8; Mrs. Andrew, 380; Andrew, 380; John, 426; Davidson 

county, 398. 
De Soto, 10, 20; explores county, 21, 22, 23, 31. 
Dare, Anninas and Virginia, 11. 
Delaware, Lord, 14; State, 173; tribe, 152. 
Dale, Sir Thomas, 14. 
Dutch, 15, 40. 

Diggs, Dudley, 181 ; Edward, 16. 
De Biedma, Louis Hernandez, 21, 22, 23. 
Draper, 34; Mrs., 44, 57, 59; Draper's Meadows, 46; Indian massacre at, 

57, 361; John, 57; Mrs. John, 57; George, 380. 
Dan River, 36. 
"^ority, Indian trader, 40. 

^kenson, Adam, 42; Dickenson Fort, 67; Dickenson, Captain, 152, 153; 
"^'^^^ickenson county, 255; Henry, 367, 368, 369; Humphrey, 367. 
Charlottv-^j^^-jlg^ 389, 390. 
Coosa rivei3^ 43, 52, 162. 



Index. 895 

Davis, James, 45, 53, 54, 78, 109, 272; Davis' Fancy, 45, 53; Bottom, 49, 67; 
Mrs. Davis, 57; Robert, 109, 133; Davis, 243; John, 273; President 
Jefferson Davis Cabinet, 514, 523; Joseph Davis, 547. 

D'ike of Cumi>erland, 50. 

Di^ lin, 53. 

Dinvldie, (rovernor, 55, 67. 

Dunc.-ird's Bottom Fort built, 56, 57, 67. 

Darrias, Benj., 60. 

Diinlap, , 61. 

Deniere, Captain, 70, 74. 

Dobbs, Ciovernor, 69. 

Doaeh, Robert, 109, 130, 131, 269, 270, 622. 

Douglas, James, 13, 146, 147, 148; John, 295; Samuel, 245; Stephen A., 511. 

Dunlop, Ephraim, 132, 260, 277, 300; John, 295. 

Drake, Joseph, . 

Dunkin, John, 134, 157, 259, 272, 275, 285. 

Duncan, 244; Elizabeth, 245. 

Dunn, Isaac B., 493. 

Dougherty, John, 136. 

Dunniore, Lord, 147, 149, 150, 151, 153, 156, 160, 185, 204, 205, 208, 209. 

Darnell, Lawrence, 148. 

Draper, Josepli, sketch, 757. 

Davenport, Peter J., sketch, 778. 

Dunn, D. C, sketch, 783. 

Davis, Joseph W., 794. 

Duke of Grafton, 180. 

Dartmouth, Lord, 199. 

Dorchester Heights, 209. 

Declaration of Independence, 208, 213, 216, 217. 

Design of State seal, 212. 

Doggett, , 218. 

Dragging Canoe, 223, 228, 248, 263, 294. 

Dysart. James, 255, 267, 271, 274, 287, 288, 370, 375, 376, 622. 

Deputy attorney, 260. 

Drumnion, Margaret, 270. 

Doak, Samuel, 283 ; Doak's, David, Mill, 363. 

Donaldson, Alexander, 290, 299, 366, 375. 

Deep River, 352. 

District Commissioners, 364. 

Dr;\tlen, William, 372. 

Dials, , 385. 

Duff, Captain, 452. 

Dixon, Captain Henn,' St. John, 632; George, 452; Captain Henry, 453, 460. 

Ik'mocrats, 486, 493; convention, 511. 

Damascus, 692, 693. 



896 Index. 



E. 

Episcopal ministers, 845. 

Erickson, Leif, 9. 

Edmondson, Eees B., sketch, 778. 

England, 10; Church of, 43, 103, 153; King of, 208; crown of, 267, 358. 

East India Company, 82, 183, 186; East India Islands, 10. 

Euphrates, 18, 39; Brotherhood of, 49. 

English, 24; route of travel, 27, 31, 35, 36, 47, 51. 

Eden, 25 ; Eden's Ridge, 76. 

Explorations, 34, 35, 47, 48. 

Essex county, 42. 

Europe, 2, 42. 

English, Mrs., 59; John, 60; Mrs. Mary, 60; Stephen, 422; William, 422. 

Expedition Sandy river, 60 ; Captain Robert Wade, . 

East Tennessee, 106. 

Estill, Benj., 108, 130, 301, 452; Estillville established, 466; sketch, 768. 

Episcopalians, 117. 

Eleven-Mile Creek, 134, 135. 

Eighteen-Mile-Creek, 132, 135, 157, 257. 

Elk Garden, 134, 135, 156, 287. 

Elk Horn Creek, 146. 

Ebbing Spring, 138, 139, 341, 371. 

Elk Fork, 150. 

Eppes, Major Frank, 208. 

Elizabethton, 262, 278. 

Ewing, Samuel, 242. 

Evans, Jesise, 116; destruction of family, account of, 295, 298; Samuel, 290; 
Mrs. Evans, 295, 298. 

Eaton, Amos, 268. 

Elliott, James, 277. 

Emigration to Kentucky, 283. ' 

Estanola, 361. 

Elmires, , 423. 

Emancipation of slaves, 444. 

Election — James Madison, 453; Congress representatives, 474; votes, 47, 
475; precincts established, commissioner, 475; Whig ticket, 489, 490; 
members to convention, 491, 492; election 1852, popular vote, 493; 
secession, result of, 512; Confederate States county officers. State offi- 
cers 1865, 47, 54; Conservatives and Radicals, 551, 552, 553, 554; free- 
holders voting, 562; 1802, 633, 634. 

Elizabeth Furnace, 4d8. 

Emory and Henry College founded, 486, 575; presidents of, 579. 

Eckerbusch, Charles, 518. 

Edmondson, L. P., sketch, 789. 

Education, 556. 580, 569; Bristol-Goodson Academy 1862, 680, 682, 687. 



Index. 89? 

Edmiston, William, 32, 103, 132, 133, 134, 135, 201, 203, 250, 258, 202, 263, 
264, 269, 302, 369, 370, 375, 376, 402; Robert, 235, 271; Samuel, 138, 
139; Willisu^;^467; William, sketch, 749. 

Earnest, John H., sketch, 777. 

F. 

Forts, description of, 125; Loudoun, 31: built, 68, 69; captured by Indians, 
70, 72, 74, 75; Du Quesne, 31, 69, 70; Necessity, 55; Frederick, 56; 
I^wis, 56, 61; Vause, 57, 58, 62; Dickenson, 67; Robinson, 70, 72; 
Patrick Henry, 71, 218, 228, 235, 242, 246, 259; Prince George, 73, 74; 
l^lack, 76, 231, 233, 235, 242, 254, 288; Stanwix, 85, 93. 148; Bryan's, 
103, 235; Cocke, 103, 235, 275; Edmiston, 103, 104, 235; Eaton, 103, 
219, 228, 235; Bledsoe, 103, 104, 235; Tliompson, 104, 235; Chiswell, 
70, 115, 134, 219; Knox, 115; Wynn, 117, 235; Russell, 147, I.'jO, 156; 
Pitt, 150, 151; Blackamore, 156, 157, 234, 235, 248; Moore, 156; Glade 
Hollow, 157, 235, 287, 288; Lee, 235; Crab Orchard, 235; Gillespie, 
235; Womack, 235; Priest, 235; Mumps, 235; Rye Cove, 235, 246; 
Logan, 279; B»onc, 279; Elk Garden, 287, 288; Erie, 459; Knox, 114; 
Pitt, 151; Glade Hollow, 157. 

Ford, Cloud's, 93; Cloud's Creek, 248. 

Fleet, Captain Henry, 35. 

French-Broad river, 243, 260; French-Indian war, 53, 59, 103, 114, 147, 162. 

French explorers, 10, 24, 31, 44, 47, 51, 55, 56, 60, 69, 75; France, 20; gov- 
ernment, 40. 

Florida, 10; visited by De boto, 20, 21. 

Frederick county established, 19, 42, 118, 252. 

Fredericksburg, 69, 150. 

Floyd county, 23, 36, 37; John Floyd, 131, 146, 147, 156: Ben Rush Floyd, 
511, 512; sketch, 775. 

Fallen, Robert, 36; Tallin, 243, 244. 

Falling Creek, 136. 

Fountain, John, 38: journal of exploration, 39. 

Fountainbleau, treaty of, 76. 

Findley, John, 42, 43, 104, 156, 271; George, 155; Alexander, 483; Captain 
F. S., 257 ; Connally, 458. 

Faulkner, George M., 50. 

Freehuid. Isaac, 59. 

Forks, 4."). 

I'riendship, 103. 

Fleenor, John, Michael, 104; Indian raid, 427: (lasper, Nicholas. Lilhun 
104. 

Frj', Colonel Joshua, 55 ; Fry, 300. 

Flemming, William, 108, 146, 152, 1.53, 232, 233, 287. 

Ferguson, Samuel, 116: Colonel, 341, 350. 

Fulkerson, James, 136, 271, 301; Colonel Samuel V., 518, 522, 680; skot( i 
770. 

Fulkerson, Colonel Abrani, sketch, 762. 

Fowler. John, 271 : James, 271. 



898 Index. 

Fowler, I. C, sketch, . 

Foley, 143. 

Forbes, 355. 

Falmouth, 151. 

Field, Captain John, 152, 153; Fields, William, 489, 644. 

lield officer Washington county, Montgomery, 363. 

Fielder, Charles, 156. 

Fain, Samuel, John, 155. 

Forney, Peter, . 1 55. 

l<'aneuil Hall, 178. 

Fletcher, Ambrose, 234. 

Franklin, Benj., 212. 

Frankland, State ol, 391, 398, 419; officers elected 1785, declaration, 400, 

402. 
Fryley, Frederick, 367, 387. 
Fifteen-Mile Creek, 271, 272. 
Frost, Rev. John, 371. 

Fulton, Hugh, report of, 372; John, 452; Andrew S., 489. 
Federal Union, 391, 420; troops, 447. 
Freemen, address to, 394, 397. 
Freedmen's Bureau established, 548. 
Freeholders, 484. 
Frazer, John, 429. 
Flag Pond, 465. 

i^riel, Daniel and Manassas, 628, 630. 
Fulton, John H., sketch, 757. 
Fulton, Andrew S., sketch, 758. 
Floyd, Governor John B., sketch, 767. 
Fincastle county organized, 130; militia officers, 853. 

G. 

Greenland, 9. 

Greenbrier river, 50, 51, 55. 
Greenup, John, 115. 

(4reen, Mrs., 81; Green river, 143, 365; John, 148. 
Greenway's store, 260. 
Green Springs, 269. 

Greene, General, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 356, 357. 
ireen county, 398. 
enville. Sir Richard, 11, 174, 176, 
nville, 163. 

lold, Bartholomew, 13. 
_, s. Captain, 14. 
3 City, 466. 
if of Mexico, 20-40. 
^rgia, 21, 24, 173, 199, 234; militia, 236, 298, 299, 386. 
eat River, 21, 22. 
-reat Spirit, 25, 244. 



Index. 899 

Great Lick, 48-49. 

tireat Meadows, 55. 

(ireat Burning Springs, 61. 

Great Road, 133, 136, 137. 

(ireat Island, 295, 242. 

Great Bridge, 208. 

Great Britain, 181, 187, 204. 

Great Falls, 146. 

Great Crossing, 146. 

Great House, 145. 

Glade Spring, 29. 55G, 689, 691 ; officers, postmasters, 690, 691. 

Greece, 30. "^ 

Gcrniania, 38. 

Germany, 104-208. 

Gouch, Governor William, 41-42. , p c\ r\ *y^ 

Gooseberry Garden, 45. j/i'/i ^ • < A. J i 

Gisp, Christopher, trip of exploration, 47, 55. 

Gist, Nathaniel, 76, 83, 84, 241, 247, 617. 

Gist's river, 48. 

Gray, Benj., 271 ; Joseph, 458. 

Gray, Mr., 51; Benj., 271. 

Garrison, William, 116. 

Gallion, Hugh, 134, 135. 

Galloway, Davis, 135. .-- 

Guilford Courthouse, 352, 353; militia, 354, 350, 359; Guilford county, N, 

C, 353. 
Gass, Captain David, 143. 
Caspar's Lick, 147. 
Governor of the Colony, 148. 
Goldman, 153. 

Graham, , 60; Joseph J., 153, 531, 779; Benjamin, 155. 

(Judnian, .John, 58. 

(irillitli. Moses, 59. 

(iotr, Aiidrfw, 156. 

Gage, General, 1<8, 206, 337. 

Greer, Andrew, 217. 

Goodpasture, Abraham, 269, 291. 

(Jamble, Josiah, 271. 

(iilnicr, 272. 

Cill.ert. Josepii, 436. _ 

Gibson, John, . 

Goodson, Samuel E., 482, 489, 556. 

(ireendale, 693. 

(Jib.son, James King, sketch, 760. 

Greever, H. A., 780. 

(Jn-cvcr, James S., 780. 

(iibson. John. 782. 



900 Index. 

Grant, Robert E., 782. 

General Assembly, members of, 779, 791, 817, 819. 

Governors, 766-768. 

H. 
HayA\ood, Judge, 8. 
Humboldt, 9. 
Henry the VII, 10. 
Henry, Captain Spotswood, recruits men for regular army, press notice of, 

451-452. 
Henry, Patrick, 17, 146, 171, 172, 181, 188, 191, 201, 204, 205, 207, 208, 242; 

petition to, 404, 405; message of, 408-411. 
Henry, Samuel, 271; John, 116, 157. 
Hogohegee river, 21, 24, 25, 44. 
Hendricks, T. P., 22. 
Henderson, Richard, 278-279. 
Henderson, 350. 
Holston, 10, 24, 25, 30, 32; valleys visited by Cherokees, 32, 33, 35, 44, 49, 

50, 53, 55, 56, 58, 60, 76, 103, 109, 114, 115, 132, 142, 149, 155, 209, 222, 

229, 241, 242, 244, 251, 259, 264, 267, 268, 270, 271, 273, 286, 288, 298, 

300, 348, 359, 372, 376, 380, 388; North Fork, 27, 28, 29, 30, 41, 49, 50; 

Middle Fork, 28, 29, 30, 46, 53, 54, 67, 134, 223, 271, 288, 289; South 

Fork, 46, 271, 422. 
Holston, Stephen, 46, 53. 
Hoe, Richard, 34. 
Hale, D., 35, 36, 151. 
Hite, Joist, 41-42. 
Harper's Ferry, 43, 517. 
Harmon, Adam, 44, 51, 57. 
Hai-man, Valentine, 59; Mathias, Jacob and Henry, 115; Peter and Jacob, 

116. 
Harman, Henry, George, Mathias, Indian fight with, 380, 381, 385. 
Holly Bottom, 45. 

Hughes, John, 48; Samuel, 367; Ashford, 51. 
Hughey, James, 151, 155, 156. 
Hancock county, 50. 
Hancock, Cornelius, 240; John, 206. 
Hanover county, 359, 360. 
Hanover Presbytery, 119, 123. 
Highland forces, 50. 
Hogg, Captain Peter, 56, 60, 62, 81. 
\parrison, Benjamin, 58, 188, 201. 

fiarrison, William Henry, elected 1840, death of 1841, order of court, 486. 
Harrison, Henry, 146; Captain, 152; Benjamin, 181. 
Huff, A. J., sketch, 790. 
Hughes, R. W., sketch, 794. 
Hydon, Samuel, 58. 
Houck, Michael, 58. 



n 



Index. 901 

Hicks, Christopher, 60. 

Horseshoe Bend, New river, 61. 

Hawkins county, 93; Hawkins, Benjamin, 108. 

Herbert, W illiam, 109, 150; Thomas, 281. 

Howard, Jolin. 109. 

Hunting, how followed, 127, 129. 

Hunting Creek, 356. 

Hays, John, 133, 135; James, 135; Hayes, 143. 

Hall, Benjamin, 144. 

Hall's Bottom, 452. 

Harwood Landing, 146. 

Harrod, Colonel James, 147. 

Harrodsburg, 147. 

Harrold, Robert, 230, 231, 272; Jerry, 367. 

Hempenstall, Abraham, 148. 

Hamilton, James, 150. 

Hampton, 207. 

Haiiiblin, Mr., 365; Mrs., 365; Henry, 367. 

Hamblin's Mill, 367, 368. 

Haridley, Robert, 155: Samuel, 156. 

llolliway, Richftrd, 155. 

liicKuian- 157. 

Hutchison, Ju.>f-icp, 172. 

Hillsborough, Lord, 177, 178, 179, 350. 

Howe, General, 209. 

Hessian, 104, 355, 356. 

Hurt, George, 237. 

liarlin, Alexander, 243. 

Hampshire, 252. 

House of Commons, 176, 177. 

House of Lords, 183; Peers, 199, 201. 

House of Delegates, 249, 252, 256, 263, 277, 287, 357, 388; votes, 452, 473, 
492, G39. 

Houston, William, 272. 

Hopkins, Francis, 275-277; William, 275-277. 

Hopkins, George W., 482, 492, 511; sketch, 758. 

Hazel Patch, 278. 

Hutson, John, Eleanor, 295. 

High Rock Ford, 351, 352, 353. 

Highlands, Seventy-lirst Regiment of, 355. 

Haw river, 351, 352, 353. 

Hix, Joseph, 361, 362. 

Hiwassie, 360. 

llarland, Ellis, 365. 

Hanging Man, 386. 

Hutton, Judge F. B., sketch, 772. 



903 Index. 

I. 

Introduction, 7. 

Indian traders, 17, 40, 365. 

Indians, 20, 21, 22; battle between, 25; Southern, Nortliern, 27; route of 
travel, 29; description of, 30, 49, 51, 53, 55; treaty with, 67, 78, 85, 89, 
90, 92; report Dr. Walker and /indrew Lewis, 97, 102; treaty, 110, 143, 
148; Point Pleasant, 151, 152; affairs, 220, 229, 232, 233, 236, 241, 243, 
244, 278, 283, 285, 288, 295, 298, 248, 349, 360, 301, 366, 367, 368; raid, 
376, 379; Harman fight, 380, 381; Moore raid, 382, 385; scouts, Indian 
chiefs, 386, 387; Pemberton raid, 424, 429, 431, 433, 435, 436; Living- 
ston raid and capture by Lieutenant Hobbs, 439, 443, 620; Illinois In- 
dians, "24, 40; Territory, 32; Indian Ridge, 32; trails, 27, 28, 29, 33, 76; 
Indian river, 44, 45, 46; camp, 45; Indian Chief Logan, 144, 145. 

Irish settlers, 27. 

Inglis' Ferry, 27, 41, 46, 49, 51, 54, 280, 281; Thomas, 34, 44, 362; William, 
49, 57, 79, 109, 130, 131, 146, 201, 281, 361, 362; Mr,s. Inglis, 57, 362; 
Mary, 362, 367. 

Innes, Harry, 132, 242. 

Illinois county, 286, 287, 295. 

Iron Works, Speedwell, 350. 

J. 

James river, 12, 13, 15, 37, 41, 43. 

Jamestown, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 34, 352. 

Justices, 16. 

Johnson, Josepli, 34, 426. 

Johnson, Sir William, 84. gi 

'^ohnston, Charles C, 474, 475; sketch, 757. w 

(ohnson, Joseph, 493. 

Johnson, Andrew, 550. 

Johnston, Judge Peter, 768. 

Johnston, Peter C, 643. 

Johnston, John Preston, 644. 

Johnston, Beverly R., 645. 
ohn's Creek, 79, 80. 

fferson, Thomas, 51, 181, 204, 212, 213, 251, 252, 290, 337. 340, 342. 
efierson, Peter, 51. 

Jefferson, 300. 

Jones, General William E.. 644; sketch, 753. 

Jones, John, 104. 

Jones, Cabriel, 132. 

Jones' Place, 134. 

Jones, .Fohn Gabriel, 136, 285. 

Jones, Thomas, 261; Jonesboro, 281, 398, 399. 

.lournal, Smith's, 94-97; of citizen, 524, 528; Captain Robert ^\ ade, 63, 66. 

Jacob, Dutch, 59. 

Judd's Friend, 73. 

Joslin, Benjamin, 236. 



Index. 903 

Jim and Jerry, hanging of, 523-524. 

Judiciary, 592-604. 

Jack, Major, 236. 

Jackson river, 81. 

Jennings, Charles H., sketch, 789. 

Journal. Dr. Thomas Walker, 796-807. 

Jackson's General, inauguration, 475. 

Jackson, General T. J., 517, 573. 

Jennings, Jonathan, 135. 

Johnston, John W., sketch, 765. 

Judge.s of county and circuit courts, 768-774. 

K. -^ 

King, James I., 12, 170. 
King, 16. 

King George I, 18, 38; II, III, 217, 276. 

King, Jonas, 115; John, 271; William, 443, 446, 493, 585, 63S, 793. 
King's Mountain, 103, 142, 304, 336, 338, 359; soldiprs participating, 855- 

866. 
Knights of tlie Golden Horseshoe, 18, 38, 39. 
Knoxville, 68. 

Kno.K, Colonel James, 114; Knox, 149. 
Kilniackronan, 22, 28, 45. 
Kentucky river, 25, 50, 146. 
Kentucky, State of, 27, 40, 46, 47, 50, 51 ; Bone Lick, 57, 106, 143, 146, 251, 

253, 254, 271, 278. 279, 280, 281; emigration to, 283, 285, 290, 348, 365, 

.•?6(i, 368, 373, 379, 422, 463, 528. 
Kanawha river, 38, 90, 143, 150, 151, 153, 254. 
Kaska.skia, 40, 286. 
Kerr. James, 42; Adam, 271. 
Kent. Captain Jacob, 58. 

Kendrick. Captain, 103; Kendrick's Mill, 235. 
Kincannon, Francis, 109; James, 132, 271, 402; Andrew, 289. 
Kennedy, William, 132; Kennedy's Mill, 136, 272; Robert, 372. 
Keswick, John, 135. 

Kelly, Walter, 143; William, 143; Kelly, Judge John A., 555. 
Keller. Colonel John, 481. 

Kellar, Colonel John, . 

Kelly, Judge John A., 771. 

Kendrick. E. S., 788. 

Kinkead. John. 1.56, 256, 272, 280, 285, 301, 375, 376. 

Knob Road, 257. 

Kendall, George, 13. 

Kreger, John G., 530. 

Ku-Klu.v Klan, 555, 556. 

Kinderhook, 556. 

Keys, Rev. James, 579. 

King. Colonel James, 751. 



904 Index. 

L. 

Landrum, Lucy, 8, 

Labrador, 10. 

Lane, Sir Ralph, 1 1 ; Turner Lane, 558. 

London Company, 12, 14, 15, 16; Earl of, 68. 

Lieutenants, 16. 

Long Island, 27, 28, 29, 49, 60, 71, 75, 76, 83, 93, 218, 219; battle of, 224, 

226, 228, 229, 234, 235, 244, 245, 248, 262, 263, 270, 278, 348, 365, 380, 

388, 620. 
Little Moccasin Gap, 40. 
Lewis, John, 41, 42, 51, 152; Lewis Creek, 41; Thomas, 42, 43, 44; Major 

Amirew, 56, 60, 68, 97, 102, 109, 146, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 349, 

370; Colonel Charles, 149, 150, 152, 154, 236, 237, 240, 241; Jacob, 149; 

Lewis, 234; Aaron, 267, 301, 348, 369, 370. 

Louisiana, 40. 

Leonard, Henry, 44, 57, 59. 

Lead Mines, 46; grant from Virginia, 130, 133, 148, 157, 158, 201, 205, 209, 

240, 241, 292, 304, 337, 350, 363, 544. 
Loyal Company, 47, 48, 51, 52, 82, 89, 91, 266. 
Louisville, Ky., 47, 286. 
Lawless, Henry, 48. 
Looney's Gap, 50; Robert, 59; Peter, 59; David, 59; Absalom, 114; Captain 

Looney, 136; Moses, 300, 360. 
Lawyers practicing in courts, 834-837. 
Lutheran ministers, 846. 
Long, Richard, William, 367. 
Long Hunters, 50, 75, 84, 86. 
Lafayette, 58, 358, 359. 
Lyon, Stephen, 58; Lyon's Gap, 134. 
Lee, John, 59. 
Lee county, 76, 84, 351, 376; Peter, 134; Willis Lee, 148; Captain Lee, 151, 

354, 355, 356, 367, 373; Richard Henry Lee, 181, 188, 201, 212; Charles 

Lee, 206, 228; Lee's Legion, 352, 354, 355; Colonel Henry Lee, 358. 
Lynch, Charles, 69, 293, 354; Jacob Lynch, 487, 506, 511, 643, 644; Lynch 

law, 293; Rebecca Lynch, 529. 
Lin, Henry, 58. 
Logan, Benjamin, 33, 135, 136, 278, 279; Indian chief Logan, 144, 145; 

James, 272. 
Logan, Samuel, sketch, 777. 

Logan's Port, 279; Samuel Logan, death of, resolutions, 510. 
Liberty Hall, 103; academy, 105, 579, 580. 
Love, Philip, 109; Captain Love, 152; Colonel Love, 242. 
Laurel Mountain, 76. 
Lochaber treaty, 110, 114. 
Lawson, Benjamin, 132. 
Lester, Allen, 137. 
Lybrook, John, 143. 



Index. 905 

Lands sur\'eyed, 146. 

Licking Creek, 146. 

Lockridge, Captain, 152. 

Lard, 153. 

Lyle, John, 156. 

Lexington, Mass., 204. 

Leslie, Captain, 208. 

Livingston, William Todd, 439; Elizabeth and Peter, 439, 441; R. R. Living 
ston, 213; Paul Livingston, 437; letter Colonel William Preston rela- 
tive to raid, 222, 223. 

Lyncli, Jacob, .sketch, 782. 

Lands first surveyed on Holston and Clinch, 808-815. 

Lodi, 235. 

Latham, John, 242, 301. 

Lowry, , 243. 

Lanier, Robert, 247, 348. 

Louisa river, 250. 

Legislature, 270, 340, 369, 473. 

Lebo, Isaac, 272, 289. 

Lasly, John, 287. 

List militia officers, 302, 303. 

Light Dragoons, 354. 

Light Infantry, 358. 

Lockhart, Major, 364. 

Letter in regard to controversy relative to navigation Mississippi river, 
420-421. 

Lusk, Samuel, 436. 

Lake Champlain, 461. 

Livwyer's Path, . 

Ledbetter, Herbert M., 469, 644. 

Lincoln, Abraham, 511. 

M. 
MacCauley, Lord, 7-117. 

Mississippi river, 10, 24, 32, 33, 40, 46, 47, 51, 52, 53; valley of, 148, 420. 
Martin, John, 13; Joseph, 84, 115, 135, 245, 256, 265, 269, 271, 272, 278, 295, 

348, 349, 360, 365, 366, 369, 376, 380, 386, 423; Martin's Station, 387; 

Martin's Creek, 84; Martin's Vault, 142; G. Martin, 269; William, ••5>sC; 

Joseph, 749. 
Maidens, ship-load, 16; Maiden Spring, 116, 136, 156, 254, 271. 
Massacre, 16. 

Matthew, Samuel, 16, 42; Captain, 152-153. 
Miami Indians, 24, 51; Miami river, 32, 51. 
Meherin Indians, 38. 
Maxwells' Gap, 362; Maxwells, 28; Captain James, 3i 2 : Thomas. 116; 

Basileel, 155; John Maxwell, 134, 361. 
Mahafley Farm, 28. 
Meadow View, 29, 691. 



906 Index. 

Mt. George, 39. 

Mt. Spotswood, 39. 

Mt. Byrd, 146. 

Mackey, 39, 41. 

McDowells, 42; James, 108, 146, 152; Samuel, 146. 

McClures, 42; Halbert, 272; Albert, 271; MeCluxes' Creek, 14, 366. 

Moores, 42; James, 116, 152, 244; Henry, 103, 136, 156; Lieutenant Wil- 
liam, 228, 341, 363; John, 156; James, 382, 385. 

Madison, .John, 43, 108; Richard, 131; Thomas, 108, 131. 132, 201, 237; 
roll of company, 245; Rowland, 290; Madison, Ky., 278. 

Mastin, Thomas, 268, 369, 376. 

Moccasin Creek, 45, 366. 

McGavockiS, 46; James, 109, 130, 131, 135, 201, 242. 

McCalls, 46; James, 49, o3, 243. - 

Maryland, 47, 173, 207, 284. 

Max Meadows, 49. 

Meriweather, Thomas and David, 51. 

McCorkle, o4; James, 135, 146, 242. 

Mercer, Captain, 56. 

Monongahela river, 56. 

McFarland, James, 58; William, 156. 

Motes, Michael, 59. 

Mann, Moses, 59; Mann's Lick, 147. 

Moses, Andrew, 59. 

Medley. Ivan, 59. 

Montgomery, Thomas, 301; Captain John, 61, 108, 130, 201, 242, 295; Alex- 
ander, 301 ; Captain James, 79, 80, 134, 229, 230, 256, 285, 375, 376, 402. 

Montgomery county organized, 134, 253, 254, 277, 278, 292, 293, 337, 349, 
350, 363; field officers, 364, 371, 372, 388. 

Muskingum, 82, 149. 

McClung, C. H., sketch, 790. 

Mort, J. W., sketch, 791. 

Mingoe Indians, 85, 143, 152. 

Moab, 103. 

May, John, 108, 132. 

McKee, William, 109; Alexander, 131. 

McCathey, James, 134. 

Mounts, Matthew, 134. 

McNutt, Alexander, 135, 271. 

Miller, Andrew, 136. 

McKenzie, Miss Margaret, 144. 

Masonic Lodge, 445, 446, 548, 565, 632. 

McDonald, Colonel Angus, 149. 

Mooney, James, If I, 156. 

McClanahan, Captain, 152, 153. 

McKenney, John, 155, 156. 

Mongle, Frederick, 155, 232-233; Daniel, 156; Jacob, 620. 



Index. 907 

Massachusetts, 172, 177, 178; Governor of, 183; bay, 185, 186, 187, 188, 

204, 205, 207. 
Mace, 185. 
Martha Washington College, 232; first organized, 567, 571; principals of, 

.571. 
Missionary Baptist ministers, 846. 
McBurj^ Colonel, 236. 
Morris' Knob, 254. 
McCulloch, Thomas, 271, 272. 
iMcG'.iire, Nealy, 286. 
Maravian Town, 289. 
McRea, 358, 359. 
Mobile, 360, 421. 
Moffitt, Captain Robert, 361. 
Memorial, 392, 394, 418. 
McGillivray, Alexander, 421. 
Mi(hllesborough, 403. 
Methodist Protestant, 845. 
Marshall, James VV., sketch, 763. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, 844. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 844. 
Marion, 472. 

McMulIen, Fayette, 482, 489, 491, 519; sketch, 759. 
Marsh, 483. 
McKinley, President, 486. 

Mexican war, . 

Mexico, 480-489. 

Mitchell, John D., 489, 513, 647, 648. 

Mosby, John S., 510, 678. 

McDaniel. William, murder of, hanging of murderers, 523, 525. 

Murray, Elizabeth, 529. 

Morgan, General, death of, 532-534. 

Mitchell, Agnes, 567. 

Methodism, ns, 613, 616, 643. / 

Mendota. 091, 692. 

Moore, Andrew, sketch, 755. 

Martin, Elbert S., sketcfl, 759. 

N. 
New York Historical Society, 8. 
Nimmo, Thomas E., 8. 
Northmen, 9. 
Newfoundland, 10. 
North Carolina, 11, 37, 46, 47, 49, 173, 236; council of safety, 240, 242, 2." 

2.54, 257, 259, 272, 278, 292, 299, 300, 301, 302, 341, 351. 352, 353, 350, 

376, 380, .392, 398, 399. 
Newport, Captain Christopher, 12-13. 
New river, 18, 27, 35, 36, 38, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 58, 00, 61, 79, 



908 Index. 

81, 130, 150, 236, 280; ferries, 281, 292, 304, 362, 363. 
New World, 20. 

New York, 151, 173, 176, 182, 187. 
News letter, 151. 
New Jersey, 173. 

Newland, Abram, 155; Isaac, 156, 427. 
New Garden, 387, 423. 
New Orleans, 463. 

New State of Frankland organized, 39-419. 

Newspaper notices, 390, 447; dissolution notice, 458; hail-storm, 458; hang- 
. ing Campbell Smith, 505-506; hanging of Mullens, 532, 549; academy, 

559, 561, 587, 592-634; account of fire, 635; account of fire, 645, 647; 

Bristol papers, 680; small-pox, voting precinct established, 663, 681. 
Newell, Samuel, 246, 287, 289, 290, 365, 421. 
Nesan, Jack, 36. 
Natches, 53. 
Nova Scotia, 56, 199. 
Natural Bridge, 115. 
Narrows, 146. 

North, Lord, speech of, 180-183. 
Nave, Conrad, 156. 
Nicholas, Robert, 181. 
North America, 186, 188. 
Narragansett Bay, 205. 

Norfolk, 208 ; Norfolk and Western railroad, 49, 257, 556. 
Nol *ucky, 218. 
^^ ;r of warriors, 235. 
^292. 
n, Colonel, 355, 356. 

d, Henry, 367 ; Ann Neece, 367-368. 
T, George E., sketch, 777. 

0. 

coke Inlet, 11. 

ige county divided 19, 39, 41, 42. 

o river, 22, 24, 28, 278; Ohio State, 25, 33, 55, 56, 61, 143, 146, 148, 153, 
286, 369 ; Ohio Company, 47, 51 ; falls of, 147. 
tito river, 41, 47, 146. 
Otter Creek, 278. 
Overton, Captain Samuel, 61, 68. 
Oco*''ostata, 73, 74, 223, 365. 
Ogieton, James, 116. 
^•iths, 138, 443, 528. 
Oconoree, 236. 

Ord-rs of court for 1780, 303, 304; 1782, 371; 1783, 373. 
Oscier, Simon, 367, 368. 
On, James, 493. 



Index. 909 

Ogdfii, Elias, 643. 
O'Gullion, Hugh, 155. 
O'Gullion, Barnett, 156. 

P. 
Protestant Episcopal ministers, 845. 
Pilcher. Mrs. Margaret C, 8. 
Portugese explorers, 10. 
Pacific Ocean, 10-20. 
Plymouth Company, 12. 
Powhalan, king of Indians, 13. 
Pocahontas, 13-14. 
Percy. Sir George, 14. 
Parliament, 16, 159, 178, 179, 185, 208. 
PostuKu-iter-General, 17. 

Philadelphia, 17, 182, 187, 188, 201, 204, 217, 374, 424, 452. 
Portugal, 20. 

Priest visits new world, 20; William, 135. 
Potomac river, 22, 47. 
Pellisippi river, 24. 

Pearis, Captain Richard. 32, 60, 61, 84, 363. 
Piquo, town of. 32 
Piortoeio, .55. 
Petersburg, 35-36. 
Patrick county, 36. 
Perachut*, 36. 

Pennsylvania, 41, 43, 55, 82, 104, 150, 173, 207. 
Pattoii. James, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 55, 57, 82, 92, 266. 
Pattonsburg, first settled, 43. 
Poage, Robert, 42; James, 116; William, 157. 
Pickens, John, Andrew, 42. 

Presbyterians, Scotch-Irish, 43, 117, 118, 151, 283, 284, 341, 643. 
Presbytery, 117; Hanover petition to Legislature, 119, 123, 139, 141. 
Peters, Colonel William E., 779. 
Price, John W., 790. 
Poorhouse .superintendents, 838. 
Presbyterian ministers, 844. 
Pendleton, I'.dmund, 44, 45, 137, 181, 188, 201. 
Pemberlon, Richard, 424, 425. 
Pawpaw Bottom, 45. 
Pound Gap, 48. 
Powell's Valley, 48, 76, 84, 142, 234, 235, 250, 266, 279, 285, 286, 348, 19, 

:?63, 364, 365, 379, 387. 
Powells river, 50, 115, 349. 
Powell, Ambrose, 48, 49. 
Peak Creek, 49. 
Pulaski, 49; county, 92. 
Protestants, 62. 



910 Index. 

Point Pleasant, 53, 149, 150, 151; bat^.le of, 152, 154, 156, 157. 
Poulson, Captain, 56. 
Perrony, 56. 

Pepper, William, 59; Robert, 60; Samuel, 281. 
Paul, Captain, surprises Indians, 81; Audley, 146. 
Paulin, Captain, 152. 

Proclamation of 1763, 81, 90, 103, 147; of peace 1815, 463, 523, 532. 
Poor Valley, 104, 134. 
Pruitt, William, 109. 
Pitman, William, 114. 
Porter, Patrick, 136, 367. 

Pittsburg, 55, 143, 147; William Pitt, defence of America, 174-183 •. address 
of, 183, 185, 199, 201. 

Piper, James, ISj; 231, 291; Piper's Creek, 231; hill, 231. 

Port bill, 185. 

Peoples' address, 201, 203. 

Privy Coiinr.il, 212; onici uf, 22o 

ropulation of Virginia, 851. 

Price, Mr., 185; Price, Thomas, 272. 

Poston, 231. - i^Ul, 4T>>,V.^1 

Palmer, Charles F., 257. 

Patterson's Mill, 263, 268. 

Phillips' Mill, 271. 

Princeton, 284. 

Parks, , 286. 

Peery, William, 287. 

Papersville, 291. 

Pickens, Colonel, 351. 

Paris, 374. 

Parker, Colonel, 452. 

Pond Gap, 480. 

Polk, James K., 486. 
U Peters, William E., 531. 
^ Pierpoint, Governor, 546, 548, 554. 

Page, R. M., 555. 

Public improvements. Southwestern turnpike, McAdam road, amount a] 
propriated, contracts let, acts of Assembly in regard to Virginia aa 
Tennessee Railroad Company, Saltville branch. Board of Public Work 
506-510. 

Preston, Walter, 519, 522; sketch, 759. 

Preston, Thomas L., 647-659. 

Preston, Dr. A. R., 512, 783. 

Preston, Colonel John M., 489, 643, 645. 

Preston, Robert, 131, 266, 267, 370, 458, 631. 

Preston, Walter, 370. 



5r 



Ind&x. 911 

■reston, Colonel William, 57, 59, 61, 66, 67, 78, 83, 108, 119, 130, 131, 132, 
136, 146, 147, 201, 222, 223, 226, 227, 230, .240, 242, 247, 292, 337, 339, 
34S, 350, 352, 363; sketch, 751. 

'rideinore, A. L., sketch, 761. 

'rest on. C-olonel John, sketch, 792. 
I'm-tun, Francis, 445, 452; sketch, 775. 
I'lcston, Mrs. James \\ ., 76, 269. 
I'iciiton. Captain John, 432, 433, 452. 
Page, K. M., sketch, 773. 
I'resi.lents of United States, 846-849. 

Q. 

,»iitMii Klizabetli, II. 

,>m-l)ec, 199. 

,Miirk. Captain Thomas, 287. 

R. 

I.'.'anc.ke river, 49, 58, 81, 130. 

Kn.inoke Island, 11. 

lioanokc, Va., 27, 48, 49. 

Kalcigh, Sir Wal1o'» H- 

Richmond. 1 •'' '^'^^ 2^5, 286, 337, 358, 359, 390, 492, 514, 555. 

le. .iO, 30. 

\[\v\\ Mountain, Jiidiaii battle on, 26. 

Koark's Gap, 28. 

K.imseys' Annals of Tennessee, 28-29. 

;;iinsey, Thomas, 109, 133, 136. 
i;,i|tpahann<K-k, 38. 
Iluhiiiscni. (icorge, 42; \^ illiam, 60; Thomas, 60; Samuel, 60; John, 60; 

Jtilius, 155; James, 155, 156; John, 69, 71; David, 108. 
Hoheltson, James, 109, 116, 151, 153, 155, 228, 262, 263, 275, 294; William. 
367, 388; Elijah, 155; Charles, 219; Chief Justice Robertson, 281. 

Roberts. H. B., 137; Roberts, 145; James, William, 271. 

Uenfnis Creek, 45, 103, 137. 

Richland, 45, 271, 363, 364. 

Royal Oak. 4."), 84, 109. 254, 275, 372. 

Reedy Creek. 40, 49, 157, 271. 

Reedy Fork. 351. i 

l;"\'<.rts, E. L., 781. 

i;anii)o, A, p., 788. 

Kiissell counvy, 22, 28, 235, 255, 368, 285, 386, 388, 390. 

Kiissi'll, Klizabeth. 444. 

Ru-mII. W iliiam, CoV-,nel. 142, 143, 146, 147, 150, 151, 152. 1^56-201, 204, 

2t)!l. 228. 233, 240, 24i, 250. 256. 270, 295, 367, 388, 748. 
Russell. Henry, 142. '. 

Russell, Andrew, 643. 
Russell. Mr.. 143. 
i;i-ril. W illijin. 130. 131, 135. 



Index. 



/ 



chmond, J<imes B., sketch, 761. 

lea, W. t'., sketch, 764. 

;ed Creek, 49, 53, 58, 78. 

;ed, Nathan, 219, 220. 

ied, James, 53. 

sdd, Captain John, 234. 

idstone, Penn., 55. 

•form Church ministers, 846. 

mdolph, Peter, 67, 188, 191, 201, 206, 252; Beverly, 69; Edmund, 260; 

Peyton, 181. 
gulators, 115. 
luse, Paulser, 104. 
iman Catholic ministers, 846. 
igersville, 115. 

ligious freedom, 119, 123; religion, 604-616. 
ss, 133; Travenor Ross, 151. 
idle, Isaac, 134; Georgo, 156. 
cherson, Nathan, 134. 
ley, John, 156. 

volution, 150, 204, 208, 277, 340, 370; soldiers' roster, -JfiS-seS, 
lode Island, 173, 181, 187. 
ickingham. Marquis of, 179. 
ick Castle river, 278, 279. 
>cky Mills, 359, 360. 
solutions, 188, 190, 191. 
iwland, Captain Tlioraas, 233, 234. 
itledgo, President, 236. 
itherford, General, 236, 302. 
ce Mill, 263. 

ce, William L., 676, 687, 681. 
tgerville, 294. 
ch Valley, 361, 362. 
tchi°i, Samuel, 367. 
ly, Jo.seph, 367. 
lea. Rev. Joseph, 371. 
ittlesnak" (Indian chief), 379. 
iven of Ch'ckamauga, 387. 
(bertson, Governor W., sketch, 766. 
iwan, John L., sketch, 778. 
lads, overseers, 842-843. 
ivenue, commissioners of, 838-839. 
^e Bottom, 137 ; Cave, 219, 245, 363, 423, 426. 

icommendations for Wlitia protection, 423, 424, 429, 432, 433, 435, 643. 
publican ticket, 48 x, 485, 511. 
a n, J. A. P., 486. , 
^on.'^truction, 545. \ 
berts, John, 789. ' 



Index. 



91 



Stanard, W. G., 8. 

Spain, 10; Queen assists Columbus, 20, 420. 

Spaniards, 40. 

Smith, John, 13-14. 

Smith river, 36. 

Smyth, General Alexander, 452, 459, 473, 474, 629; Alex. Smith, 629-756. 

Smyth, Rev. Adam, 370. 

Smith, Patrick, 59; Captain John, 59, 61, 134; Joseph, 59; Lieutenant Joh 

60; Smith's journal of trip of exploration Southwest Virginia, 94-9' 

Daniel Sxnith, 131, 156, 157, 201, 204, 255, 272, 275, 289, 290, 292, 29 

369, 468^. Conrad, 156;^ James, 219; Thomas, 373; Major W. B., 28 

300; Francis, 109, 452. 
Smyth county, 92, 255, 361, 472, 474. 
Smithfield, 146, 147. 
Somers, Captain, 14. 
Slavery, 15. 
Sheriff, 16. 

Spotswood, Alexander, 17; expedition, 17, 38; journal, 39. 
Swift Run Gap, 17-38. 
Shenandoah. l>^, 38, 39, 42. 
Soiiiliwest Virginia, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 38, 40, 43, 46, 52, 5 

54; first Indian massacre, 73, 75, 81, 93, 106, 114, 235, 299. 
Santee river, 21. 
Salada branch, 21. 
St. Esprit river, 21. 
Shawnese Indians, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 32, 56, 61, 62, 82, 85, 143, 152, 34 

380. 
Surveyors — Augusta county, 839; Botetourt, 839; Fincastle, 839; Was 

ington, 839. 
Shawanon river, 24; Shawanoa, 24. 
Six Nations, 24, 25, 89, 93, 148. 
Savannah river, 24, 31. 
Scotch settlers, route of travel, 27, 116. 
Seven-Mile Ford, 27, 28, 29, 41, 229, 360. 
San Salvador, 10. 
Sandy river, 81, 349, 367, 380, 388; Tug Fork, 61; Louisa Fork, 28; B 

Sandy, 60; North Fork, 61. 
Sandy Creek, 254. 
Sandy river expedition, 60. 
South Seas, 36. 
Sussex county, 39. 
Spotsylvania, 39. 
Sailings, John Peter, 39, 40, 41. 

Salt Licks, Ky., 40; Salt river, 146, 149; Salt Lake Mountain, 48. 
Saltville, 447, 496 ; salt allotted, 529 ; battle of, 534-540, 544, 557, 584, 58 
Staunton river, 41, 49. 



91-i Index. 

Staunton, 41, 42, 44, 66, 358; convention, 470. 

Scholl, Peter, 42. 

Scotland, 43. 

Sullivan county, 44, 229, 300, 301, 302, 392, 398. 

Surveys, first on Holston and Clinch, 457. 

St. Clair, Charles, 45. 46, 53, 268; St. Clair's Bottom, 46, 134. 

Shelton, John, 45. 

Sapling Grove, 45, 294. 

Shallow Creek, 45. 

Sayers, 46, 242 ; Captain Robert, 293. 

Stalnaker, Samuel, 46, 49, 58, 67; George, 56, 109, 110; Adam, 58, Mrs., 58. 

•Steep Rock Creek, 46, 71, 102, 300. 

Sneedville, 50. 

Slieti'ey, Daniel, sketch, /56. 

Slemp, Colonel Campbell, 764. 

Supervisors— Abingdon District, 839; North Fork, 840; Glade Spring, 840; 
Saltville, 840; Goodson, 840; Kinderhook, 840; Holston, 840. 

Sinking Creek, 48, 143. 

Sinking Spring Church, 139, 141; cemeterj-, 201, 233, 643; Confederate 

dead, 649. 
' Supreme Court of United States, 849-850. 

Spring Creek. 103, 137, 235, 291. 

Stevens, Captain, 56; John W., 643; Adam, 146. 

Stephens, Colonel, 72, 355, 360. 

Salem, 56, 61 ; Salem Church, 284. 

Stewart, Captain, 56; John, 109, 155; Captain, 152. 

Jtuart, Captain, 70-73; Henry, 220; John, Superintendent Indian Affairs, 

85, 90, 105, 241. 
+eward, Walter, 1 56 ; Thomas, 366. 
ickoee, 74. 

■Scaggs, Henry, 76, 114. 

Sawj'ers, John, 93, 154, 155. 

Snodgrass, Joseph, 375; William, 103; David, 132; farm. 235. 

Steele, Miss, captured by Indians, 103. 

Skillem, George, 108. 

Sevier, John, 116; Valentine. 151, 155; Colonel John, 243, 244, 348, 360,398. 

Settlers, first, their character, 125, 161, 162. 

Simm, Charles, 132; Simms, 252. 

Syme, Colonel John, 359. 

Sharp, Benjamin, 370; John, 137, 230; Thomas, 289. 

Shockley, , 143. 

Scott (Archibald), 376, 379; Samuel, 146; General Winfield. 4fi5. 

Scott county organized, 434-455, 465 ; boundaries, 465 ; County Court, Natu- 
ral Bridge and Tunnel, 583, 584. 

Miidow, Widow, 143; Jacob Snidow, 143; John, 143. 

Snyder, Rev. Jacob, 371. 

Shelby, Evan, 146, 150, 151, 152, 153-154, 201, 203, 229, 232, 237, 245, 247, 
255, 263, 279, 280, 289, 302, 348, 360, 626; home oi, 671, 673. 



Index. 915 

S.'ic'lhy. John, 274; Isaac. I.IO, ir)3. IT);"), LMt), 300; Jaincs, loo. 274. 3S0. 

Stoiicr, Michael, 147. 

Sunnier, Jetliro, 146. 

Senators, State, 779-782, 819. 

Sli()itT.5, with their deputies, 829-834. 

Sotiusky, John, 148. 

S<ro11ier, Jamei?, 148. 

Skiilnian, I., 153. 

Spur, Henry, 155. 

Shoatt, Eraanual, 155. 

Slioate's Ford, 271. 

Samples, Samuel, 155. 

South Carolina, 173, 337, 299. 

Stamp Act, 173, 174, 17G, 180. 

Spt-akiT, 1S5. 

s.huyliT, riiilip, 20G. 

State .seal de.sign, 212. 

Sherman, Roger, 213. 

Stonewall Jackson Institute, 232, 571, 575; principals, 575, 633. 

Starke, Joseph, 237 

i^j 244 

Starr, ' "^'*' 

i^i,. .^1., .:-^8, 250, 252, 2o;;, 3;i!i. 
Snoddy, John, 256. 
Sliu;,'artsville, 269. 
Staples, Samuel, 272. 
Slaughter, Jeremiah, 272. 

Stopping points on Wilderness Road, 281, 282. 
Speed, Thoma.s, 281. 
Statement county levy, 284. 
SI ration, SohnnoUj 287. 
— - Siimnu'rs, D., 287; George \V., 493. 
Surry county, 293. 
Speedwell's Iron Works, 350-356. 
Seventy-first Regiment Highlanders, 355. 
Sfiiieo, 360. 

ShelFey, Judge John 1'., 772. 
Steele, C. W., 781. 
Spaiiish-American war roster, 883. 
f^f-^d<rrass, J.,. II., 787. 
— Su;iinicrN. Colonel John ('., 776. 
Spring Frog Town, 361. 
Springslone, 365. 
Sugar Run, 363. 
Stanley, Mrs., 365. 

State of Frankland, 3<l]. 419; officers elected, 399; declaration. 400-402. 
St. Lawrence, 461. 
Stribbling, Erasmus, 467. 



916 Index. 

Stoneiiiaii, General, raid, 541. 

Slack, John, 681, 682, 683. 

Sullins, Dr. David, 685. 

Schofield, General, 551, 554. 

Surveys, first on Holston and Clinch, 808-815. 

T. 
Tobacco used, 11. 
Tampa, 20. 

Tennessee river, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 31, 68; Indians ascend, 70, 75, 243, 244. 
Tazewell county, 22, 26, 28, 33, 115, 136, 157, 235, 255, 385, 386, 469; bounds, 

public improvements, 469. 
Tazewell Courthouse, 22, 85, 117, 380. 
Trails, 27, 28, 29, 33, 76. 
Tennessee, 27, 29, 30, 31, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 50, 53, 72, 76, 93, 231, 233, 243, 

244, 257, 262, 263, 266, 278, 283, 284, 290, 291, 295, 300. 
Tug river, 28, 61; Trace Fork, 28, 61; Dry Fork, 28, 61, 426; Tug Eidge, 

Tug Mountain, 3t)2. 

Tecumseh, Indian chief, 32. 

Turtle tribe, 32. 

Trans-Alleghany pioneers, 35, 367. 

Thames river, 37. 

Trader's Path, 41. 

Thompson, Hugh, 42; William, 83; James, Captain, 104, 109, 130, 131, 135, 

237, 402; Charles, 191, 206; Valley, 157. 
Tomlinson, William, 48. 
Timber Grove, 45. 
Tomncy, W. H., 788. 

Taylor, John, 45, 116, 363; Hancock, 146, 147, 148; Zachary, 146, 489; Tay- 
lor's Valley, 76. 
Tracey, John, 60. 

Treaty with Indians, 67, 85, 89, 90, 92, 110, 114. 
Trimble, James, 108. 
Trigg, Stephen, 109, 130, 131, 132, 135, 158, 187, 201, 242; Daniel, 131'; 

Connally F. Trigg, 489-492, 644, 774. 
Trigg, Abram, sketch, 756; Daniel, 787. 
Tiller, George, 110. 
Trigg, Connally F., sketch, 763. 
Tyron, Governor, 115. 
Todd, John, 132. 
Town House, 132, 134. 
Tawas Indians, 152. 
Tinkling Spring, 139. 
Torrence, Andrew, 156. 
Tate, William, 150, 354. 
Tucker, William, 156. 
To-misend, Charles, 170, 177. 
Tugalo, 236. 



Index. 917 

Toquo, 243. 

Telico, 244. 

Thomas, General, 208; Benjamin, 385; Isaac, 243, 247. 

'iiansylvania, 250, 278. 

'IVries, 272; hanging, aceonnt of, 273, 274, 275, 27(>. 277, 2!)2, 2!)3, 34!), 3(il^ 

362, 366, 421. 
'I'rcasurens Washington county, S3S. 
'1 uiMity-Mile Creek, 2itl. 
Treasury, 292. 

Tarh'lon, Cohmel, 350, 3.54, 3.56. 358. 

Trouhlesonie Creek, 350. 

Three Burnt Chimaieys, 359. 

I iickasee, 365. 

Twelfth and Twentieth Iteginient hii'anlry, 452. 
Three Springs, 469. 
Ta(lU)ek, Dr. J. D., 683. 
Terry, General William, sketch, 760. 
Tate, Thomas M., 775. 

u. 

Union, 257, '>"'' ^1*^- 

jj„jf^,. .slates, 29, 33, 228, 250, 256, 263, 277, 292, 337, 392, 421. 

United States, candidates for President aiur X'iee-l'resideid. 84(i-S4!) : jiidprs 

ot Supreme Court, 849-850. 
Union Camp, 150, 154. 

United Colonies, resolutions of, 338, 373, 374, 391. 
Ustick, John G., 447, 587, 634. 
Universalist ministers, 846. 

V. 

Virginia Historical Society, 8. 

Virginia, 10; names, 11; government organized, 13-14; divided into shires, 
16; sympathizers with Charles II, 16; Cromwell attempts to subdue, 
16; Bacon's rebellion, 16; population, 17; Valley of Virginia, 18; route 
traveled by settlers in this section, 29; Indians, 32, 43; council grants 
120,000 acres, 43; boundary line, 46, 116; grant to Ohio and Loyal 
companies, 47-49; 800 men sent to join Braddock, 56, 143, 148, 173;- 
eonvention, 207; settlement, 220, 228, 229, 233; Southwest, 234, 236; 
council, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244; council, 245; treaty, 247-248; Western 
District of, 250, 251, 259, 260, 266, 267, 278, 281, 283, 284, 285, 286, 
292; Legislature, 293, 294, 299; executive, 299, 300, 302, 304, 341, .348, 
35ft, 351, 353, 354, 355, 356, 3.58, 366, 367, 369, 370, 373, 374, 379, .380, 
386, 388, 391 ; resolutions, 391, 392, 420, 421 ; Southwest, 452, 4(il ; mili- 
tia, 467, 491, 514, 643; population, 851. 

Vineland, 9. 

Vaughan, Indian trader, 40. 

Van Meter, Isaac and John, 41. 

Villiers, De Count, 55. 

Vauses' Fort, 57, 68, 62, 



918 Index. 

Vause, Mrs., 59. 

Van Bebber, John, 109. 

Vance, John, 135, 153, 155; Samuel, 150. 

Voters, 158; registration of, 551. 

\ incinnes, 286. 

Vann's Towns, 360. 

\'an RensseUier, Colonel, 452. 

VV. 

W liite, 308, 369. 

White, Wesley, 134. 

White, James, 452, 40S ; death and resnliiHons, 4S2-4S3, 017. 631. (i33. 

White, Dr., 423. 

Wliite, John, 11. 

White, William Y. C, 489. 

W bile, James L., 76, 617, (i31, 633. 

White's (;rove Foi<;e, 4(i8. 

White Top Mountain, 581-583. 

Wliitesides, 287, 288. 

Winlk'ld, Edward, 13. 

W est Indies, 14, 21. 

Wvatt, Sir Franeis, 16; Joseph, 652. 

Williamsburg, 17, 38, 39, 55, 67, 148, 151, 188, 204, 205, 207, 208, 209, 261. 

207, 359. 
Williams, Mark, 155; John, 156; Jarrett, 156, 220; affidavit, 221, 222. 
Williainis, Colonel Joseph, 242, 348, 351, 352. 
W illiams, Colonel Otho, 350. 
William and Mary College, 267. 
Williamson, General, 235. 
Western Virginia, 17. 
Wood, Absalom, visits New river, 18, 34, 35, 36, 38; Colonel .Janu's Wood, 

43, 45, 153. 
Wood, Thomas, 36. 

Woods' (iap, 23, 36, 37; Woods' river. 36. 37. 44, 46. 
Woods, liiehard, 42, 108; Andrew, 109. 
Woodson, Obediah, 61. 

Wolf Hills, 27, 76, 110. 116. 157, 229, 269, 278. 279. 301. 
Wolf Creek, 110, 135, 141. 
Wolf Creek, Giles eounly, 61. 
Witehlaeooela river, 21. 
\V.ibash river, 32. 
W inchester, 41. 
Waynesboro, 42. 
West Creek, 44. 
War f>f 1812, uffieers, 865. 



Index. 919 

Washington county, 19, 21, 43; lands first surveyed, 44-48, 89, 92, 97, 133, 
136, 142, 204, 228, 252, 254; justices, 255, 257; militia officers, 261, 262, 
263, 267, 268, 269, 270, 272, 278, 280, 283, 287, 289, 292, 293, 294, 298, 
2!)!). 300, 301, 302, 303, 340, 341, 351, 354, 360, 361, 363; field onioors, 
363, 364, 365, 369, 371, 372, 374, 375, 376, 379, 380, 388, 390, 391, 394, 
398-420 (1787-1840), 437, 439, 453; militia inarches for Washington 
city, for Norfolk, 466; tithables, order, new road, 468; representatives, 
473; members County Court 1832, 476-480, 484, 493; agricultural so- 
ciety organized, 494, 505; sub.scri])tion to turnpike, 506, 512; conven- 
lii)n, ollicial vote, 514; arms turnislicd and oonij)anics organi'zed 1861, 
517: cniit til)uli()ns to fa.niilics of sohlicrs, 519; companies organized 
l,S(i2, Abiiindon Coiilcderalcs, 521, 520, 530; indebtedness, 533; dis- 
tricts clianged. 55(i; stocks, 622, 623, 643, 644; establishing county, 
667, 6()9; villages, (iS!l(i93 : lioinKhuics, (i<);{, 74(J; census, 851; militia 
ollii-eis, 853. 

\\asliingt(nK Ceorge, 55. 5(i, 1-16. ISS, -JOl, 207. 2(1.^. ->'»'.', :!.-)4 ; horse, 354; 
.Martha, 626. 

Washington Coilev''' -*'4. 

Walker. P • < bimias, 34, 43, 44, 45, 46; trip of exploration, 48, 49; visits 
ivenliicky, 50, 51, 52, 53, 82, 84, 89, !)2, 03. 07, 102, 152, 268, 269, 3011. 
(il(l. 021 : .lohn Walker, 6.0; Tiiomas Walker's jonrnai, 796-807. 

Walker'.s Mountain, 103; Walker's Creek, 3(iS-3()0. 

W alker and llendersem's line, 350. 

W asjj 15ottoni, 45. 

Waggoner, Captain, 56; Andrew, 156. 

^\e!shil■e, Nathaniel, 59. 

W rigid, \\illiani, 56, 59. 

Wade, Captain Robert, journal, 62. 

Waddell, Colonel, joins I'.yrd with .\orth Carolina troops, 72. 

\\ aliens. John, 387. 

W:'llens' Creek. 70: Kiilge. 76. 

W alien, Thomas, 386; i:iislia, 114. 

Wytheville, 459. 

Wythe county, 92, 130, 241, 293. 

W i.leners- \ alley. 104. 

W idener. .John. William M.. l.illMirn. .(oel, 104. 

^^ ■•Jston, Kdinund. KtS. 

Walaiigu. Kt'.i. lin. l:!4. 21.S. 222. 22S. 229, 23.'), 244. 202. 20(i. 2(;7. 271, 275, 

2;is. 

War.l. David. ]\\s. ]n;, 271. .".(tl : Wanl. .\rtemus. 200. 

Ward. .Nancy, 22S, 24:i 244. 

Wit I en. Thomas, 1 15. 

W.vnn. William, 11<;: Wynn'.s branch, 235. 

Wobb. William, no. 

Wfbb, W illiam, first school master, 557. 



920 Index. 

Weddings, description of, 125-126. 
Whitney, Francis, 132. 
Willis, Henry, 135; John, 148. 
Whitaker, Jerry, 137. 
VVhcoling, 149. 

Wilson, Captain, 1.52; Sanniol, 1,53. 
Whitlow's Crab Orchard, 157. 
W oodford, Colonel, 207, 208. 
Winston, Major, 242, 247. 
VV"<5jnack, Jacob, Captain, 244. 
West Augusta, 250. 
Wise county, 255. 
Whigs, 272, 273, 277. 
W'arrior's Path, 278. 

Wilderness Road, 280; stations on, 281, 285. 
Willoughby, Andrew, 289, 631, 633. 
Willoughby, Mattlievv, 369. 
Wilkes county, N. C, 293. 
Weldon, 300. 
Watson, David, 301. 
V\ hitsill's Mill, 350, 352. 
Wliarton, William, 367. 
Woolsey, Rev. Thoma-s, 371. 
Whitley, William, 380, 426. 
Wiley, 426. 
.Watts, John, 431. 
' 'Woodward, York A., 548, 549; Abingdon Virginian, notice of, 549. 
Wallace's Switch, depot erected, 556, 691. 
W^yndale, 691. 

W^ar 1812, 1815, officers of, 448, 449 ; call to arms, 450, 451, 460, 401, 486, 489. 
War, Mexican, 487-489. 

War between States 1861, 186, 545; secession of States, 513; high prices, 
invasion of troops, slaves, 528, 529, 530; impressing provisions, 532; 
last call for troops, 540; Stonenian at Abingdon, 652; Thirty-seventh 
Virginia Regiment organized, 680. 
^/ White, James L., sketch, 754. 

Walker, General James A., sketch, 764. 
W ard. Judge George W., 115. 
V\hite, Colonel James, 793. 

X. 

Xiiala, 21, -.'2, 23, 24. 



Index. 931 



Yea idly, George, 15. 
Vadkin river, 31, 142, 292. 
Young, James, 134. 
Yellow Creek, 145. 
\oupg, Robert, 268. 
Yapcy, John, 291, 303, 369. 
Y'yrktown, 357, 358. 
Yates, 483. 



9 66 



U 'I r> 



